“We Would See Jesus”

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:”

1 Corinthians 2:1–4

On a mission trip to India, Dr. George Truett was invited to address the students at a university. Before he spoke, he was warned to expect a hostile response because of the strong influence of Hinduism among the students. One official warned him, “When you are through preaching, people in the audience will ask you questions that are difficult to answer. They will contradict everything that you say.” Dr. Truett prayed earnestly, and then stood and preached a clear gospel message about salvation through faith in Jesus alone. When he finished, there was a long silence. Finally one of the leading Hindu students stood and said, “Sir, we have nothing against the Christ this man has preached.”

The lost world around us wants many things, but what it needs most of all is a clear presentation of Jesus Christ, the only hope of salvation. Just as those foreigners from Greece who came to Jerusalem during the ministry of the Lord, the people around us have a pressing need. “The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus” (John 12:21). It is not our eloquence or our gifting that makes a difference to people, but the Jesus we talk about and reflect in our actions. His name and His righteousness must be lifted up and presented to the world. This is our purpose and calling.

Today’s Growth Principle: 

If we faithfully present the message of Jesus and live as He did, those around us will be touched.