*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.
12:20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: 12:21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
12:22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.
12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
12:27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
12:29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
12:30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
12:33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.
12:34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? 12:35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you.
Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
12:36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.