“And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.”
John 12:20-21
The Bible has a good deal to say about the importance of choosing wisely what things we will bring before our eyes. By extension, the things we choose to contemplate with our minds or fixate on with our hearts is equally important. This is because the things that occupy our minds and senses will, to one extent or other, exercise a transformative power over us. As a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). Paul’s wise words have never been more important. “Whatsoever things are true,” wrote the great apostle, “whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). As we go down Paul’s list, we are struck by the fact that in every case, these adjectives come to ultimate expression in the Person of Jesus of Nazareth. No one was more honest that He; He is the Truth incarnate (John 14:6)! No one was ever purer than Jesus, who was and is “holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners” (Hebrews 7:24). No one is more lovely than Jesus, no one is better spoken of by God than He (Matthew 3:17; 17:5). Jesus lived the most virtuous, most commendable human life that has ever been lived. Looking to Him, contemplating Him, is the wisest thing we can do. When we fix our attention on Him, we dispel discouragement and weariness (Hebrews 12:1-3). Beholding Him, we are slowly transformed into His image (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). The Jewish Messiah is also the Savior of the world; He is mankind’s only hope. At the beginning of His earthly existence, wise men from the east desired greatly to see the newborn King of the Jews (Matthew 2:1-2). When they finally found Him, “they rejoiced with exceeding great joy” (Matthew 2:10). Near the end of His earthly ministry, Jesus once again had Gentiles desiring to see Him (John 12:20-21). The Lord minced no words in His sobering response. He explained that He was about to die, and that His death was necessary in order that new life could come (vv.23-24). He went even further, insisting that all those desiring to follow Him must be willing to give up their lives as well. “He that loveth his life shall lose it,” said the Lord, “and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal (John 12:25). The true Christ is the crucified and resurrected Christ of Scripture. Let us fix our attention fully on Him, rejoicing in all the promised benefits for doing so.
God bless and encourage you today,
Pastor John
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