How can we prepare our hearts to recognize Jesus' presence like in John 11:56? Setting the Scene: A Crowd Looking for Christ John 11:56 records Passover pilgrims “looking for Jesus and asking one another as they stood in the temple courts, ‘What do you think? Will He come to the feast at all?’”. Their eyes scanned every doorway, their conversations revolved around Him, and their feet carried them to the place He was most likely to appear. That posture of eager expectation still teaches us how to welcome His presence today. Marks of an Expectant Heart • Intentional seeking—placing oneself where He is known to reveal Himself • Active conversation—letting words about Him keep the heart warmed (Luke 24:32) • Faith-filled anticipation—believing He will come because He said He would (John 14:18) Preparing Our Hearts to Recognize Jesus Today 1. Choose His meeting place • Gather consistently with His people—“For where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20) • Open Scripture daily; that is where He still “opens the eyes” (Luke 24:31-32). 2. Cleanse the temple of the heart • Invite His searchlight—“Search me, O God…see if there is any offensive way in me.” (Psalm 139:23-24) • Confess sin quickly—“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive…” (1 John 1:9). 3. Lift your eyes in faith • “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6) • Ask the Spirit to enlarge holy expectancy each morning (Romans 15:13). 4. Keep the lamp burning • “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.” (Luke 12:35-36) • Short, watchful prayers through the day tune the heart to His footsteps (1 Thessalonians 5:17). 5. Speak of Him often • “Those who feared the LORD spoke with one another.” (Malachi 3:16) • Jesus is frequently recognized in Christ-centered conversation (Colossians 3:16). 6. Obey promptly • “He who loves Me will keep My commandments… and I will manifest Myself to him.” (John 14:21) • Each act of obedience sharpens spiritual sight (Hebrews 5:14). 7. Practice stillness • “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) • Quiet reflection clears the noise that drowns His gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12-13). 8. Serve the least • “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these… you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:40) • Compassion creates surprising encounters with the Lord (Isaiah 58:10-11). Promises for the Watchful • “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) • “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13) • “If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in.” (Revelation 3:20) • “My sheep hear My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27) Putting It into a Weekly Rhythm • Sunday – Corporate worship: fix your eyes on Jesus in song, Scripture, and fellowship. • Monday – Morning consecration: invite His search; plan one act of love that displays His heart. • Tuesday – Fast from distracting media for an hour; fill the space with Gospel meditation. • Wednesday – Midweek gathering or call a believer to discuss Scripture. • Thursday – Serve someone in need; watch for Christ in the exchange. • Friday – Quiet evening walk, praying through the day’s events, listening for His voice. • Saturday – Extended Scripture reading; journal every glimpse of His presence from the week. By adopting the pilgrims’ expectancy of John 11:56—eyes scanning, hearts wondering, conversations centered—we train ourselves to notice the Savior who still walks among His people and delights to reveal Himself to those who eagerly look for Him (Hebrews 9:28). |
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