John 12:17-22 “The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him. And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.”

Text Philippians 3:10 “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.”

Their request, “Sir, we would see Jesus”, reveals that these Greeks had a thirst for Jesus. The phrase “would see” is a determined action; not an impulsive or passive desire. But, where did they acquire this thirst? Verse 17 answers that question; from the people that were at the grave of Lazarus in John 11. By the fact that they asked the disciples, most likely this is a specific reference to them. Thirst was created by three things that were prevalent in the disciples. First, there was personal contact, “The people therefore that was with him.” These men chose to leave all so that they might have a personal relationship with Jesus. Jesus wasn’t someone they had read about, but one they walked with daily. Secondly, there was a powerful confirmation – “when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead.” Companionship gave way to confirmation as they personally witnessed His great power and passion. They personally witnessed divine power as Lazarus came forth in resurrection life. They witnessed Jesus’ passion for the souls of men as He embraced the children, fed the multitudes, and wept at an open grave. Lastly, there was a public confession – “bare record.” Companionship yielded to confirmation which gave way to confession! How could they be silent? They must tell everyone what they had seen and experienced! The Greeks had a thirst for Jesus because they had witnessed Jesus in the life of His disciples. Contact, confirmation, and confession are necessary for creating a thirst for Jesus in the lives of others! You must have something before someone wants it!