We Would See Jesus

The Gospel of John records two verses that are likely two of the simplest yet most meaningful words found within the entire biblical text. “Now there were some Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast. These men came to Phillip from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him saying, “Sir we wish to see Jesus” (John 12:20, 21).

Three simple statements capture the powerful truth of this text. One, not everyone who gathers for worship understands or frankly cares about our routine, ritual, or theological explanations of God’s presence. Those Greeks knew nothing of Jewish form, practice, sacrifice, or ritual. They merely found themselves enmeshed in the worshipping throng.

Two, those who come to seek will look to people, not experience, to answer their questions. Their inquiry was not focused on festal elements of sacrifice or ritual. Their inquiry was directed to Phillip.

Finally, those who are truly seeking after God just want to see Jesus. It is not a smooth service, tight musical ensemble, dynamic choir number, or eloquent sermon that people want or need, they want to see Jesus!

This must be the criteria by which we judge our efforts, our ministry, and our services: Have people seen Jesus and have we, through our lives and ministries, been able to point them in His direction?