Behold the Son

Jesus makes an astounding statement in John 6:40: "For this is the will of My Father, that every one who beholds the Son and believes in Him, may have eternal life; and I Myself will raise him up on the last day." NASB. Later in v. 44 He explains how this can happen: "No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day."
My attention was drawn to the phrase "beholds the Son". He was speaking to the same multitude of well over 5000 who had just eaten from the miraculous provision of food Jesus provided. Didn't every one "see" Jesus?
Looking into the Greek word translated as "beholds" helps us understand the meaning. "Theoreo" is a word not used of an indifferent spectator, but of one who looks at a thing with interest and for a purpose; would be used of a general officially reviewing or inspecting his army.
Notice in John 6:40, beholding precedes believing. Verse 44 talks about the Father who draws us to the Son.
We are in the season of Christmas. Many see the pictures of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. Sometimes we see pictures of shepherds. An angel of the Lord brought astounding news . Here is how Luke records the event, including the response of the shepherds.
From The Message: Luke 2:8-18
An Event for Everyone
8-12There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
13-14At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
15-18As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed." [bold added]
The shepherds responded by telling everyone the message the angels had said about Jesus. That message was the Gospel or Good News. Good news of a Savior and Master.
How about you? What do you "see" when you "look at Jesus"? A good man? A prophet of God?
My next blog will talk about what Jesus said about Himself and why He came to earth.