I Found Jesus

The other day, I saw a famous athlete wearing a shirt that said, “I found Jesus.” I was thrilled to see someone using their platform to point others to Christ. It’s always a blessing when people in the spotlight proclaim their faith boldly. But it got me thinking—did Jesus need to be found? Was He the one who was lost? I couldn’t help but smile at the thought. It’s just a phrase, but it made me pause and reflect on a deeper question: Do we find Jesus, or does He find us?

Scripture gives us the answer. In Luke 19:10, Jesus said, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” This verse tells us something profound: it’s not Jesus who is lost, but us. We are the ones wandering, blind to the truth, and separated from God by our sin. Yet, Jesus doesn’t wait for us to stumble upon Him. He actively seeks us out, calling us back to Himself.

This truth is beautifully illustrated in the parable of the lost sheep. Jesus says, “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?” (Luke 15:4). The Good Shepherd doesn’t sit back and wait for the sheep to return. He goes out, searches, and carries it home on His shoulders with rejoicing.

The phrase “I found Jesus” is often used to describe a personal spiritual awakening, that moment when someone realizes God’s love and grace. And while it’s true that this is a pivotal experience, it’s not the whole story. John 6:44 reminds us, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.” In other words, Jesus finds us first. His Spirit works in our hearts, opening our eyes to His truth, even before we take the first step toward Him.

When we respond to His call, it feels like we’ve “found” something life-changing. But the reality is, Jesus was never far away. He’s been pursuing us all along, waiting for us to turn around and realize He’s been there the whole time. This is the beauty of grace: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

The question of who finds whom can feel a bit like the old debate about the chicken and the egg. But in God’s story, the answer is clear: Jesus finds us first. It’s His grace that makes our faith possible. As Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

So, the next time you hear someone say, “I found Jesus,” smile and celebrate their testimony. It’s a reminder of how Jesus seeks and saves the lost. It’s not about who made the first move—it’s about a loving Savior who never gives up on us, no matter how far we wander.

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.”

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

If you have any comments, questions, or testimonies to share, I would love to hear from you! Please reach out at: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. (1 Timothy 1:12)