In verse 20 some Greeks come looking for Jesus. They asked one of Jesus’ disciples, Philip, if they could see Jesus. The Greeks’ request is relayed to Jesus. Instead of going to them physically, Jesus answers them with some teaching. It seems that to know Jesus and what he stood for did not necessarily require seeing him or being physically with him. To truly see Jesus is to understand what it means to follow his lifestyle and live by his new teachings.

To look upon the physical Jesus yet not know him was a wasted effort. So Jesus choses not to display himself according to John’s Gospel narrative. Instead Jesus says: Amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour. (John 6:24-26).

So you want to see Jesus? Of course you do! And so do I! And what a wonderful sight to behold it is! What a glorious sight – when we learn to fall like a grain of wheat into the ground and die.

KIM THODAY