How precious is the Lord Jesus to us? What value do we place upon Him? In John's gospel we see how He was valued by various persons.
In John 1 verses 29 and 36, John the Baptist points Him out to others. In John 1:36 he says merely, "Behold the Lamb of God!" and two of his disciples were attracted to Jesus. They left John and followed Jesus. It was not a question of His taking away sin, but they had been drawn to the Person, to the Lord Jesus, "God manifest in the flesh.”
Is John jealous? No! his feeling is "He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30. Here is the attitude of a true servant. May it be ours likewise, to exalt the Lord Jesus.
Nicodemus had been attracted to Him also. He addresses Him with respect, "Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God." John 3:2. He learned more of Jesus that day, and though very mild about it, he spoke in the Lord's favor in John 7 and was reproached for it. He comes out more strongly later and, with Joseph of Arimathea, anoints the Lord's body and buries Him.
The woman of Samaria (John 4) recognizes Him only as a Jew (John 4:9), but she learns He is the Christ who knew all about her (John 4:29). She then announces Him to others who became attracted to Him (John 4:39).
Peter gives a lovely confession, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God." John 6:68, 69.
Even His enemies said, "Never man spake like this Man." John 7:46. The judge declared three times, "I find no fault in Him." John 18:38; 19:4, 6. The dying thief said, "This Man hath done nothing amiss." Luke 23:41. The blind man of John 9 discovered Him to be the Son of God and worshiped Him.
A beautiful type of attraction to Christ is given in Sol. 5:9-16 & 6:1. This lovely description ends with, "Yea. He is altogether lovely." and must have been given in such warmth that those who heard were attracted and desired Him also. We will "seek Him with thee.”
The Apostle Peter advises us to follow this pattern when he says, "Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." 1 Peter 3:15. If we do set the Lord apart in our hearts, giving Him His proper place, people will ask and we will be ready to speak for Him. Then they may desire to "seek Him with thee.”
T. Roach