Seeking Jesus

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.”

( from John 12:20-32)

During Fellowship Time, I try talking to new folks asking why they chose to attend our church.

Many have chosen to attend because they have just moved into the area, were seeking a church, and experienced us as a friendly church.

Some, after experiencing a traumatic event, are seeking Jesus.

One person, sharing the event using limited language, spoke of feeling clueless, not having money, and poor at conversation.

The person was seeking Jesus with a troubled soul needing comfort and hope.

The Greeks are seeking Jesus, but the Scripture doesn’t tell, and we don’t know, their expectations

In searching the Scriptures, John 7:35-36 suggests the seekers aren’t Greeks, rather Jews dispersed among Greeks freed the Babylonian exile and heading to Jerusalem for the Passover festival.

The “Greeks” also represent the world that God loves and saves.

Additionally, they represent a world rejecting God’s saving love, which might cause an apocalypse, the Armageddon.

Did they find what they were seeking?

The Scripture following their request isn't clear whether Jesus is talking to the Greeks or to Andrew and Philip.

What is clear, is that the seeking Greeks wish to see Jesus.

I listened patiently to the person, answering all questions assuring it was OK to ask.

Did the person seeking Jesus see Jesus?

Were expectations, if any fulfilled?

It’s hard to say.

But I can tell you this, the person has been attending church ever since and staying for Fellowship Time.

Perhaps he saw Jesus in the acceptance of disciples he met.

Think about it: What expectations do you have when you ask to see Jesus?