The call to seek Jesus is a central theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of pursuing a relationship with Him. This call is not merely an invitation but a divine imperative that resonates through both the Old and New Testaments, urging believers to earnestly seek the presence, wisdom, and salvation found in Jesus Christ.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of seeking God is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. The prophet Isaiah exhorts the people, "Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near" (Isaiah 55:6). This call to seek is not passive but active, requiring intentionality and urgency. The Psalms frequently echo this sentiment, as seen in Psalm 105:4, "Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always."

While the Old Testament does not explicitly mention Jesus by name, it lays the groundwork for the Messianic expectation. The prophecies concerning the coming Messiah, such as those found in Isaiah 9:6-7 and Micah 5:2, create a longing for the One who would fulfill God's promises. This anticipation is a call to seek the coming Savior, who is revealed in the New Testament as Jesus Christ.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the call to seek Jesus becomes explicit and personal. Jesus Himself invites individuals to come to Him, as seen in Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." This invitation highlights the personal relationship Jesus offers to those who seek Him.

The Gospels record numerous instances where individuals sought Jesus for healing, teaching, and salvation. The account of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10 illustrates the transformative power of seeking Jesus. Despite his status as a tax collector and sinner, Zacchaeus's desire to see Jesus led to a personal encounter that resulted in repentance and salvation.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, reinforces the call to seek Jesus. In Colossians 3:1-2, he writes, "Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This exhortation encourages believers to focus their lives on Christ, seeking His kingdom and righteousness.

The Role of Faith and Obedience

Seeking Jesus requires faith, as Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Faith is the foundation upon which the pursuit of Jesus is built, trusting in His promises and His character.

Obedience is also integral to seeking Jesus. In John 14:15, Jesus declares, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." The call to seek Jesus is not merely about intellectual assent but involves a commitment to follow His teachings and live according to His will.

The Promise of Finding

The Bible assures that those who seek Jesus will find Him. In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus promises, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." This promise underscores the certainty and accessibility of a relationship with Jesus for those who earnestly pursue Him.

The call to seek Jesus is a lifelong journey, marked by continual growth in faith, understanding, and obedience. It is an invitation to experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers, as He declared in John 10:10, "I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness."