“The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me.”

— John 12:45

Sometimes when I read the Bible’s stories about Jesus, I am baffled at the doubts, disbelief, and outright opposition that people showed in response to Jesus. What more did Jesus need to do for people to believe? How many more miracles? How many more people had to be healed or raised from the dead? Matthew 28:17 tells us that even some of Jesus’ closest disciples doubted after Jesus himself had risen from the dead!

I have also wondered if I would have recognized Jesus if I had met him. I’d like to think I would. But the Bible includes lots of accounts showing that people with the most religious training, the ones who should have quickly recognized Jesus, were also among those who had the most difficult time believing in him. What would I need to see Jesus do in order to believe that he is really God? Maybe it would have to be a particular miracle or a certain level of wisdom that confronted my assumptions. This question becomes even more challenging when I think about Jesus being born as a vulnerable baby in the backcountry of an occupied territory. Would I recognize him then?

Jesus says that “the one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me.” When we look at Jesus, we are seeing God. As we celebrate Christmas, are we willing to see God the Creator of heaven and earth in the face of Jesus?

Jesus, the signs and wonders of your kingdom are amazing. Help us to recognize you for who you really are: God with us! Amen.