What does seeking Jesus reveal about our priorities and spiritual hunger? Setting the Scene John 12:20: “Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the feast.” • The feast is Passover—Jerusalem is crowded with worshipers. • These Greeks, likely God-fearing Gentiles, have traveled far. • Their very presence fulfills the promise that all nations will be drawn to the Messiah (Isaiah 49:6). Spiritual Hunger on Display • Travel, language barriers, and social distance did not stop them. They “went up” with purpose. • Verse 21 adds, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Crystallized desire: not mere curiosity, but a longing for personal encounter. • Psalm 42:1: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God.” Their actions mirror that soul-thirst. Priorities Revealed by Seeking Jesus • Worship over sightseeing: they came in the middle of national celebration yet pushed through to meet Him. • Person over program: not content with temple ritual alone—they want the Person the ritual points to. • Eternity over the moment: they invest earthly time, money, and energy for eternal gain (Matthew 6:33). • Humility over reputation: Gentiles risking misunderstanding to approach a Jewish Teacher, echoing Hebrews 11:6—He “rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Scripture Echoes of the Same Pattern • Jeremiah 29:13: “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” • Luke 10:42: Mary “has chosen the good portion.” The Greeks make the same choice. • John 6:68: “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Seeking Jesus is recognizing unique sufficiency. • John 4:14: whoever drinks the water He gives “will never thirst.” A satisfied seeker becomes a fountain for others. Fruit of a Seeking Heart • Deeper revelation—Jesus uses the Greeks’ request to announce, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (John 12:23). Their hunger draws out truth for everyone present. • Broader mission—Their approach foreshadows the gospel’s worldwide spread (Acts 10, Acts 13). • Contagious influence—Just as Philip and Andrew help the Greeks, a seeker often pulls believers into fresh ministry opportunities. Cultivating Similar Hunger Today • Guard margin for direct time with Jesus—Scripture, worship, solitude. • Let rituals point to relationship—church attendance, communion, and service are gateways, not endpoints. • Pursue Him with whole-hearted expectation, trusting His promise of reward. • Keep faith active—travel the “distance” of inconvenience, reputation, or cost to place Jesus first. • Share the journey—your seeking can open doors for others to “see Jesus” as well. |
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