In the town of Jericho, Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector[1] known for his greed, sought to see Jesus, who was passing through. Unable to see over the crowd due to his short stature, Zacchaeus climbed a tree.
To everyone’s surprise, Jesus noticed him, called him down, and announced his intent to visit Zacchaeus’s home. Jesus then declared that salvation had come to Zacchaeus’s house.
This story illustrates that even the most corrupt souls can find redemption through genuine repentance and an encounter with Jesus’ grace. At some point, you may have wondered how to find Jesus in your life.
Zacchaeus’s story highlights the transformative power of faith and the potential for positive change when one encounters Jesus’ love and forgiveness—when one makes an effort to find Jesus in their life.
Contents
Who Is Jesus?
Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”
— Luke 9:20
Before seeking Jesus, we need to grasp His Christian essence. Jesus Christ, central to Christianity, is hailed as the Son of God and humanity’s Savior. He resided in the regions of Palestine and Israel in the first century CE. A comprehensive narrative of Jesus’ existence, his teachings, his passing, and his resurrection is documented within the pages of the Bible.
Savior
Jesus shines as the celestial Messiah, descending to our terrestrial abode to extend the gift of salvation and the eternal embrace of life beyond mortal confines. His crucifixion stands as the cosmic bridge, a redemptive act that washes away the stains of human iniquity. It’s a promise that paints the canvas of existence with hope and grace, inviting souls to dance in the radiant light of His love.
Healer
Jesus Christ is known as the “Great Healer.” He performed miraculous healings, curing the sick, blind, lame, and even those possessed by demons. These acts of healing demonstrated his compassion and divine authority, reinforcing his belief in his role as a Savior.
Miracle Worker
Jesus is often described as a miracle worker due to his ability to perform extraordinary deeds beyond healing. These miracles included turning water into wine, feeding thousands with a few loaves and fish, and walking on water. These acts were seen as signs of his divinity and power.
Teacher
Jesus is recognized as a profound teacher who conveyed moral and spiritual lessons through parables and direct teachings. Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, featured in the New Testament, includes renowned teachings on love, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God.
These profound lessons have left an enduring mark on global ethical and moral philosophies, influencing countless individuals and societies throughout history.
Revolutionary
Jesus can be seen as a revolutionary figure in the context of his time. He challenged established religious authorities, questioned social norms, and advocated for a spiritual kingdom, not of this world. His message of inclusivity, love for one’s enemies, and the importance of inner purity challenged his era’s prevailing religious and societal structures.
Jesus embodies myriad facets and is a symbol of love, compassion, and forgiveness. His teachings, through parables, emphasize loving neighbors, forgiveness, and God’s kingdom.
His life and legacy shaped humanity throughout history, leaving an enduring imprint on art, culture, and countless lives spanning over two millennia.
What Does It Mean To Find Jesus?
Finding Jesus transcends mere knowledge of His historical existence. Exploring the path to encounter Jesus is a deep and transformative spiritual expedition.
It entails recognizing His divine nature, accepting Him as the Lord and Savior, and embracing His teachings. It means forging a profound connection with Him that guides your beliefs, values, and actions.
The quest to find Jesus brings a profound sense of purpose, peace, and hope. It allows individuals to experience His love and grace, leading to a life of fulfillment and spiritual growth. This journey often involves self-reflection, repentance, and a commitment to living in alignment with Jesus’ principles.
How To Find Jesus
God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. “For in him we live and move and have our being.” As some of your own poets have said, “We are his offspring.”
— Acts 17:27-28
Finding Jesus is a simple and complex journey, a paradox reflecting the profound nature of faith and spirituality. On the one hand, finding Jesus can be seen as straightforward, as the foundational aspects of His life, teachings, and Christian faith are readily available in the Bible.
Many churches and religious communities offer guidance and support in this quest. Jesus’ message, rooted in simplicity, centers on love, compassion, and forgiveness. These core principles are accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstances. Yet, the journey can prove demanding.
The complexities arise from the demands of living out Jesus’ teachings consistently. True discipleship requires a profound transformation of the heart and mind. It involves letting go of ego, practicing selflessness, and confronting personal flaws. It means forgiving when complicated, loving unconditionally, and living humbly.
Moreover, external factors such as doubt, adversity, or societal pressures can create hurdles in one’s quest to find Jesus. Some may struggle to reconcile their beliefs with a world of suffering and injustice.
In essence, finding Jesus is a dynamic and multifaceted process. Understanding Jesus’ message is straightforward, but embodying His teachings in our intricate and challenging world can be harsh.
The journey is profoundly personal, and the ease or difficulty of following it varies from person to person. What remains constant is the potential for profound transformation and spiritual growth that comes with the quest to find Jesus.
