They Would See Jesus

At Columbia Seminary, where I went to school, and where John worked as the Dean of Students, in their chapel, they have a big wooden pulpit. And, I can tell you it is nerve-wracking and a little scary to stand up there and look out at all the professors and theology students. On the back of the pulpit – where only the preacher can see it, there is a little plaque that says, “They would see Jesus.” 

This saying is the King James version of John 12:21, where some Greeks find the disciple Phillip and say, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”

The point of the plaque in that pulpit is to voice the hope that somehow the preacher’s words would point to Jesus, and that through the message somehow people would be drawn closer to him. To me, it was always a little reminder that people are longing to see Jesus – even theologians and professors.

They would see Jesus.

I’ve often thought it would be an appropriate scripture to tape on your computer screen at work, on the bathroom mirror, or on the dashboard of your car. It could serve as a short prayer – may the people I meet today – may they see Jesus in me.

Let us pray: God of Hope, meet us today at the deepest point of our need. Heal us where we need healing. Comfort us where we need comfort. Challenge us where we need to be challenged. And then use us as instruments of your love and grace, that the world might see Jesus, through us. Amen.