We Would Like to See Jesus

STRENGTH FOR MY DAYS 

A Daily Devotional by Bishop David

We Would Like to See Jesus

Friday, 18 October

 

The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. John 12.21

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: John 12:20-22 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: 21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. 22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.

 

MORE LESSON: Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

 

In our scripture for today, we see that a group of Greeks approached Philip, one of Jesus' disciples, with a humble request: "Sir, we would like to see Jesus." These Gentiles, drawn by Jesus' teachings and miracles, sought a personal encounter with the Saviour. This set of people did not only want to hear about Jesus but desperately desired to see Him.

What does "seeing Jesus" mean to you? Seeing Jesus means having a spiritual understanding or revelation of who He is and His significance in one's life. It symbolises a deep, personal relationship with Him, where one experiences His presence, guidance and love. Seeing Jesus can also mean understanding His attributes, such as His love, grace and mercy, and recognizing His presence in our lives.

Their request resonates with our own hearts' desires. We, too, yearn to see Jesus to experience His presence, guidance and love. We crave a deeper connection to Him, just as the Greeks did. Jesus' response is telling; He didn't simply grant their request or provide a quick fix. Instead, He spoke of His impending death and resurrection, saying, in John 12:23: The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

When you encounter Jesus personally, you know beyond the letters and beyond “My pastor said”. You must have a deeper understanding about Him. Jesus knew that seeing Him wasn't just about a physical encounter; it was about understanding His purpose and sacrifice. He wanted the Greeks of that time and we of now to grasp the depth of His love and the significance of His mission.

Here are some ways to deepen your connection with Jesus.

1. Prayer: regular, honest and intimate conversation with God.

2. Bible Study: reading, meditating, and applying God's Word to your life.

3. Worship: singing, praising, and honouring God with your heart and voice.

4. Communion: regularly participating in the Lord's Supper, remembering His sacrifice.

5. Fasting: setting aside time to focus on God, seeking guidance and clarity.

As we echo the Greeks' request, "We would like to see Jesus," may we also embrace the fullness of His message. May we seek not just a fleeting glimpse but a transformative encounter that changes our lives forever.

 

Prayer/Action

* Pray that you too will see Jesus. 

* Ask God to reveal Himself to you to behold His glory and understand the depth of His love. 

* Ask God to help you to embrace His sacrifice and follow Him with a heart fully devoted to Him.

 

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: From this day on, the testimony of answered prayers shall be my song. Bye bye to closed heavens, in the mighty name of Jesus.

 

TODAY’S FASTING FOCUS: I shall testify; Revelation 12:11