Introduction: 1. In these verses we read about an interesting event that occurred near the end of the Lord's ministry. 2. After we examine these passages we will consider some practical matters that relate to "helping people to see Jesus."
Discussion:
I. LET US FIRST MAKE NOTE OF THE SETTING
A. (John 11:1-44) Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave. B. (John 11:45) The great things that Jesus did led many people to believe on Him. C. We learn from John 11:55 that many people were in Jerusalem for Passover. D. According to John 12:9, Jesus was receiving a great amount of attention. E. Jesus received a great welcome when He rode into Jerusalem (John 12:12-13). F. With this information before us, can you imagine what was being said about Jesus at that time?
II. LET US EXAMINE WHAT HAPPENED IN JOHN 12:20-22
A. (vs.20) Some Greeks had gone to Jerusalem. 1. These were Gentile people who had gone to Jerusalem for Passover. 2. In Exodus 12:48-49 the Law of Moses made provision for Gentiles to be converted to the Jewish religion [such people are called "proselytes"]. 3. Another example is the eunuch of Ethiopia (Acts 8:27). B. (vs.21) These Greeks came to Philip with a request. 1. Philip was one of the Lord's apostles. 2. The Greeks said to Philip, "Sir, we would see Jesus." 3. Perhaps these Greeks had heard about Jesus and the things HeHHe had done. 4. They wanted to see the Lord. C. (vs.22) The responses of Philip and Andrew are interesting. 1. When we are first introduced to Philip and Andrew, we see that they were able to bring others to the Lord. a. (John 1:40-42) Andrew brought his brother Peter to Jesus. b. (John 1:43-49) Philip brought Nathanael to Jesus. 2. For some reason, Philip and Andrew did not take the Greeks to Jesus. a. Perhaps they were unsure about bringing Gentiles to the Lord. b. Perhaps they thought that these Gentiles might be involved in the plot against Jesus (John 11:53, 57). 3. All we know is that Philip told Andrew, and Andrew and Philip told Jesus. 4. One writer observed that Philip and Andrew brought the problem to Jesus, rather than the Greeks. 5. We do not know if these Greeks were ever able to see the Lord.
III. APPLICATION
A. We may not realize it, but there are people today like the Greeks. 1. They are looking for someone to help them "see Jesus." 2. Jesus touched on this in John 4:35b. B. As the Lord's followers, we are responsible for helping such people to see Him. C. We may only get one opportunity to help people see Jesus. 1. We must always be prepared for such an opportunity. 2. We must take advantage of such opportunities. D. We need to strive to be like Philip the evangelist who helped the eunuch to see Jesus from the Scriptures (Acts 8:35-39).
Conclusion:
1. We enjoy showing pictures of people that we love to other people -- we want others to see our loved ones so they can know something about them. 2. To help others see Jesus in us, let us: a. continually grow in our knowledge of Him (2 Peter 3:18) b. follow His instructions and imitate His example to the best of our ability. 1) Philippians 2:5 2) 1 Peter 2:21
