They Can’t or Won’t See Him

There is a stark reality in this verse that stops me every time I read it. God didn’t send a theory, a philosophy, or a moral system. He sent a Person—His own Son—whose very name means the Lord saves. And from the moment that name was spoken over Him, the mission was clear: save His people from their sins.

But here’s the frustration every time I think about this: His people—the Jewish people—still largely do not believe He is the Messiah. The very nation through whom God brought the Scriptures, the prophets, the promises, and even the lineage of Christ, stands today with veiled eyes. And as a Christian, that perplexes me.

Because I know what Jesus has done in me.
I know the freedom of forgiveness.
I know the lies He shattered and the Truth He revealed.
I know the voice of the Holy Spirit—the conviction, the guidance, the peace that settles a soul like nothing else can.
I know the joy of waking up each day with a Savior who walked out of His tomb and walked into my life.

And when I read the Old Testament, I don’t have to squint to see Jesus. Every prophecy fulfilled… every shadow brought into substance… every symbol explained in the face of Christ. Born of a virgin. Perfect in righteousness. Mighty in miracles. Speaking as no man ever spoke. Betrayed. Crucified. Buried. Risen. Ascended. And sending the Spirit to turn the world upside-down.

It’s all there. It’s all true. And yet so many still can’t (or refuse) to see Him.

But the story doesn’t end with rejection. Because while Israel, for now, remains blinded, the door of salvation has swung wide open to the Gentiles. The grace that first belonged to “His people” has spilled over onto all people, and anyone—Jew or Gentile—who calls on His name can be saved.

So when I read Matthew 1:21, I rejoice… but I also long.
I wish they’d believe it.
I wish they’d see Him.
And one day they will—Scripture promises that.

Until then, we pray, we witness, and we thank God that the Savior who came for “His people” came for all people… including you and me.