Where’s Waldo? No, I’m mean Where’s Jesus?

Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves….When Jesus saw that they were ready to force him to be their king, he slipped away to the hills by himself. John 6:11-13, 15 NLT

Have you ever read a Where’s Waldo? book, where you have to search page after page looking for hidden Waldo? The adventure can be quite addicting, as your eyes comb and rake each page looking to uncover beloved Waldo. I wonder, though, have you ever searched the Scriptures looking for the Living Christ, just like you’d search for Waldo?

I was first introduced to this is a concept of looking for the Living Christ in Scripture by Maxie Dunnam in his, “Workbook of Spiritual Disciplines.” Dunnam suggested reading John 6:1-15 with the purpose of looking for the Living Christ. To be honest, I wasn’t quite sure what he meant. When I realized it was the familiar account of Jesus feeding the 5,000, I was even more bewildered. How would I find the Living Christ in this story? Just as Dunnam claimed was possible, I saw attributes of Christ I previously overlooked.

If you don’t want me to spoil the surprise for your own Where’s Jesus? adventure, stop reading now. Grab your Bible and read John 6:1-15

In my Where’s Jesus? adventure, I met the Living Christ as the Word of God leapt off the page and into my heart. The story became about much more than Jesus feeding the 5,000; it revealed a new side of my humble Savior, my obedient Lord, and my disciplined Messiah, as I saw the character of the Living Christ, and not just His actions.

* “…And they all ate as much as they wanted.” John 6:11 NLT
Jesus didn’t just give them enough food to meet their needs, he gave them enough so that were completely satisfied.

* “After everyone was full…” John 6:12 NLT
This was not a fancy French entrée that leaves you still hungry for more; this was the hungry-man’s all you can eat buffet. Jesus just didn’t feed this crowd. He filled them up until they could eat no more. What a great host!

* “…Jesus told his disciples, ‘Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” John 6:12 NLT
Jesus cares about the very last crumb. I could totally picture my mother-in-law scrapping the plate and wrapping up the butt of the bread in triple used aluminum foil. I never realized she was acting just like Jesus!

* So they (the disciples) picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps…” John 6:13 NLT
Although the crowd was completely satisfied, Jesus and his disciples continued to work. Their job was not finished when everyone was fed: they continued to work, all the while the Lord’s instruction and companionship continued to guide them. How often am I ready to put my feet up as soon as the last guest departs? Yet Jesus may have more work to join him in, like praying for those I served or meeting some other need.

* “When Jesus saw that they were ready to force him to be their king, he slipped away into the hills by himself.” John 6:15 NLT

Three thoughts came to mind: humility, obedience, and boundaries. Jesus demonstrated total humility, not allowing the praise of the crowd to lull him into a position that was not his to fill, at least not at that time. Jesus continued to walk in obedience according to the plan of His father, focused on the fulfillment of the Scriptures. Jesus had healthy boundaries. He knew when He needed solitude. How often to do I get lulled into positions because of praise? Am I faithful to the mission the Lord has called me too? Am I practicing healthy boundaries by making sure I have time of solitude with our Heavenly Father?

It is fascinating to me that a simple little passage about a miracle could contain so many kernels of truth and character revealing traits about Jesus. Not only was it more exciting than a Where’s Waldo? book, but it was more relevant and worthy of my time. Yes, in the search for Where’s Jesus? I found the Living Christ. I pray you do, too.

Share your thoughts:

What do you think about doing your own Where’s Jesus? adventure? If you already did, what did you learn from the Scriptures? How did Christ become alive to you?