Recognizing Jesus in Unexpected Places
Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church
December 28th Sermon, Day 4
Picture the scene: the temple in Jerusalem, bustling with religious activity. Priests performing ceremonies, families fulfilling obligations, religious leaders discussing theology. In the midst of all this spiritual activity, a poor young couple enters with their baby. Most people probably didn't give them a second glance—just another family going through the motions.
But Simeon and Anna saw something different. While others saw an ordinary baby from an unremarkable family, they recognized the Savior of the world. Their spiritual sensitivity allowed them to see Jesus when He came in humility rather than power, in weakness rather than strength.
This challenges us profoundly. Is it possible to be surrounded by religious activity and still miss Jesus? Absolutely. We can attend church, participate in programs, and even serve in ministry while failing to recognize Jesus when He shows up in unexpected ways. He often comes through humble service, through suffering, through people we might otherwise overlook. Jesus rarely shows up the way we expect. He comes in the homeless person asking for help, in the difficult coworker who needs grace, in the quiet moment of prayer when we're not looking for anything dramatic. The question isn't whether Jesus is present—it's whether we have the spiritual sensitivity to recognize Him when He comes in ways that surprise us.
Bible Verse
'And when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God' - Luke 2:27-28
Reflection Question
Where might Jesus be showing up in your life in humble or unexpected ways that you haven't recognized?
Quote Will you recognize Jesus when he comes in unexpected ways? See, Jesus often shows up in humility, in suffering, in serving, and in people who we might otherwise overlook.
Prayer
Jesus, give me eyes to see You in unexpected places and people. Help me not to miss You because You come in humility rather than power. Make my heart sensitive to Your presence in all its forms. Amen.
