John 12:20-21
Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’
Reflection
"Sir, we wish to see Jesus." I stepped into a pulpit in a country church and looked down. Engraved on a brass plaque mounted to the pulpit were exactly those words: "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." Over the years, I'd encounter those plaques and signs in other pulpits in other places.
We know that the "sir" in this passage is Philip, but it's clear that the brass plaque version of a WWJD bracelet was meant to convey a message other than a desire to see and speak with Jesus.
It's a good spin on this portion of the text. As people of faith, our words and actions are a demonstration of the faith we profess. In this passage from the 12th chapter of John, times are tense. The responses of others to the events previously described (Jesus' raising of Lazarus, Mary's anointing of Jesus' feet, and Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem) are mixed. The Greeks who wished to see Jesus provide Jesus with the opportunity to address all people, as we'll see. But for now, perhaps this verse can serve as a reminder that all kinds of people wish to see Jesus, and that we have many opportunities to share a word of hope with a world in need.
Prayer
Gracious God, help others see your Son in our witness this day. Amen.
Reminds me to look for the Christ in others, a wonderful spiritual discipline. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Katherine. It's a reminder of both looking for Christ in others and being Christ to others. Thank you!
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