Notes compiled by Marty Zide and Steve McAtee
What is Jesus doing now? The Scriptures presents several things that the Lord Jesus is actively involved in. When we discover them, we will see how much they impact those who know Him as Lord.
1. He is praying for us
The Bible tells us that Jesus is interceding for us before the Father. This is incredible to ponder especially when we consider that every prayer that He prays is always answered.
Heb 7:25 - Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
Luke 22:31-32 - Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.
Jesus praying for His own is a function of His high priestly ministry. This fact of His praying for us should give us a tremendous amount of peace, joy, comfort, and hope. It also communicates to us that He is very aware of our circumstances and our needs. We also see in His high priestly prayer ministry the characteristic of protection. When it was coming down to the severest of times that Jesus was going to face, He made sure to protect His disciples.
John 18:1-9 - When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples over the ravine of the Kidron, where there was a garden, in which He entered with His disciples. Now Judas also, who was betraying Him, knew the place, for Jesus had often met there with His disciples. Judas then, having received the Roman cohort and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. So Jesus, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, went forth and said to them, Whom do you seek? They answered Him, Jesus the Nazarene. He said to them, I am He. And Judas also, who was betraying Him, was standing with them. So when He said to them, I am He, they drew back and fell to the ground. Therefore He again asked them, Whom do you seek? And they said, Jesus the Nazarene. Jesus answered, I told you that I am He; so if you seek Me, let these go their way, to fulfill the word which He spoke, Of those whom You have given Me I lost not one.
The disciples at this point were not capable of handling the severity of the trials that would have been required if they were to stick around. Jesus, in having them sent away did so to protect them. He protects us in the very same way. There is no trial that will be too much for us to bear.
2. He is preparing a place for us
Another thing that the Lord Jesus is presently occupied with is, He is preparing a heavenly home for His true followers.
John 14:1-3 - Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.
What a tremendous promise this is. It should fill our hearts with comfort and hope. We would do well to just sit and ponder this truth. We need to take the time to think about the dwelling place that is being prepared for us. In doing so, we will find ourselves taken up with heavenly things. This is very beneficial for the believer.
3. He is building His church
Another thing that the Lord Jesus is presently occupied with is, He is building His church. People are being added to it daily as He wills and it’s being done for His glory.
Matt 16:13-18 - Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, Who do people say that the Son of Man is? And they said, Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. He said to them, But who do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered, You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. And Jesus said to him, Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
Jesus has been building His church for 2000 years. Even though every fiery dart imaginable has been hurled at it and continues to be, the promise holds true. The church will be built by the master builder, the Lord Jesus Himself. When all is complete, He will return for us as promised.