Seeking Jesus With an Open Heart
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 21, 2024 | John 12:19-22
KEY VERSE:
They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus. John 12:21 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
In John 12:17-22, we see a powerful scene of people seeking Jesus with varying motivations. This passage highlights the importance of approaching Jesus with an open and sincere heart. We observe the crowd’s curiosity and faith, the Greeks' desire to see Jesus, and the Pharisees’ jealousy and fear.
The crowd that witnessed Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead continued to spread the word about this miraculous event. Their testimony drew even more people to seek Jesus, some out of curiosity and others out of genuine faith. The miracle of Lazarus was a testament to Jesus’ divine power and authority, compelling people to come to Him. Among the crowd were certain Greeks who had come to worship at the feast. They approached Philip with a simple yet profound request, "Sir, we would like to see Jesus." Their desire may have been driven by curiosity, but it also signified a deeper spiritual yearning. Their approach teaches us that seeking Jesus requires taking intentional steps toward Him, even if we don’t fully understand everything about Him.
In contrast, the Pharisees were troubled by the growing popularity of Jesus. Their envy and fear blinded them to the truth and prevented them from seeking Jesus with an open heart. They saw His influence as a threat rather than an opportunity for spiritual transformation.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Seeking Jesus with an open heart involves more than just curiosity - it requires a genuine desire to know Him and be transformed by His presence. Whether motivated by witnessing His miracles or hearing about His teachings, our approach should be sincere and humble. We must guard against the attitudes of jealousy and fear that can hinder our spiritual growth.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I come before you with an open heart, seeking to know Jesus more deeply. Help me to approach Him with sincerity and humility, free from jealousy and fear. May my desire to see Jesus transform my life, drawing me closer to your love and truth. Guide my steps as I seek to follow Him wholeheartedly. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: REQUEST αἰτοῦσιν (aitousin) is the Greek term for request in our key verse. It is derived from the root word αἰτέω (aiteo), which means "to ask" or "to request." This verb emphasizes the act of seeking or making a specific request, often with a sense of earnest desire or need. The Greeks' request to see Jesus shows the expanding influence of His ministry. It shows that Jesus' message and miracles were drawing attention not just from Jews but also from Gentiles, fulfilling the prophecy that He would be a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:6). This moment foreshadows the inclusive nature of the gospel, which breaks down ethnic and cultural barriers. Reflections: Reflect on your own openness to those who are different from you and how you can be a conduit for Jesus' love and message to all people. How can you respond to others' requests to "see Jesus" in your life and community?
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