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Scripture Focus: John 12

“…went out to meet Him.” (John 12:13)

There is something powerful about this simple action—they went out to meet Jesus. It leads us to a personal question: Are you coming to Him?

At that time, people physically went out to meet Him. But today, we don’t have to search from afar in the same way. Jesus meets us right where we are. The distance is no longer physical—it is a matter of the heart. Are you coming to Him where you are, in the middle of your everyday life?

In John 12:18, many people came to Him because they had heard about what He had done. They were drawn by the testimony of His power. This invites us to reflect: What is drawing us to Jesus? Is it what we’ve heard, what we’ve seen, or a deeper desire to truly know Him?

But as the chapter unfolds, we see that coming to Jesus is not always easy or comfortable.

In John 12:27–28, Jesus says, “Now my soul is troubled… Father, glorify Your name.” Even in His distress, He chooses surrender over escape. He does not turn away from what is difficult—He embraces the purpose for which He came. This shows us that coming to Him is not just about receiving comfort; it is also about surrendering to God’s will, even when it costs something.

Then we see a different response.

John 12:43 tells us that many “loved human praise more than praise from God.” Even though they believed, they held back. Fear of people kept them from fully stepping into the light. It reveals a tension we still face today: the pull between seeking approval from others and truly coming to Jesus without hesitation.

So the question deepens.

It’s not just Are you coming to Him?
It becomes: Are you coming to Him fully? Are you willing to stand for Him openly?

Because coming to Him should lead to transformation. It moves us from curiosity to commitment, from quiet belief to bold faith.

Are you talking boldly about your faith, or are you holding back because of what others might think?

Jesus is near. He is still drawing people to Himself. The invitation remains open—not just to encounter Him, but to follow Him with a surrendered and courageous heart.

Prayer

Lord, Help me to come to You with sincerity and intention. Draw my heart closer—not just because of what I’ve heard, but because I truly desire to know You. Give me the courage to choose Your approval over the approval of people. Teach me to follow You fully and to speak boldly about my faith. May my life bring glory to Your name. Amen.