Looking for Jesus in the Wrong Places

Looking for Jesus in the Wrong Places
Luke 24:1–7

When you plan a journey, you enter the address in your GPS. But sometimes, upon arrival, you realize it has taken you to the wrong destination. This brings anxiety and frustration: Did I put in the wrong address? Not only is time wasted, but also peace is lost.

At other times, you plan a meeting with someone, only for them not to show up. You waited faithfully, but they broke their word. You realize you could have done something more meaningful instead of waiting in vain.

This is how many Christians seek God—in the wrong places. We go expecting to meet Him, but when we don’t find what we are looking for, discouragement sets in. Some even leave the church altogether because they did not find Jesus where they expected.

The Women at the Tomb (Luke 24:1–7)

These women made several mistakes:

• They prepared oils, believing their offering would bring them benefit
• They went to the grave, seeking the living among the dead. They honored Him in death, but perhaps feared or neglected Him while He was alive.
• They forgot His word—that He would suffer, be killed, and rise again on the third day. On this third day they sought the living amongst the dead

Every Sunday, we hear the Word of God. It gives us strength, hope, and life. Yet, many of us go back into prayer only to repeat repentance without faith, forgetting His promises.

The Wise Men (Matthew 2:1)

The wise men had good intentions—they even brought gifts. But instead of Bethlehem, they went to Jerusalem. They were looking for Jesus, but in the wrong place.

Today, many go to church faithfully but spiritually end up in Jerusalem instead of Bethlehem. Looking for Jesus in the wrong places leads to wasted time and missed encounters.

Why We Seek Jesus in the Wrong Places

1. Reliance on Human Wisdom
   We prefer prophecy or human voices over God’s Word. But when we lean on man instead of God, we are misled. God desires that we hear directly from Him—through His Word and Spirit—because His plan is greater than man’s.
2. Fulfillment in Worldly Pursuits
   We chase wealth, pleasure, and desires, thinking they will satisfy. But worldly pursuits are like a mirage. The women at the tomb and even the wise men followed their own reasoning instead of God’s instruction. Good intentions without God’s direction still lead to the wrong place.
3. Self-Reliance
   We trust in our own plans instead of submitting to God’s will. Yet Moses reminded Israel: Seek God and live. When we return to the feet of Jesus in surrender, He directs our paths.
4. Wrong Motives
   Often, we seek God only when we want something—healing, breakthrough, or deliverance. But conditional seeking limits true relationship. God is ready to reveal not only what we ask for, but also great and mighty things we do not know (Jeremiah 33:3).

Where Jesus Is Found

• In His Word – His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. It never changes. It silences the enemy and gives life.
• In Worship and Prayer – True fellowship with God happens when we worship Him in spirit and in truth.
• In Obedience – Jonah’s disobedience caused a storm. Obedience keeps us in God’s presence.
• In the Wilderness – Trials and difficulties are not punishments but invitations to seek His face.
• Through Faith – We must look for Jesus with eyes of faith, not through natural reasoning.

Conclusion:
The women sought Jesus in the tomb. The wise men sought Him in the wrong city. Many of us today seek Him in human wisdom, worldly pursuits, self-reliance, or wrong motives. But Jesus is not found among the dead, nor in misplaced efforts—He is alive!

Seek Him in His Word, in worship, in obedience, and in faith. And when you seek Him in the right place, you will surely find Him.