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When the Greeks Wished to “See Jesus”
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The inquiring Greeks saw the cloud, heard the voice, compre-
hended its meaning, and discerned Christ indeed; to them He was
revealed as the Sent of God. The voice of God had been heard at the
baptism of Jesus and again at His transfiguration. Now it was heard
for the third time by a larger number of persons. Jesus had just made
His last appeal and pronounced the doom of the Jews. Now God
again recognized the One whom Israel had rejected. “This voice
came not because of Me,” said Jesus, “but for your sakes.” It was the
signal from the Father that Jesus had spoken the truth, and was the
Son of God.
“Now is the judgment of this world,” Christ continued; “now
shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from
the earth, will draw all unto Me. This He said, signifying what death
He should die.” If I become the propitiation for the sins of men, the
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world will be lighted up. Satan’s hold upon men will be broken. The
defaced image of God will be restored in humanity, and a family of
believing saints will finally inherit the heavenly home. The Saviour
saw the cross, the cruel, ignominious cross, with all its attending
horrors, blazing with glory.
But human redemption is not all that is accomplished by the
cross. The love of God is manifested to the universe. The reproach
Satan has cast on heaven is forever removed. Angels as well as men
are drawn to the Redeemer. “I, if I be lifted up from the earth,” He
said, “will draw all unto Me.”
Many people were round about Christ as He spoke these words.
But “though He had done so many miracles before them, yet they
believed not on Him.” Innumerable signs had been given, but they
had closed their eyes and hardened their hearts. Now that the Father
Himself had spoken, and they could ask for no further sign, they still
refused to believe.
“Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on
Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest
they should be put out of the synagogue.” To save themselves from
reproach and shame, they denied Christ, and rejected the offer of
eternal life.
Alas for those who knew not the time of their visitation! Slowly
and regretfully Christ left forever the precincts of the temple.
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