Sir, We Would See Jesus

Growing Daily

Sir, We Would See Jesus

I spotted the brother of a friend of mine in a crowd. He looked straight at me—but then walked by without a flicker of recognition.

In that second, I realized I had never actually met him.  I had only seen pictures of him. I knew a lot about him from hearing my friend’s stories about family vacations and holidays over the years—but I didn’t know him, and he did not know me. My friend never introduced us.

This may be a little glimpse of the final judgment described in Matthew 7. We know there will be people who point to their works as evidence of a relationship with Jesus, but Jesus will say, “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23).

I usually read this passage as a sobering warning to examine my own faith. But, reflecting on this non-encounter with my friend’s brother, I think there’s another warning for me here.

I need to recognize there’s a difference between sharing stories about my experiences with Jesus and actually inviting people to meet Him. Do I tell my non-believing friends how much I enjoy the friendships at our church or how meaningful a service was—maybe in a feeble attempt to whet their appetite—without ever actually introducing Jesus? Do I fail to point them to the One they truly need to meet?   

Lord, help me today to move from talking about You to introducing You.

“...Sir, we would see Jesus." John 12:21 (KJV)


- Catherine Reid