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We Wish To See Jesus
On the pulpit in a church in McLean, Virginia, are inscribed six words from the book of John,
“Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” (John 12:21)
The intent is to remind pastors (men or women), as they face the congregation and prepare to preach the word of God, that the voice most needed does not, nor will it ever be, the one that belongs to the Pastor. Make no mistake, the same is true in parenting.
Lydia’s message about God’s presence Sunday evening reminds us that Jesus is who our teens need most. And while it is our job to prepare and plan, God knows better than we ever will how and when to show up. What a gift to have a Youth Director that pays attention, that follows as God leads. She exchanged lesson plans for fellowship, and in doing so, she showed our kids Jesus.
Raising teenagers feels complicated. How do we keep them busy and engaged without burning them out? How do we maintain family traditions of church and youth group and yet allow them to find their own walk of faith? How do we encourage them to be the individuals God created them to be, without letting the world or our own expectations creep in and define them?
When we explore these tough questions, with the faces of our often tired, anxious children looking back at us, the answer is in six words from the book of John, and can be translated to read:
Mom. I need to see Jesus.
Dad. I need to see Jesus.
Grandma. Grandpa. I need to see Jesus.
Pastors will not always preach soul-stirring sermons. And parents, we will not always have the right answers or respond in the most effective (or even welcome) way. But we will pray. And we will love unconditionally. And we will allow for God to lead and work in our families as we stay rooted in His word and His promises. Less of us, more of Jesus. Because while it is our faces that they see, it is Jesus that they need to see most.
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