April 19 Seek Jesus

John 12:20-26 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.”
 
AH, yes. It is good for these Greeks to seek Jesus. Sometimes “Greeks” is used in the Bible to define those who are not Jews. In this case, it seems these were Jews who had come from Greece. Many Jews lived throughout the Roman Empire. These Greeks had come faithfully to celebrate the Passover Feast. When the Greeks saw Jesus’ glorious entry into Jerusalem, they surely wanted to meet the man – possibly the Messiah? – so lovingly praised in the streets. To that purpose, the Greeks approached Philip. Philip gets Andrew, and they go to Jesus. Then Jesus teaches. What lesson can we learn from the Greeks’ request and the disciples’ response?
    Here’s one: when we are curious about Jesus, it is good to go to him in a good and proper way. Our first step today, of course, is to meet Jesus in the Scriptures. In God’s Word you will discover Jesus’ spoken teachings. Remember, John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. Jesus is the Word. Seek him through his words.
    A second step is to be as the Greeks. Go to someone who knows Jesus. Talk to a pastor, teacher, mentor, or friend, for example, who lives well and exhibits some knowledge of God. Ask questions. Be prepared to listen and learn. Submit to Jesus’ words.    
    Are you looking for Jesus? Do you desire a new life more faithful to Jesus? Then go to the Bible. Go to the right people. Live out his words. Know your time has come to meet with the Lord and to live in his truth. When you do, you will be as a seed the Spirit has planted to bear fruit for Jesus. You will lose your old life and gain a new, remarkable and joyful life in the Kingdom of God.
 
Prayer: I pray, Jesus, I seek you in all your truth. I pray I am eager to believe in you and believe you are sovereign over my eternal life. Joyfully, I pray in your name, Amen.