Jump Start # 4114
John 12:21 “these then came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him, saying, ’Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’”
Throwback Thursday: an article written from the past
We Wish to See Jesus
A group of Greeks asked Philip, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus” (Jn 12:21). There are many who are looking for a Jesus to be a good buddy. Others want to find a Jesus that will accept and permit sinful behavior. Some want a funny Jesus. Each of these are a type of Jesus are defined by man and not the Scriptures.
When we approach the Scriptures with: “We wish to see Jesus,” we get a very clear image of God in the flesh.
No one ever cared as Jesus cared. Jesus demonstrated his love for the world by caring for a Samaritan woman; by extending grace to a woman caught in adultery; by encouraging children to come around him; by praying for Peter who he knew would deny him. Jesus cared as no one ever cared.
No one ever taught as Jesus taught. The crowds marveled at his teaching. He asked soul searching questions. He used simple stories to teach powerful eternal truths. Jesus demonstrated that he was “the way, the truth and the life.”
No one ever lived as Jesus lived. Jesus practiced what he preached. He was tempted. He was tested. He was probed with hard questions. The Scriptures teach that Jesus was without sin (Heb. 4:15). No one ever lived as Jesus lived.
No one ever died as Jesus died. The death of Jesus paid the price for all sin for all time (1 Jn. 2:1-2). His death and resurrection defeated Satan. It is through his death that we have life.
No one ever demanded as Jesus demanded. Jesus accepts no way but His way. Jesus expects each of us to take up our cross and follow Him. Jesus said, “If you love, keep my commandments” (Jn 14:15). Jesus wants us to forgive, even as He as forgive us (Eph 4:32). Jesus wants us to love as he loves us (Eph 5: 25). Jesus want us to be holy, because he is holy (1 Pet 1:16).
We wish to see Jesus…
Roger
March, 1999