“They went to Philip (he was from Bethsaida in Galilee) and said, "Sir, we want to see Jesus." (John 12:21)
When Jesus walked on earth, He came first to the house of Israel. His ministry in teaching, healing and miracles was for the Jew. But His redemptive work, His eternal ministry, was for the world. His earthly ministry was for the Jew. “I have complete confidence in the Gospel; it is God's power to save all who believe, first the Jews and also the Gentiles.” (Romans 1:16)
That’s why when Peter was directed by the Lord to go to Cornelius, a Gentile, God had prepared him with a vision with a message, three times. “The voice spoke to him again, "Do not consider anything unclean that God has declared clean." (Acts 10:15) Peter had no idea what that meant until he went to Cornelius’ house and Cornelius and his whole family were saved and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. He shares his experience with the apostles who come to the realization that salvation is for the Gentiles also. (Peter speaking) “It is clear that God gave those Gentiles the same gift that He gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, then, to try to stop God!" When they (the apostles) heard this, they stopped their criticism and praised God, saying, "Then God has given to the Gentiles also the opportunity to repent and live!" (Acts 11:17-18)
It had always been God’s plan to save and redeem all of humanity. If right about now you’re wondering about the Jews, God has a plan and a promise of salvation also for them. The nation of Israel will be saved. “There is a secret truth, my friends, which I want you to know, for it will keep you from thinking how wise you are. It is that the stubbornness of the people of Israel is not permanent but will last only until the complete number of Gentiles comes to God. And this is how all Israel will be saved. As the scripture says, "The Savior will come from Zion and remove all wickedness from the descendants of Jacob. I will make this covenant with them when I take away their sins." (Romans 11:25-27)
So, with that background we can study John 12:21. It was the Passover Feast and people from everywhere came to Jerusalem to worship during the Passover. (John 12:20) Among them were these Greeks, Gentiles, who wanted to see Jesus. Philip and Andrew go to Jesus and tell Him. As we read, Jesus doesn’t respond to Philip and Andrew. He begins to speak of God’s Will for Him. In other words, He didn’t deny their request, but He didn’t outwardly accept their request. His focus was on completing His mission and did not grant the Greeks a private time with Him.
In the redemption that Jesus worked, there is no division of race or class. Salvation is for all alike. “As a result, there is no longer any distinction between Gentiles and Jews, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarians, savages, slaves, and free, but Christ is all, Christ is in all.” (Colossians 3:11) Salvation is for all who call on the Name of Jesus. “The Scripture says, "Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed." This includes everyone, because there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles; God is the same Lord of all and richly blesses all who call to Him.” (Romans 10:11-12)
Paul writes about this as a secret. He calls it such because although there had been mentioned in the Scriptures hinting of salvation of the whole world, the Gospel message for all was a mystery kept hidden until the right time. “The secret is that by means of the gospel the Gentiles have a part with the Jews in God's blessings; they are members of the same body and share in the promise that God made through Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 3:6)
God is in control of all things. We are in the dark and may feel at times that God doesn’t know what is going on. But He has a perfect plan to save all of humanity, both Jew and Gentile. He has a perfect time for all things in His plan. “God's plan is to make known His secret to His people, this rich and glorious secret which He has for all peoples. And the secret is that Christ is in you, which means that you will share in the glory of God.” (Colossians 1:27)
Comments