Why People Miss Jesus (Gospel Life Series: Episode 12 of 19)

Kyle Windsor

Some people are trying hard… and still missing Jesus.

That’s the tension in Romans 9:19–33—and it’s uncomfortable.

Have you ever watched someone get something you worked really hard for? You showed up, put in the effort, did everything right… and they just walked in and received it. Something in you says, “That’s not fair.”

Now bring that into your relationship with God.

Because this passage says something even harder:

👉 People who weren’t even trying… found righteousness

👉 People who were trying really hard… missed it

So why does that happen?

It’s not because God is unclear.

👉 You don’t miss God because He’s unclear—you miss Him because you won’t trust Him.

Paul addresses the question we all feel:

“If God is in control, how can He hold me accountable?”

But instead of giving a simple explanation, Paul shifts the perspective. The issue isn’t a lack of information—it’s that we want to be in a position to question God. We see a moment. God sees the whole story. And when we forget that, we start struggling with things we were never meant to control.

Then he zooms out.

God is doing something bigger than we can see—showing justice, extending patience, revealing mercy, and calling people from everywhere. His plan is wider than expected and more personal than we realize. It’s not about background, heritage, or effort—it’s about response.

And then we get to the core issue:

👉 Why do people miss Jesus?

Because they try to earn what can only be received.

Some people were disciplined, committed, and serious about doing everything right…

👉 and still missed it.

Not because they didn’t try—but because they trusted their effort instead of trusting God.

Meanwhile, others simply believed…

👉 and found what they never earned.

Jesus becomes the dividing line.

Some stumble over Him.

Some trust in Him.

Same Jesus—different response.