Where Is Jesus
Today we will talk about Where Is Jesus. Many Christians do not know what this means. When we reflect on this important question, we can find comfort and assurance in God’s Word. Jesus is central to our faith, and understanding His presence in our lives is key to our spiritual journey. Throughout the Bible, we see different aspects of His whereabouts, both physically and spiritually. Join me as we meditate on Scripture, seeking to better understand where Jesus is and what that means for us. His presence is not just a concept; it holds real implications for our daily lives and spiritual growth.
Jesus Before His Birth
To truly grasp where Jesus is, we must first consider where He was before His earthly existence. In the beginning, Jesus existed with God. According to John 1:1-3, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Here, we see that Jesus, referred to as “the Word,” was present with God during the creation of the world. This foundational truth is further expanded in Colossians 1:16, which states, “For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible.” These verses not only affirm Jesus’s divine nature but also hint at His eternal existence outside of time and space.
The Old Testament foreshadows the coming of Jesus. Isaiah 9:6 calls Him “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This name tells us about His divine qualities even before He took on human form. The Hebrew word used for ‘everlasting’ implies that Jesus has always been and always will be part of God’s plan.
The historical views on the pre-existence of Christ also provide us with a clearer understanding. Early church fathers, including Ignatius of Antioch and Athanasius, emphasized Jesus’s divine nature and eternal existence. Their teachings remind us that Jesus is not just a prophet or a teacher; He is God incarnate.
We can also consider Philippians 2:6-7, which reveals that Jesus “did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.” This significant verse indicates that before His birth, Jesus enjoyed the fellowship of the Trinity but willingly chose to humble Himself by becoming human. Therefore, before His entrance into our world, Jesus is present with God, actively engaged in the creation and sustenance of the universe.
In summary, Jesus was with God from the very beginning as a part of the divine trinity, preparing to step into human history for our sake and salvation.
Jesus on Earth
Next, we look at where Jesus was during His earthly ministry. Jesus walked among us for approximately thirty-three years, a period filled with teaching, healing, and performing miracles. His presence was radical, challenging societal norms and providing a new understanding of God’s love and grace.
Matthew 4:23 summarizes His mission: “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” Jesus’s time on Earth was not just about physical healing; it included spiritual restoration. He wanted to bring people back to God, reconnecting them through repentance and faith.
The Gospels give numerous accounts of Jesus’s whereabouts during His ministry. Mark 10:45 states, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” His mission focused on serving humanity and offering His life for our redemption.
We find fascinating details in the Gospel of John as well. In John 1:14, we learn, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” This highlights how Jesus chose to be physically present among people, sharing in their joys and struggles. Hebrew people today often recall this word ‘dwelt’ to mean that Jesus pitched His tent among us, suggesting intimacy and presence.
Further, during His time on Earth, Jesus was at times physically located in specific areas like Jerusalem, Galilee, and Samaria. He taught from hillsides, synagogues, and boats. For instance, He walked on water in Matthew 14:25, a miracle that illustrated not only His power but His ability to be present with His followers in extraordinary circumstances.
Jesus also took time to withdraw to lonely places for prayer (Luke 5:16). These moments remind us that Jesus valued intimacy with the Father, and He wanted the same for us. In His absence, He teaches us the importance of solitude and seeking God’s presence.
Ultimately, during His earthly ministry, Jesus was not just a traveling teacher; He was God manifest in the flesh, providing a living example of God’s love and purpose for humanity.
Jesus After the Resurrection
When we contemplate the question of where Jesus is after His resurrection, we uncover a richer understanding of His presence among us. After Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose again, He appeared to His disciples, confirming His victory over death. In Matthew 28:6, the angel said, “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” This message reassured the followers that Jesus was alive, transforming despair into hope.
For forty days after His resurrection, Jesus continued to walk among His disciples, teaching them about the Kingdom of God, as stated in Acts 1:3. His encounter with Thomas in John 20:29 demonstrates His desire for His followers to believe, even without physical proof, saying, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” This underscores that belief does not solely rest on physical sight but is rooted in faith.
Furthermore, before ascending to heaven, Jesus made an incredible promise found in Matthew 28:20, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Here, Jesus, despite His physical absence, reassures His followers of His continual spiritual presence.
When we think about where Jesus is after His ascension, we can reflect on Ephesians 1:20-21, which says, “He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms.” This moment marks His authority over all things, confirming that He is indeed ruling and reigning from heaven.
As Christians, we understand Jesus not merely as a figure of the past, but as a living presence in our lives today. In John 14:16-17, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would be sent to us. This highlights that while Jesus is in heaven, the Holy Spirit that dwells within believers serves as a continual source of guidance, comfort, and connection to Christ.
Paul writes in Romans 8:34 that “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” It is comforting to know that Jesus is actively involved in our lives, praying for us as we navigate the mountains and valleys of our existence.
Thus, after His resurrection, Jesus sits in heaven, reigning as King and advocating for us, while the Holy Spirit brings His presence into our daily lives.
Jesus’ Future Return
Another vital aspect of understanding where Jesus is involves His promise to return. The hope of His return is central to the Christian faith. In John 14:3, Jesus said, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” This promise of returning gives us hope and assurance that our relationship with Him will be fully restored.
Beneath this hope lies the teaching of eschatology, or the study of the end times. Many Scriptures reveal that Jesus will come back one day to gather His followers. In Acts 1:10-11, after His ascension, angels remarked, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” This promise not only assures us of His return but also emphasizes the certainty of His kingship.
In Revelation 22:12, Jesus affirms, “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” This statement serves as an encouragement for believers to live faithfully, knowing that each action has significance in His eyes.
The Hebrew word for ‘coming’ (בוא, bo) illustrates a sense of approach—Jesus is not distant, but rather drawing nearer to fulfill His promises. As believers steadfast in our faith, we wait actively, understanding that His return is not just a future event but a part of our daily hope.
The hope of Christ’s return shapes our understanding of where Jesus is; He is presently in heaven, yet He has left an open promise to return for us, instilling a sense of urgency in our mission to spread the good news of His love.
In conclusion, our times of waiting are filled with purpose and excitement. We have the rich assurance of Jesus’s return, knowing that we are part of a much greater plan that transcends our understanding. His physical absence does not diminish His presence or power in our lives.
Final Thoughts
We have journeyed together to explore the question, “Where Is Jesus?” Understanding His multiple presences before His birth, during His earthly ministry, after His resurrection, and in His promise to return is essential to our faith. We’ve seen that Jesus was with God in the beginning and voluntarily became flesh, walking among us to reveal God’s heart. Even after His resurrection, He continues to reign in heaven, sending the Holy Spirit to remain close to us.
As we wait for His return, we live in that hopeful tension between two great truths: Jesus was God with us, and He is God for us still today. His presence is a comforting reality, guiding and sustaining us as we navigate the challenges of life. Let us remember that while Jesus today resides in heaven, He is actively involved in our lives through the Holy Spirit and will one day return to take us to be with Him.
May our understanding of where Jesus is enhance our relationship with Him, strengthen our faith, and inspire us to share this good news with others. Knowing Jesus is with us brings comfort and purpose, filling our lives with meaning as we eagerly anticipate His return.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4