From John 11-12
When the Gentiles asked to see Jesus, it triggered his acknowledgment his hour has come. He explains what will happen to him and what it means to serve him. He is speaking about lost sheep of Israel of course, but what about Gentiles? Surely the righteous in his flock, but what about sinners who have strayed? Jesus invites all people, Jews and Gentiles, righteous and sinner to come follow him. To give up their lives in this world and seek eternal life in the next.
This post is part of my bible in a year series.
Passage and Comments
Jesus has come to Jerusalem. Many have heard he raised Lazarus from the dead and have come to see him. He is given a glorious welcome. At his entrance the Pharisees are jealous and say among themselves ‘the world has gone after him’ (Jn 12.12-19). Their statement anticipates the entry of the Gentiles into the kingdom of God.
20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” (Jn 12.20-21)
‘Worship at the feast were some Greeks’. The Greeks are most likely God-fearers. Gentile converts to the Jewish faith.
‘We wish to see Jesus’. They have heard about Jesus and want to check him out for themselves. Their coming is a reflection of the gospels universal scope.
22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus.
23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. (Jn 12.22-26)
‘Went and told Jesus’. Philip goes on ahead and finds Andrew. They then tell Jesus of the Gentiles interest.
‘The hour has come’. Jesus recognises the interest of the Gentiles is a signal of his soon to come death and resurrection – his glorification.
‘Grain of wheat’. Jesus describes what will happen to him and sets the pattern for those who want to receive eternal life, serve and follow him.
Jesus expects his followers to lose their life for him. To hate their lives in this world. Those who do this will have eternal life.
‘Anyone who serves must follow’. Jesus will go before them to the cross and give his life. Jesus instructs those who want to serve him, to follow him there as well.
27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.”
Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”
29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”
30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. (Jn 12.27-33)
‘My soul is troubled’. Jesus is completely aware of what is about to happen to him. A person shows courage when they experience fear and anxiety, but do it anyway. Jesus is committed to his path. He came to Jerusalem with this purpose.
‘Glorify your name’. Even approaching his death. Jesus is committed to glorifying his Father. God the Father, hears his request and answers him publicly.
He will glorify his name in the most unlikely of places. A torture device for criminals. On a crucifix.
‘The ruler of this world will be cast out’, ‘Draw all people to myself’. Jesus explains the Father announced this from heaven so they may hear and recognise now is the time of judgment when the evil powers of this world will be defeated. This is a significant implication of the cross.
34 So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?”
35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” (Jn 12.34-36)
‘The Christ remains forever’. They have rightly understood from the law, the Christ will remain forever. And they have rightly understood Jesus is alluding to his upcoming death. They ask the question because they think Jesus cannot be the messiah if he is going to die. The crowds question is ironic because Jesus will die (‘lifted up’), but afterwards he will rise again. As risen Lord he will remain forever.
Do you believe Jesus is the risen Lord? Will you walk with him?
‘Light is among you for a little while longer’. Jesus says the remaining time for them to believe in him in limited. He is the light that has come into the world of darkness. He is with them now, so they should walk under his guidance as sons of light. Those who don’t walk with him are in spiritual darkness.
About Jesus
When the Gentiles asked to see Jesus, it triggered his acknowledgment his hour has come. He described what was about to happen to him and what was required of those who would follow him. The lost sheep of Israel of course, but Gentiles as well? The righteous who are in his flock as well, but sinners who have strayed?
Jesus invites all people, Jews and Gentiles to come follow him. To give up their lives in this world and seek eternal life in the next.
Copyright © Joshua Washington and thescripturesays, 2016. All Rights Reserved.
