SERMON NOTES WITH APPLICATION - "SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS" - JOHN 12:19-26

Series: Lord, I Want To See

“SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS”

Text: John 12:19–26 (KJV)Theme: Hidden Manna (the unseen grace and nourishment God gives as we follow Jesus)Follows: Lord, I Want To See (Pt. II)

🌅 CENTRAL IDEA

A group of Greeks at the feast approach Philip with a simple request: “Sir, we would see Jesus.”Jesus’ response reveals that truly seeing Him means embracing His way—the cross, surrender, and fruitful living. In this passage, spiritual sight grows through:

Seek Direct Access → Seize the Moment → Surrender Yourself.

1) SEEK DIRECT ACCESS (vv. 19–21)

“Sir, we would see Jesus.”

Meaning:Hungry hearts don’t settle for secondhand religion. They go straight to Jesus. Philip and Andrew serve as bridges, not barriers—showing that everyone is welcome to seek Him.

For Christians:Be like Philip/Andrew—bring people to Jesus, not to your preferences. Keep Jesus central, not your status or style.

For Seekers:You don’t need perfect words or a perfect past. Come honestly. Jesus welcomes sincere pursuit.

Practical Application (A‑C‑C‑E‑S‑S):

• Ask directly: “Jesus, let me see You in ____ today.”

• Choose a Gospel window: read John 12 this week, slowly.

• Cut the noise: 5 minutes of quiet each day to listen.

• Enlist a guide: ask a trusted believer to walk with you.

• Show up where He is honored (worship, small group, Scripture).

• Share one question you have about Jesus with someone safe.

Family/Youth tip: Put “We would see Jesus” somewhere visible (mirror/locker/home screen) as a daily reminder.

2) SEIZE THE MOMENT (vv. 22–23)

“The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.”

Meaning:When access is requested, Jesus names a decisive hour. Spiritual sight grows when we respond in the now—not “someday.” God’s invitations are time‑sensitive.

For Christians:Obey promptly. When God opens a door—walk through it. Delay often dulls discernment.

For Seekers:Start with the light you have. Take one next step—pray, attend, ask, learn. Momentum matters.

Practical Application (M‑O‑V‑E):

• Mark the moment: write today’s invitation from God in a sentence.

• Owner’s step: what is your next faithful action within 48 hours?

• Voice it: tell one person your next step for accountability.

• Execute: put it on the calendar before the day ends.

Reflection: What holy opportunity is in front of you right now that you’ve been postponing?

3) SURRENDER YOURSELF (vv. 24–26)

“Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit… If any man serve me, let him follow me…”

Meaning:Seeing Jesus means embracing His pattern: life through dying, fruit through surrender, honor through service. “Hating” one’s life (v.25) is Hebrew/Greek hyperbole for rejecting self‑centeredness in order to prioritize Christ.

For Christians:Identify what must go into the ground (ego, comfort, schedule, grudges) so God can multiply fruit. Following means serving where He is.

For Seekers:Surrender isn’t losing yourself; it’s letting go of what keeps you small so you can receive true life.

Practical Application (S‑E‑E‑D):

• Specify one attachment to lay down this week (a habit, a hurry, a bitterness).

• Exchange it for a Christ‑like practice (confession, generosity, forgiveness, serving).

• Engage in service: choose one concrete act that costs you something.

• Dedicate the outcome to God and watch for fruit over time.

Promise in the Passage: Those who serve and follow Jesus are seen and honored by the Father (v.26).

🔎 HIDDEN MANNA THREAD

• God’s richest nourishment often comes in hidden places—quiet prayer, timely obedience, costly surrender.

• The seed in the soil looks invisible for a while, yet life is forming beneath the surface.

🧭 THIS WEEK’S PRACTICE

• Direct Access (Daily): “Jesus, I would see You today in ____.”

• One Decisive Action (48 hours): Put one “hour has come” step on your calendar and do it.

• One Seed of Surrender: Choose one thing to lay down and one person to serve.

✝️ SUMMARY FOR ALL

• Young people: Ask bold questions and take small, quick steps toward Jesus.

• Adults: Don’t delay obedience—schedule it. Exchange control for trust.

• Christians: Be a bridge to Jesus; practice prompt obedience and costly love.

• Non‑Christians: You are welcomed to come as you are—start with one honest prayer and one next step.

Bottom line: If you seek direct access, seize God’s moment, and surrender yourself to Christ’s way, you won’t just look at Jesus—you’ll live with Jesus, and your life will bear much fruit.