Liturgy: “What would we see if we saw Jesus?”

What is the King’s Liturgy? King’s Liturgy defines our experience together as a Christian community. It outlines the rhythms we celebrate with the Church at large: Scripture readings, Sabbath habits, and celebration of Holy Days and historical events.

This Week’s Lectionary Readings

Jeremiah 31:31-31
Hebrews 5:5-10
John 12:20-33
Psalm 51:1-13

This week’s liturgy is contributed by Dr. David Talcott, assistant professor of philosophy:

“Sir, we wish to see Jesus” (John 12:21).

Now, there’s a quaint phrase I’ve not heard in a long time. It’s the kind of thing I imagine Billy Graham using in his evangelistic outreaches. It sounds wholesome, and maybe a bit naïve.

I wonder—do I really want to see Jesus? Do any of us? What would we see? What would happen if we did? It might not be what we expect at all.

Jesus “suffered” and “offered up fervent cries and tears” (Heb 5:7-8). Jesus left heaven, was shamed, and killed. Jesus was that grain of wheat which “falls into the earth and dies” (John 12:24).

But the death of the one “bears much fruit” (John 12:24).

What would we see if we saw Jesus? We would see real suffering, real death, and real tears turned into abundant, overflowing, joyful life.

That life becomes our life as we are washed, cleansed, and purged by God’s incredible power (Ps. 51). Though He first breaks our bones (v.8), He then restores to us the joy of His salvation and gives us a willing and upright spirit (v.10,12).

What would we see if we saw Jesus? We would see a Son who “learned obedience” and was “reverent” toward His Father, and in doing so He became the “source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him” (Heb 5:7,9).

If Jesus could suffer and obey, that gives us hope that we can, too. Our paths are often not easy, but then again neither was Jesus’s own. The greatest glory comes first through suffering and humility. But when we see Jesus, follow Him, imitate His life, and reverently fear God then we have the great promise that we will be with Him (John 12:26). Through humble obedience we can press on toward a future glory of total reunion with God. We do this not by our own power, but through God’s grace. Jesus not only teaches us to obey, but as our great high priest He has offered up a perfect sacrifice for sin. And even more than this, He is present with us Himself and in his Holy Spirit (Ps. 51:11).

This week, let us pray along with the Psalmist: oh, God, “restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold within me a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will return to You” (Ps. 51:12-13). Jesus, may we see You “lifted up from earth” and may you “draw all people” back into communion with you (John 12:32).