They Want to See Jesus

John 12:30-33

Fifth Sunday of Lent

• This weekend’s Middle School performance of Willy Wonka (stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1964 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory)

   What’s the draw about Willy Wonka? Sweets. Celebration. Color. Fantasy. Child-like and care-free. Life.

   All of this points to the world that needs sweetening, needs life, needs celebration. Fallen from Eden.

The Candyman makes the world taste good. 

And the world tastes good because the Candyman thinks it should.

• This weekend’s movie release of The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins 2008), $19.7M opening night record for non-sequel movie, second to Harry Potter and Twilight series.

   What’s the draw? Well-written adolescent lit, exciting action, appealing to guys and gals, underdog, stick-it-to-the-man, struggle.

   The world is broken and life is hard, and there is an oppressive ruling class (us v. them).

• John chapter 12, Greeks want to see Jesus.

   What’s the draw? Some of both. Redemption of life.

Jesus came: 12:46 light in darkness. 10:10 life abundant. 10:28 life eternal. 4:10 living water. 6:35 bread of life. 8:32 truth & freedom.

• Greeks want to see Jesus and they approach disciples who have Greek names because they (the Greeks) see that Jesus has something they want.

   (People may approach you if they see that you have something they want.)

And people want life. And rest. And redemption.

• So invite them that they may find that here, in Jesus,

And live in such a way that people will want to have what you have.

• 117 We Come, O Christ, to You