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.’” vss. 20-21

We’re curious about the Greeks John mentions here, and all kinds of questions come to mind. Who were they? Why did they search out Philip? And most importantly, did they ever get introduced to Jesus? Unfortunately John isn’t in the business of giving answers, and all we learn is the Greeks’ request: “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Those few words however are a summation of what has been a basic human desire wherever the gospel has been proclaimed. Through centuries a massive organization has grown up in response to the teachings and ministry of Jesus. Within that Church there have been pastors and preachers charged with baptising and teaching, and through them the Holy Spirit has called and gathered billions to be a holy nation of saints and sinners. Week after week such folks come together in our congregations to hear the good news afresh and sing praises to the ever-loving God. And among them are seekers with one overwhelming desire: like the Greeks, they want to see Jesus! They want to see and experience in our fellowships the incarnate love of God. They want to hear words of grace. They want to see warm welcoming smiles and be touched by healing hugs and acts of affirmation. Do they get to see Jesus? The answer is written on our faces!

Thought for the Day: Do seekers see Jesus in my congregation? How do I know?