We Wish to See Jesus

March 23, 2021

“Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Phillip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Phillip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Phillip went and told Jesus.” - John 12:20-22

To better understand these verses of Scripture, it is helpful to look back to the preceding verse: “Look, the world has gone after him” (John 12:19). The Pharisees were quite concerned with the popularity of Jesus. Not only had Jesus performed many miracles among the people, but he had also raised Lazarus from the dead. Never had a Pharisee raised someone from the dead! These men were threatened as they saw the influence of Jesus increase while their influence continued to decrease. As teachers of the law of God, these Pharisees were invited to be part of Jesus’ ministry and to enjoy the fulfillment of God’s promises to them and the nation of Israel. Instead of receiving and rejoicing in the Son of God, these stubborn men sought to refute him and undermine his ministry, so much so that they were planning how to kill Lazarus and destroy the evidence of his resurrection.

Despite this ongoing sabotage of the Pharisees, Jesus did continue to draw people to himself. The fact that Greeks came to the disciples of Jesus perfectly proved the validity of the Pharisees’ concern. Not only do these Greeks come to the disciples, but they come with a simply yet profound request: “Sir, we wish to see Jesus” (John 12:21). In the Gospel of John, seeing and hearing Jesus was the means of coming to faith in Jesus. In seeing and hearing, the people could understand who Jesus was – the perfect Son of God who had come into the world so that they could know the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

As we engage in this season of Lent, are we asking to see Jesus? Are we imploring the Lord to open our eyes, ears, and hearts to fully receive and understand him? Are we open to further revelation of who he is, how he has called us to live, and to seeing ourselves in his light?

When we see and hear Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit, we cannot remain the same. God’s Son came down to dwell among his people, to die on behalf of sin, and to be raised unto life so that we may have life – eternal life and abundant life.

May we seek him today and as we see him, may we be transformed to those who trust him, love him, and follow him.

Reflection:
Do you wish to see Jesus? Spend some time with the Lord today contemplating these simple and yet profound words.