Sermon; Lent 5B; John 12:20-33

“Sir, we wish to see Jesus,” said a group of Greeks to Philip. Philip went and told Andrew, and then Philip and Andrew went and told Jesus. In response Jesus goes on a long, winding soliloquy touching on his imminent crucifixion, self-sacrifice, and the judgment of the world, without once offering to meet with the interested group. But, that's John for you. What are we to make of this non-answer answer?

If you're like me, you sort of shake your head and go, “Ummm . . . what?” Because, really, how hard would it have been for Jesus to at least introduce himself to these people. But that's not how John operates. Instead, John operates on a deeper level. It is a level and style designed to proclaim who Jesus is and to persuade his readers of the significance and importance of Jesus. It is a level based in the proclamation of Jesus as one being with God the Father. The question we must ask when reading John isn't, “Did this really happen this way,” but, “What is the significance of what John is writing?”

Looking at the gospel this way allows us to move from, “Why didn't Jesus meet those Greeks,” to, “What is the significance of his answer?”

At the festival, a group of Greeks want to meet Jesus. Here we need some context. The festival mentioned is the Passover celebration held in Jerusalem. A few days before, Jesus shows up in Bethany, at the home of Lazarus, whom he had recently raised from the dead. A great crowd shows up to see not only Jesus, but also Lazarus. The following day is what has come to be known as Palm Sunday. All of this is what's happening when the group of Greeks come to see Jesus.

Those Greeks, though, are operating on a one-dimensional level; a level similar to those who want to see famous people up close, or autograph seekers, or sports fans who hang over the edge of stadium seating hoping to touch their favorite player. They simply wanted an up-close glimpse, a touch, or an audience with this rock star of Judea.

But Jesus is operating on a multi-dimensional level. So when Philip and Andrew come to Jesus, his wandering reply only seems that way to us because we, like the Greeks, expect a simple answer to the question. His answer does, however, answer the question – just not in a way we expect. As a seminary professor used to say, “It's more complicated than that.”

The overarching aim of John's gospel is to illustrate that Jesus properly dwells with God in heaven, that he was sent to earth as the true light to save people from darkness, and that he will reveal and reclaim God's glory through his unwavering obedience. Everything Jesus says and does in John discloses his true identity as the Son; and everything he says and does helps to reveal the mystery of deity. That is where John's Jesus is operating from.

So when the Greeks come to see Jesus, he gives them a glimpse of who he is. He allows them to see him, but he reveals himself on a multi-dimensional level.

You want to see Jesus? Look at a grain of wheat. If that grain doesn't die, it remains but a single grain. But if it is placed in the earth and dies, it will produce much fruit. So it is with Jesus. If he lives only for himself, he will remain a single man. But if he lives for God, he will die, be buried, and then rise to produce much fruit for God.

You want to see Jesus? Then don't love your own life. Our lives in this world are full of temptations, and one of the greatest temptations we face is the temptation to focus on our own desires and comforts. When we love ourselves over and above all else, we seek comfort, we become greedy, we seek safety in all things. But to follow God, to see Jesus, is to put away our comforts, desires, greed, and safety. Not foolishly, mind you. As Augustine pointed out, suicide isn't the point or answer. But when we seek the will of God over and above all else, we give up those things, we change our focus, and it would appear to the world that we hate ourselves.

You want to see Jesus? Then be obedient to God. When faced with trials and tribulations do not ask God to take those away from you. Do not ask God for the easy out. Instead, understand that through your obedience God will not abandon you, but neither will God take it away from you. It will be through your obedience that you glorify God.

You want to see Jesus? Then look to the cross. Understand that obedience to God is counter-cultural and offensive to the powers of the world. Understand that obedience to God will result in your rejection by the world. Understand that you may be, in a manner of speaking, crucified.

You want to see Jesus? Look at the grain and know that resurrection comes after death.

You want to see Jesus? Love God more than any thing or personal desire.

You want to see Jesus? Be obedient.

You want to see Jesus? Look upon the cross.

There are many people in this world and in our wider community who want to see Jesus. For them, the only Jesus they will see is us. The only Jesus they will see is you.

Let them see Jesus in a life of sacrificial living.

Let them see Jesus in a life that loves God more than things.

Let them see Jesus in your obedience.

Let them see Jesus in unexpected words and actions that point to the glorious light of Christ here on earth, as it is in heaven.

Amen.