Holy Tuesday
Gospel Reading: John 12:20-36
John 12:21 “The Greeks came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” (NIV)
On Easter Sunday, many churches will be fuller than usual. Family and friends will come with regular members to church services to experience the joy that this holy day still brings. Our sanctuaries will be full of folks who are looking to be accepted, blessed, and loved by God. They will be seeking the assurance of the Gospel story and wanting to find Jesus in their lives again. They will expect churchgoers to be filled with the gladness of God and the jubilation of the Holy Spirit. They will look to us to see Jesus in our praise and prayers, our songs and sermons.
Some of them will be struggling with personal issues and carrying heavy burdens. Others will feel anxious about their lives and be worried about the future. Still others may feel coerced into coming to church or out of place when they sit in the pews. Whatever the case, they are all expecting something meaningful, something different, something holy to happen during the worship service. In other words, they not only want to see Jesus is our lives, they want to know what He is all about.
Our role on Sunday is to make these folks feel welcome. How we greet them at the door, or speak to them in the pew, or talk to them after worship, will affect how they experience Christ. If we truly want them to ‘see’ Jesus, then how we accept and respect them will be very important. In fact, this acceptance is not just something that we are willing to display at Easter, it’s an important facet of our faith which needs to be shown each week in church and each day of our lives.
Point to ponder: How do others actually see Jesus in me?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to be welcoming to the folks who will be at church this Sunday. We thank You for their willingness to come among us. Enable us to be authentic and caring, joyful and sincere. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Today’s image is one of John’s drawings called “A New Earth.” If you would like to view a larger version, click here. Come and join us for worship on Sundays at 11:00 AM. You’ll be made very welcome.