Oct 14, 2022 Let Us See Jesus – Words of Grace – October 14, 2022
One of the best things to do to grow in faith, hope, and love for Christ is to regularly look at him in the pages of Scripture.
I recently sat with a young person whose parents I know well. I have not spent much time with this person, and this was the longest conversation we have ever had. As we talked, I could see a bit of both parents in her. Tones, facial expressions, and the way she pronounced words all told me she had spent her life watching and listening to them.
Spiritual growth is like this. The more we watch and listen to Jesus, the greater and clearer our vision of him becomes. Vision leads to faith. We become like what we see.
The Bible tells us this. “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Vision comes from the Holy Spirit who gives us spiritual sight. We must be born again. When we are, we get new eyes to see. The Holy Spirit gives sight to our eyes to see Jesus.
Vision also comes from the Bible. As we read and hear, we see. Jesus is put before us in the pages of Scripture. The words reveal the Person, and by gazing at them, we see him.
Last year I was praying and thinking about what Grace Community Church needed most. I concluded that we need to see Jesus. I decided to preach through the Gospel of John and let the vision of Jesus shine forth for us to see. Here we are a year later finishing up this Gospel with the final scenes of Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. John ends with the restoration of Peter who denied Jesus. What a vision of sovereignty and submission, and humility and victory. What a picture of grace.
Are you gazing on Christ? Are you beholding him on the cross? Do you see him alive, striding forth from the grave in victory? Can you picture him talking to Peter, extending the hand of forgiveness and friendship, restoring his faith, hope, and love?
Congregation, let me encourage us to turn our eyes upon Jesus each day as we prayerfully read from John 18-21. Let’s look full in his wonderful face as we gather each week in worship. Let’s pray for vision, to see Jesus, to become like him, and to give a faithful witness of him to our city.
This weekend, ask the Father for what the Greeks asked of Philip: “Let us see Jesus” (John 12:21).
-Scott