Even many religious people who had ostentatious welcome mats out for God didn’t welcome the Son of God. “He came unto his own and his own received him not” (John 1:11). Some will put out cookies and milk for Santa but will not welcome the real deal – the one who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Jesus doesn’t go where he is not welcome.

There is an inspiring little scripture verse in Luke 8:40, “On the other side of the lake the crowds welcomed Jesus because they had been waiting for him.” These people were in stark contrast to those in the region of the Gerasenes. It was there that Jesus cast out a legion of demons out of a wild, naked maniac of a man. The crowd ran to see this man now clothed and in his right mind, sitting at the feet of Jesus. Did they welcome such an awesome, compassionate, miracle worker? The people were so afraid of the awesome power and presence of God that “they begged Jesus to go away and leave them alone” (Luke 8:37 NLT). So Jesus returned to the boat and left, crossing back to the other side of the lake. Could it be that we would see more of the awesome miracles of God if people would truly and gladly welcome Jesus?

Sometimes even religious people will not welcome Jesus. “He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival. But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:52). These Samaritans were offended at Jesus because Jesus did not fit into their theology and form of worship. They tragically missed the blessings Jesus had for them.

How do we welcome Jesus into our midst?

First – WELCOME Jesus as a little child would. The disciples were arguing about who was the greatest among them. “Then he said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest” (Luke 9:46-48 NLT). We welcome Jesus with an attitude of simple childlike faith, humility, and enthusiasm. (Matthew 21:15) To welcome Jesus humble yourself and reach out to him with open arms of simple faith. Did you ever see a child welcoming someone they had been waiting on for a long time? Welcome Jesus - as little child.

Second – WAIT in His presence. In Luke 8:40 the crowds on the other side of the lake welcomed Jesus because they had been waiting for him! How long did they wait? They didn’t care how long. The prophet Simeon waited in the temple for years for the coming Messiah. (Luke 2:25-32) Yes, Jesus has come and is with us but those who wait for His manifest presence will see and experience His awesome presence and powerful deeds. (Psalm 65; 40:31) Wait with expectancy, worship, and prayer. Jesus comes to all those who wait for Him with open arms and hearts. Is he not “a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him?” (Hebrews 11:6)

“For as many as received him, gave he the power to become son’s of God. Even as many as believe on his name” (John 1:12).