Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, “Sir, we want to meet Jesus.” Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus. (John 12:20-22)
Read: Job 34:1 – 36:33, 2 Corinthians 4:1-12, Psalm 44:1-8, Proverbs 22:10-12
Relate: Sometimes, it is subtle and you really need to have your eyes open to notice it. Other times, the need, the cry is so blatantly obvious you would have to be blind, deaf, and dumb not to notice it. Sometimes, they will beat around the bush with so many other topics that you can’t even recognize what they are truly asking for. Other times, they will shock you as they come right out and say, “We want to meet Jesus.”
I experienced one of those “other times” recently. I was sitting at my laptop in a coffee shop when someone approached the person next to me and asked in Turkish what time it was. The person to my right didn’t know a drop of Turkish so I answered for them. My accent is terrible and it is immediately obvious as soon as I open my mouth that my Turkish needs a lot of work.
The person to my left, a Turkish man, heard me and immediately turned and asked if I was British or American. I answered American and added that I’m from NY. He then asked if I was a Christian. (His English was far better than my Turkish) When I answered yes he then said, “You don’t have to answer this if you don’t want, but I was wondering… Do you consider it blasphemy when I say that Jesus was not God but only a prophet?” Jackpot. I regularly beg, pray, and plead for God to give me opportunities this golden. What he was really saying, “Sir, I want to meet Jesus.”
We talked about how scripture undeniably claims Jesus is God. We talked about how even the Quran holds Jesus in higher esteem than Muhammad. We went on to talk about family, relationships, community, and work and then came back around to talk about how Jesus is different from ancient figures like Horus and Osiris. For over six hours we explored many different angles of what it means to be a follower of Jesus and although he did not chose to be a follower of Christ at that moment, I made a new friend and he has a new Christian friend. That is no small thing in a country where there are more than fifteen mosques for every single protestant Christian.
React: All around us there are people who are asking like the Greeks to Philip, “can you introduce us to Jesus?” How are we responding? How ready are we to give an answer? How passionately are we praying for such opportunities? how brightly are we shining our light?
I honestly have to say that there have been entire months, even years, in my past where it seemed like I never saw opportunities like this. When looking back, it is clear that there were three reasons why not. 1) I wasn’t looking for them. 2) I wasn’t asking for them. 3) I wasn’t ready for them. Are You?
Respond:
THE RIVER WALK 
Wonderful message! So true! I ask for these opportunities now. And see them everywhere. It is so obvious. He literally brings them to me! Even in this season where we are in our RV, living in the park and ride lot…people find us (both to minister to us and to be ministered to)! ♡
I’m sure the Holy Spirit dropped the right words into your heart for that particular moment.
That is awesome. Too often I am also not prepared. Either not in tune with the Spirit or too focused on me and my own situation that I miss what’s in front of me. Blessings to you that this new relationship will grow and he will meet Jesus. Also, blessings and prayers that this will not be an isolated event for you.
I enjoy reading your posts. They are so full of life.
Great post. “I wasn’t looking, I wasn’t asking, I wasn’t ready”. We need to prepare, we need to ask, we need to open our eyes and ears. Thanks for your words this morning.
“What he was really saying, “Sir, I want to meet Jesus.””
“For over six hours we explored many different angles of what it means to be a follower of Jesus and although he did not chose to be a follower of Christ at that moment, I made a new friend and he has a new Christian friend.”
What a loving ear you have! This is a beautiful post! Thank you, Beejai ((hugs))
Wonderful post! God will provide the situation(s) we need to be able to share Jesus with others, thanks for reminding all Christians, about being a witness!: )
Praying for a full Jesus encounter in your new friends’s life.
It’s amazing the number of people who are seeking to know God through one of His Manifestations! A few of my friends who always said that religion was not for them converted–one to Christianity, the other to Islam, and one to the Baha’i Faith. They are so happy in their new religious communities, it makes me very happy!
Religion was what the Greeks asked Philip to help them escape. Religion does not help anybody. Not in the long run. Only Jesus can save and he has far more to offer than any religion or false set of beliefs.
A great message to always be prepared to defend your faith but in this case, to share it with great love with someone with interest to meet Jesus. Thanks again as always for sharing your faith.
I have been studying the Holy Spirit and the concept that the Holy Spirit that was with/in Jesus is the same Holy Spirit that He has sent to the Christians. So, if we look at how Jesus ministered, we have the template for how we are to minister to those who come into our path. The Spirit is the same and He will give us the words as long as we offer ourselves to Him. Thanks for your consistent witness Beejai.
Reblogged this on Jesus Follower and commented:
Amazing post!!!!
Hey B, you are a real encouragement and I pray God uses you more and more there in Turkey. I guess that God decides when we are ready no matter what we (or anyone else) thinks. God bless!
Great work and insight BJ, thank you and Praise God!
Beautiful story. I used to shy away or play the Pharisee, but now I long for such opportunities and I often do my best to maximize them.
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What a fabulous opportunity, Beejai, and that you allowed the Spirit to open your heart and eyes and ears was most beautiful.
How encouraging to read that you chose not to try to force Christ on someone, but to share Him. We make the introduction, he does the convincing. Peace to you.
Brilliant message and really appreciated hearing of a grace filled dialogue, rather than the media spun opposing side retoric
What an amazing story! Continue to bless people with your faith =)
That is totally cool. I speak Americanese and that’s it LOL Im so, so horrible at it, but somehow, all 4 of my teens are excellent at speaking about Jesus., and I made them, so that counts right?! LOL
Thank you for this!
Amazing story! Deo gratias!
May God bless you and continue to give you the courage and passion to share Jesus to a very broken world that needs Him.
Awesome post and I look forward to following you as you are very inspirational – thank you for sharing !
I pray that I get more such opportunities…but you have brought out the aspect of people wanting to meet/know the Lord in an Indirect way …so well…and your response in this case is a good example.
Love how you are sharing your walk. ❤️ Faithfulwalkinprogress.Wordpress.com
God is good! Thank you for sharing
Awesome read, great points! It’s amazing how practical this was, and how impactful taking those steps would be if all Christians would follow them!
Awesome encouragement to be challenged to live for Jesus in an uncompromising way!
Great post. I will continue to pray for the Turkish man you spoke to. You planted a seed and the only thing you can do is trust that God will reveal himself to this individual through the Bible. Praise Jesus!
Wow! Amazing God that we have!
This was written 2014. I just knew now the Lord is really talking.