“Sir, We Wish to See Jesus”
Seeking Jesus First - June 18, 2026
“Sir, We Wish to See Jesus”
Please Read John 12:20–26 (NKJV)
Reflection
Some Greeks who had come to worship at the feast approached Philip and said, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip told Andrew, and together they brought the request to Jesus. It was a sincere desire from Gentiles who wanted to encounter the Lord.
Jesus responded in a surprising way. Instead of immediately going to meet them, He said:
“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.”
Jesus was revealing a profound spiritual principle. If He was going to bring salvation to the Gentiles — and to the whole world — He would first have to go to the cross. The grain of wheat had to fall into the ground and die. Only then could it produce much fruit.
Jesus then applied this same principle to His disciples:
“He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.”
True discipleship requires death to self. We cannot truly “see Jesus” — that is, walk with Him in deep fellowship and fruitfulness — while holding tightly to our own plans, comfort, reputation, or control. If we truly wish to see Jesus — to see Christ formed in us — then we must be willing to lay down our old life and ways and follow Him. The life that bears much fruit is the life that has been surrendered.
Application
Today, consider this question honestly: Are there areas in your life where you are still trying to preserve your own life, reputation, or comfort rather than surrendering them to Jesus? Renew your mind with this truth: Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you one specific area where He is calling you to “die” — whether it is a personal ambition, a relationship, a habit, or a fear. Choose today to surrender that area to the Lord. As you do, you will begin to experience the fruitfulness and honor that only come through following Jesus in the way of the cross.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the powerful principle Jesus taught: that true life and fruitfulness come through surrender and death to self. Thank You that Jesus was willing to fall into the ground and die so that we could have life. Forgive us for the times we have tried to hold onto our own lives while still wanting to see Jesus. Renew our minds today to embrace the way of the cross. Help us to die to self so that we may truly live and bear much fruit for Your glory. Strengthen us to follow Jesus wherever He leads, knowing that the Father honors those who serve His Son. In Jesus’ name, giving thanks for the living Word of the Lord. Amen.