10 Ways To Find Jesus
1. Study the Bible: Dive into the Scriptures with a curious and open heart. Start with the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They thoroughly account for Jesus’ life, teachings, miracles, and interactions. Reflect on the stories and parables, letting their wisdom touch your heart.
2. Prayer: Establish a consistent and meaningful prayer practice. Prayer is your direct line of communication with Jesus. It’s not just about asking for things but also about listening and seeking His guidance. Develop a daily habit of talking to Jesus as you would to a trusted friend, sharing your hopes, fears, and gratitude.
3. Attend Church: Regularly attending a church or faith community can provide valuable spiritual nourishment. Joining worship services, participating in Bible studies, and engaging with fellow believers can help you deepen your understanding of Jesus’ teachings and create a sense of belonging.
4. Serve Others: Jesus’ life was characterized by selflessness and compassion. Emulate His example by engaging in acts of service and kindness. Whether volunteering at a local charity, helping a neighbor in need, or simply being attentive to the struggles of those around you, serving others is a direct way to connect with Jesus’ message of love and care for one another.
5. Meditation and Reflection: Set aside time for quiet meditation and reflection. This practice allows you to delve deeper into Jesus’ teachings and apply them to your life. Consider His words and actions, seeking understanding and personal insights.
6. Christian Literature: Expand your knowledge by reading books and writings by Christian theologians and authors. These resources can provide different perspectives and interpretations of Jesus’ life and teachings, offering fresh insights to enrich your understanding.
7. Seek Spiritual Guidance: Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from pastors, priests, or experienced mentors. They can provide valuable support, answer your questions, and help you better understand Jesus’ teachings tailored to your personal journey.
8. Fellowship: Engaging in fellowship with other believers fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. Joining a small group or attending church events can provide opportunities to discuss and share your faith journey, offering mutual encouragement and inspiration.
9. Practice Forgiveness: Forgiveness, central to Jesus’ teachings, should be practiced in your life—forgive others and yourself. Release grudges, bitterness, and resentment, striving for reconciliation when feasible. This notion aligns you with Jesus’ message of love and reconciliation.
10. Live by His Principles: Ultimately, living by His principles is the most profound way to deepen your connection with Jesus. Integrate His teachings into your daily life. Love unconditionally, show compassion to those in need, forgive generously, and practice humility.
As you embody these principles, you’ll find that your connection with Jesus deepens naturally, and His presence becomes more apparent in your life.
Furthermore, embracing the idea that the Kingdom of God resides within us invites a transformative exploration of our own hearts and minds, revealing a wellspring of divine qualities inherent in our nature.
Finding Jesus is an enduring journey marked by occasional doubt and struggle. Perseverance is vital in connecting with Him, allowing His teachings to shape your thoughts, words, and actions.
These ten approaches will fortify your bond with Jesus, fostering a profound transformation as you welcome the Holy Spirit into your heart and daily existence.
How Do We Know If We Found Jesus?
Recognizing the presence of Jesus in one’s life is a deeply personal and subjective experience, and it can manifest differently for each individual.
- Experiencing inner peace and contentment and adopting a transformed perspective characterized by love and forgiveness
- Nurturing a genuine desire for spiritual growth and displaying increased empathy and compassion for others
- Committing to living by Jesus’ teachings even in challenging circumstances
- Firmly believing in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ
The journey of faith is unique to each person, and how one recognizes Jesus can vary widely. Ultimately, recognizing Jesus is a matter of personal belief and experience, and it often involves a profound shift in one’s values, actions, and outlook on life.
A Short Prayer For Finding Jesus
Dear Lord,
As I embark on this sacred journey on how to find the Lord Jesus, I humbly seek Your unwavering presence and divine guidance.
Please open my heart wide to receive and embrace His teachings, allowing them to permeate my soul. Grant me the strength, wisdom, and unwavering faith needed to walk steadfastly in His path.
May His boundless love, compassion, and forgiveness become the driving forces of my existence, shaping my interactions with the world around me.
As I move forward, may His radiant presence infuse every facet of my life with lasting peace and profound purpose. In Jesus’ name, I offer this heartfelt prayer.
Amen.
Conclusion
Many of us seek solace and purpose in our spiritual journey in a world of uncertainty and chaos. Jesus Christ is that guiding light for billions of people—a source of hope, love, and salvation.
Gaining insight into the identity of Jesus and encountering Him can guide us toward a sense of meaning and satisfaction. Strengthening our bond with Him enables us to embrace His love, compassion, and grace in our daily existence.
As we live by Jesus’ teachings and recognize the signs of His presence, we find lasting peace and hope. Ultimately, finding Jesus is a deeply personal journey, one that leads to a life of profound meaning and everlasting significance.
