" Sir, we wish to see Jesus."

John 12:20-23, Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.”

Jesus seems not to answer them, yet He gives them the answer that all Gentiles need. “I if I be lifted up will draw all men to me.” He seems not to address them directly but to refer them to what is about to happen on the cross. Hebrews tells us that this was His purpose in coming to rescue us, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame,” and without this we would be unable to stand before a Holy God. The cross is not viewed as glory by the world, but as foolish weakness; yet to those who are called it is the power of God!

We thank You for the cross that has set us free from the power of sin and death!

ESV Lectionary