071. JOH 12:21. THE INQUIRING GREEKS

Joh_12:21. The Inquiring Greeks

"Sir, we would see Jesus."’97Joh_12:21.

The text was the language of certain Gentile proselytes, who had come up to worship at the feast of Jerusalem; and who came to Philip, and said, "Sir, we would see Jesus." Let us consider,

I. What this Desire implies.

It implies,

1. Some knowledge of Christ already.

They had heard of him, his name was familiar to them. They had some idea of his pretensions to the Messiahship, &c. It implied,

2. An ardent longing that this knowledge might be increased.

What they knew was insufficient for experimental and practical purposes. Might be very limited, and in many things erroneous. Correct view of Christ of the greatest importance. We should know him in his titles’97in his offices’97and in his work. We should know him personally’97savingly, &c. It included,

3. The employment of proper means to increase this knowledge.

They came to Philip, inquired, &c. So we are called upon to "hearken to Jesus," to "come to him," to "behold him." We nave his word where he is revealed’97his ordinances where he is exhibited’97his gospel where he is published. Notice,

II. The Reasons on which this Desire may be grounded.

1. On account of what may be seen in Christ.

There is to be seen in Christ what is not to be seen elsewhere. In Christ is to be seen,

(1) The brightest display of the Divine glory. "We behold his glory, the glory of the only-begotten of the Father," &c.

"The first archangel never saw

So much of God before."

Glory or God exhibited in the works of nature and providence, but in Christ it is concentrated. Fulness of the Godhead dwelt in him bodily. There is to be seen in Christ,

(2) The clearest manifestation of the Divine perfections. In him were exhibited’97boundless knowledge’97almighty power’97exuberant goodness’97unsullied purity’97and infinite mercy. In Christ is to be seen,

(3) The only mediator between God and man. The sinner’s days-man, standing between the culprit and the offended Deity, with his hands upon them both. Only way to the Father. The true ladder, reaching from earth to heaven. In Christ is to be seen,

(4) The depositary of all spiritual blessings. In him "all fulness dwells." "Full of grace and truth." Pardon for the guilty’97peace for the unhappy’97purity for the defiled’97salvation for the lost, and eternal life for all who believe. This desire to see Christ may be grounded,

2. On the advantages arising from a believing sight of him.

A believing sight of Jesus,

(1) Enlightens the mind. "He is the true light," and believers become the children of light, walking in the light, &c. It,

(2) Cheers and comforts the heart. "Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord." See instances, Andrew, Simon, Philip, &c. Joh_1:40. Woman of Samaria; Joh_4:28. It,

(3) Transforms the soul. "But we all with open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image," &c.; 2Co_3:18. Let us,

III. Specify some Circumstance when this Desire is particularly seasonable.

1. When the soul is burdened with a sense of guilt.

No other name that can charm’97no other voice that can speak peace’97no other who possesses healing virtue, &c. Moses not desired’97prophets of no avail’97apostles cannot suffice. The language of the heavy-laden heart is, "Sir, I would see Jesus."

2. In the day of trouble and affliction.

He sympathizes’97his presence supports’97his grace is sufficient.

3. In the means of grace.

What is the word without Christ? Prayer or praise without him? What is baptism or the supper, without Jesus is there?

4. In the hour of dissolution.

His rod and staff only can comfort. He guides through the valley. When friends avail not’97when flesh decays and heart fails’97"he is the strength of our heart, and portion forever." Stephen; Act_7:55. And the view of faith in the dying Christian, shall immediately be followed by the full and open vision of the Redeemer in his kingdom, where they shall be like him, for they shall see him as he is.

Application

(1) Invite the sinner to "behold the Lamb of God." (2) Urge the inquiring mourner to look unto him and be saved. Brazen serpent. (3) Let the believers look unto Jesus, "the author and finisher of our faith," &c. Make him the model of their obedience, and the object of their supreme adoration and love.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS