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255. Jesus Tries One Last Time

John 12:20-37
Key Verse: "I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed.  But if it dies, it produces many seeds."
John 12:24

When Jesus was brought to the temple to be dedicated, as an infant, the old prophet, Simeon, came to His parents, took Jesus in his arms and prophesied, "My eyes have seen Your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel."  (Luke 2:30-32)  In our reading for today, we see this prophesy starting to be fulfilled.

During the time of Passover, Jerusalem was full of people from around the known world.  All Jews would come to celebrate Passover near the temple, but also, God fearing Gentiles were around to observe and get as close as they could.  They would have been witness to all of Jesus' teachings and sparring with the leadership. The cleansing of the temple that had taken place after Jesus entered Jerusalem, probably took place in the temple Court of the Gentiles, making them eye witnesses of the event.  Jesus definitely had a different message from the Jewish leadership and so it wouldn't be surprising if the Gentiles wanted to learn more.

It is interesting that with their approach, through Phillip and Andrew, two of the first disciples, (John 1:40 & 43) Jesus says, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." (John 12:23)  It is no longer a future event.  The time is upon them. Jesus, at this point, is turning from the Jews and toward the Gentiles.  Jesus had tried to warn the Jews, teach them, heal them and had been rejected by most of them, especially in leadership.  Surely, John was correct when he recorded, "He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him.  Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."  (John 1:11-12)   Now, Jesus again explains God's wisdom, which is folly to man, that is, to this crowd, including the Gentiles.

"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed.  But if it dies, it produces many seeds.  The one who loves his life will lose it, while the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am, My servant also will be.  My Father will honor the one who serves Me."  (John 12:24-26)  And then, as He did at Jesus' baptism God the Father speaks from Heaven and gives an exclamation of approval.

It's about sacrifice.  It's not about hanging on to what we have and what we know by sight. It's about letting go and placing everything into the Hand of God.  It's about dying to self, like a seed so that the fruit can come.  It's about living a life where people see Christ more than us; that is the glorified life that God can use. When we make Him Lord of our lives, we are giving Him control and final say and letting Him receive the glory for what is accomplished.

Sadly, Jesus' audience remained confused.  Even after the example of the seed that must die, they don't understand why Jesus must die, since, if He is The Christ, He should reign forever! "God chose the foolish things of this world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of this world to shame the strong.  He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things and the things that are not to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him."  (1 Cor. 1:27-29)  "O, the depths of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out!  "Who has known the mind of the Lord?  Or who has been His counselor?"  "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?"  For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.  To Him be the glory forever!  Amen!"  (Romans 11:33-36)   

"In the Cross of Christ I Glory" new tune

Hymn: In the Cross of Christ I Glory

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