Face to Face

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to watch Jesus, a production of Sight and Sound Theatres. This online presentation shared the story of Jesus – His life, His ministry, His teaching, His miracles. I watched as the disciples were chosen, enjoyed interactions Jesus had with children, with His disciples, with Mary, and listened as He taught God’s truth. I watched as they portrayed His death on the cross and the grief of those close to Him. I was especially touched as I watched Mary, Jesus’ mother, grieve the death of her son. Through this stage production, Jesus took me to a place of thinking what it would have been like to actually be in Jesus’ physical presence and to have lived alongside Him. I must admit I felt a bit of envy, because sometimes I just want to see Jesus, I mean face to face look directly into His eyes see Jesus.

As I have read the accounts of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection this past week, I was reminded that though she was with Jesus, Mary Magdalene did recognize the Risen Lord as Jesus until He spoke her name. Luke 24 reminds us of another story where two were with Jesus but could not see Him.

“Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.” (Luke 24:13-17)

Conversation began, and Cleopas and his friend soon found Jesus was unaware of the tragic events they had just experienced. Confusion gripped their hearts as the man they believed to be their savior now lay in a tomb. Though downcast, the two were amazed Jesus did not know of the happening in Jerusalem, yet Jesus was more aware of what took place there than they were. In their confusion and lack of understanding the Scriptures, the two did not see Jesus. Jesus took them to the place where their hearts would be open to understanding and their eyes would see Him. He began by asking the right questions, helping them to relate the truth they understood, and then Jesus explained the Old Testament Scripture to them.

“Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:26-27)

As the two continued their journey with the Teacher, He cleared their confusion about Him in light of the truth of God’s Word. Jesus helped them to know Him, understand God’s plan, and helped them to anchor their faith in truth. As they neared the village, He prepared to continue on but their desire to know more of God led them to invite Jesus into their home. So, Jesus went to stay with them.

The guest became the host as Jesus took the bread and broke it, and then they saw Him. Their eyes were opened, and they knew they had been with Jesus. Their hearts were opened, and they knew that their Savior really had come – not a savior to free them from Roman oppression or to establish an earthly kingdom, but a Savior – the One promised in the Scripture He had explained. Jesus was the One who brought life through His death and resurrection. They finally could see.

As our hearts are open through the study of God’s Word, we will see Him. God has given us His Word to help us understand and know the living Word, Jesus. In His Word, God assures us that He is always there. He will never leave us or forsake us. As we trust in Him for salvation, the Holy Spirit dwells within each of us, leading and guiding us while we remain here on earth. He guides us in truth and helps us to see God.

Can you see Jesus? He wants you too. He has promised in James 4:8a that if you “draw near to God, He will draw near to you.” If you have not accepted Jesus to be your Savior, let your eyes be open to the truth of God’s Word and the salvation only offered because of the death and resurrection of His Son. If you are His child, allow the truth of God’s Word to open your eyes to Him through daily searching the Scriptures. Ask Jesus to help you see Him.

Yes, I would love to see Jesus face to face and sit at His feet talking with Him. For now, knowing His presence and seeing Him through God’s Word is enough, because I have an assured hope – one day I will actually see Him face to face.

In His Love,

Susan