There were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.” (John 12)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. These Greeks want to see Jesus. Jesus answers their request. The Cross of Calvary. Jesus marches to His Crucifix. Good Friday is drawing near. “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified... And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die. (John 12)
Do you want to see Jesus? Look to God's Word. Jesus declares: These are the very Scriptures that testify about me. (John 5) Jesus is the Savior for sinners.
Sinners’ eyes are polluted with the evil that lives in our hearts. For out of the heart come evil thoughts — murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person. (Matthew 15)
Our eyes have seen the hurt that our sin has caused. Our eyes have seen the hurt of being sinned against. We cry out with the Greeks "Sir, we would like to see Jesus." Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1)
Jesus is a sight for sore eyes. Jesus is the Holy spotless Lamb of God to take away all your sin. Good Friday is drawing near. Have your eyes and ears wide open to see and hear Jesus’ saving work for you.
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12)
The Good News of the Gospel is Jesus has done all this for you. Jesus Crucified and Risen takes away all your sins. Do you want to see Jesus? Come and hear the Word of God preached for sinners. Jesus is in His Word forgiving you all your sins. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe... We preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1 Cor. 18 - 21)
Eyes of faith see JESUS where JESUS promises to be. Jesus in His Word, in the waters of Holy Baptism, in His Supper, all for you to believe and receive.
Sir, we want to see Jesus. The preaching of the Cross is the power of God. “Father, forgive them."(Luke 23) Jesus wins the forgiveness of sin with His blood. Sermons, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper are filled with Jesus’ life giving Blood rich in forgiveness. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood — to be received by faith. (Romans 3)
Sir, we want to see Jesus. The Lord's Church gathers around Jesus. Eyes, ears and hearts to see, hear and believe in Christ. Jesus’ Good Friday and Easter are preached into our ears and hearts bringing life and salvation. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Not All the Blood of Beasts LSB 431:4, 5
My soul looks back to see The burden Thou didst bear
When hanging on the cursèd tree; I know my guilt was there.
Believing, we rejoice To see the curse remove;
We bless the Lamb with cheerful voice And sing His bleeding love.