Monday, February 22, 2016
John 12:20-21 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus."
JESUS HAS TIME FOR YOU
Ever feel like God isn't paying attention to you? Do you ever hear from others that God doesn't have time for our problems? It's easy to think these things, but how do we get past these doubts?
Just a few days before He would be lifted up on the cross, Jesus received this request from some Gentiles who were visiting Jerusalem. They had, no doubt, heard of this mighty Prophet and wanted to get a glimpse for themselves. We might call this a prime witnessing opportunity for Jesus.
Jesus' response to their request was rather abrupt, "The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified." Was Jesus too busy for these inquisitors? Were their cares not important enough for Him to grant their request? It might be easy to think so, especially if we've been conditioned to think that our problems don't mean anything to God.
If you pay close attention to the text, however, you will see that Jesus gave them exactly what they asked for. The Gentiles wanted to "see" Jesus. Perhaps they had in mind a conversation or even a miracle. Jesus' reply shows them what they, and the rest of the world, would see. The time for His ministry among people was drawing to a close. It was time to complete the mission, and to do that He had to be lifted up on the cross.
Jesus wasn't ignoring their request or telling them they were too late. He answered it in the greatest way possible. He does the same for us when we bring our requests to Him in prayer. We may not always receive the answer we were looking for, but Jesus always gives us what is best. And by faith we always have the blessings of His death.
