To See Jesus
John 12:20-36
"They came to Philip... with a request. 'Sir,' they said, 'we would like to see Jesus.'"
(JOHN 12:21)
Have you noticed how easy it is to become distracted from our first priority? After many years of ministry, I certainly have seen that in our churches. We debate which Bible translations to use and which hymn book to sing out of; we set up committees until there are hardly enough people to attend them all; we debate about musical instruments vs. piano and organ, worship teams vs. choirs, etc. Though there is a place for these discussions, they are not why the church exists. The church's priority (and ours!) is to exalt Jesus Christ. Etch that into your heart!
How we need the passion behind the words of John 12:21: "Sir, we would like to see Jesus"! I taped a copy of that verse to the pen holder on my desk, facing me, as a daily reminder to not be sidetracked with non-essentials. You may be trying to find your way through life and all of its clutter. What you really need is to see Jesus. Nail these words to your own spirit, remembering that Jesus' greatest priority, even as the nails held Him to the cross, is you!
INSIGHT
IT IS THE COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE DEDICATED TO FOLLOWING JESUS WHO WILL PUT THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST ON DISPLAY.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
2 Chronicles 33-34
Psalm 24
Mark 3
John 12:20-36
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
Jesus Predicts His Death
20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
27 “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!”
Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
30 Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
34 The crowd spoke up, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ[a] will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?”
35 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. 36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
LEADING WITH A LIMP [PART 2]
with Dr. Dan Allender
Godly leadership is not a gift anyone is born with. In fact, most leaders do not lead in a godly manner. This is because true godly leadership starts where we least expect it to ... with weakness.
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