*John 12:20-36
Greeks seek to meet Jesus, who predicts his coming death and glorification but urges them to believe in the light while they have it.
- Request from Greek Visitors:
- Several Greeks, who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover festival, approach Philip.
- They express a desire to meet Jesus, prompting Philip to share this with Andrew, and together they bring the request to Jesus.
- Jesus Predicts His Death:
- In response to the request, Jesus speaks of His impending death, using an agricultural metaphor: “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.”
- He emphasizes that those who love their lives will lose them, while those who despise their lives in this world will keep them for eternal life.
- Jesus calls His followers to serve Him, stating that those who serve Him will be honored by God.
- Jesus’ Troubled Spirit and Divine Voice:
- Jesus openly expresses His distress over the approaching crucifixion but affirms His commitment to fulfill God’s purpose.
- He prays aloud, asking God to glorify His name.
- A divine voice responds from heaven, saying, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again,” leaving the surrounding crowd astonished. Some perceive it as thunder, while others believe it to be an angel’s voice.
- Explanation of the Voice:
- Jesus explains that the voice from heaven was for the benefit of the people, not Himself.
- He declares that judgment is coming upon the world and that the ruler of this world (Satan) will be cast out.
- He speaks of His crucifixion, saying that when He is “lifted up,” He will draw all people to Himself.
- Response of the Crowd:
- The crowd, confused by Jesus’ words, question how the Messiah could die if He is supposed to live forever.
- Jesus responds by urging them to believe in the light (Himself) while it is still among them so that they may become “children of light.”
- He then withdraws from the public and hides.
John 12:20-36 teaches us that following Jesus means letting go of our own way and trusting God’s plan. Jesus used the example of a seed that must die to produce new life, showing that true purpose comes when we live for God rather than just for ourselves. He also reminded us to walk in His light while we have the chance, choosing to follow Him instead of staying in darkness. This challenges us to trust God, even when it’s difficult, and to live in a way that reflects His love and truth to those around us.
John 12:20-36 (WEB)
12:20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who went up to worship at the feast. 21 Therefore, these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” 22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn, Andrew came with Philip, and they told Jesus.23 Jesus answered them, “The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 He who loves his life will lose it. He who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, let him follow me. Where I am, there my servant will also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.27 “Now my soul is troubled. What shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this time’? But I came to this time for this cause. 28 Father, glorify your name!”Then a voice came out of the sky, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.”29 Therefore the multitude who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”30 Jesus answered, “This voice hasn’t come for my sake, but for your sakes. 31 Now is the judgment of this world. Now the prince of this world will be cast out. 32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 But he said this, signifying by what kind of death he should die.34 The multitude answered him, “We have heard out of the law that the Christ remains forever. How do you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?”35 Jesus therefore said to them, “Yet a little while the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, that darkness doesn’t overtake you. He who walks in the darkness doesn’t know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become children of light.” Jesus said these things, and he departed and hid himself from them.