The apostles struggled to really see Jesus as the Messiah in many of the same ways we struggle today. Continuing on our study of “Finding Jesus”, we look deeply at their ‘near misses’ . . . and hopefully learn from their mistakes!

Apostles (Luke 18:15-17)

 15 People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Finding Jesus: The Apostles thought Jesus would be more focused but Jesus was distractible especially when it came to things important like our children!

Peter (Matthew 16:21-23)

 21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” 23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Finding Jesus: Peter thought Jesus was going to be more successful but Jesus knew the short term outcome does not always reflect the long-term one!

Thomas (John 20:24-29)

“24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus[a]), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

 Finding Jesus: Thomas missed Jesus because he thought he would be more dead…but he was very much alive!

Philip (John 14:8-9)

 “7 If you really know me, you will know[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?”

Finding Jesus: Philip thought God would be more special. Instead he was plain and relatable.

Join us for our final blog on this topic in a few weeks. Finding Jesus – The Conclusion.