John 12:20-26 May 4, 2014

The overall context and purpose of John’s gospel is pretty straightforward: “These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (Jn. 20:31). He raised Lazarus from the dead and proved that He has power over death. Shortly after He was anointed by Mary in the presence of Lazarus to prove He was aware and prepared for His own death. Following that He rode into Jerusalem, not only to fulfill the prophecies, but also to show that He was in control of all the events surrounding His crucifixion. He knew what awaited around every corner and went willingly. Now we come to the third section of chapter twelve where He has a conversation with some Greeks. It seems so insignificant, but when we realize it’s one of the last few things we’re told about before His death, we know it must be extremely important. The Gentiles Come to Christ signifying the end of His earthly ministry

And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: 21The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. 22Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. 23And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

There are some Greeks who want to meet Jesus. They’ve come to worship and it seems they believe enough about Him that they at least think He’s worth meeting. For some reason they can’t get to Him so they ask one of His disciples who in turn asks another. We’re not told why Philip didn’t take them straight away, but He didn’t. What’s most important here is what Jesus says: “The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.” What does He mean by this? John’s gospel has been building up to this point. Several times He’s said the hour is not yet. The Jews wanted to kill Him but it wasn’t time yet. Now these Greeks come looking for Him and Jesus knows the hour is at hand. Take note that immediately following this conversation Jesus He takes His disciples into the upper room for what He knows will be the last supper. The hour is come to die so that He can be raised glorified: The purpose of Christ’s death illustrated in nature

24Verily, 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.

A spiritual principle is illustrated by nature. If you take one kernel of wheat and bury it in the ground you’ll find something amazing: inside that kernel is everything needed to produce much fruit! It dies but it has life within that’s set free at death! Paul preached this same thing regarding the resurrection: But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? 36Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: 37And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: 38But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body (I Cor. 15:35-38). The spiritual application of the illustration

25He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

Keep going with the illustration: if you don’t put the kernel in the ground it won’t produce. In the same way, if you want to hang on to this life at all costs then you don’t have the eternal life that comes after. Jesus gave us an example: let this life perish in faith knowing that something far greater comes after to those who believe. That’s why He says, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” (Mt. 16:24-25). Paul says we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, “if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:17-18). The point is that this life an all the things in it are secondary to the future promise of glory in Christ. But what does it mean? How does it affect the way we live? The practical application of the illustration

26If any man serve me, let him follow me;

The first thing I want you to notice is “if any man serve me.” What does it mean to serve Him? God doesn’t need anything; we can’t really do anything for Him. But think of what He’ll tell the disciples in chapter 14: “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (v. 15). To be Christ’s servant is to be His slave. To be His slave means to obey His commands. If we are His servants, if we are His slaves, we will follow Him. What does it mean to “serve” and “follow”? Keep in mind that He’s not talking about people who do ministry projects while walking in purity. He’s talking about His death and resurrection and the fruit it brings. Now, if you’re His servant by faith, and by faith you obey His commands, then follow Him; follow Him in His example; follow Him into the grave! See that all the toil and sweat for riches and glory are for nothing. Set your minds on things above and consider this world and all it has to offer is nothing but rubbish compared to knowing Christ. The reward is great: The promises for those who obey

and where I am, there shall also my servant be: This is the first promised reward for those who follow Him. He is with us and we are with Him. It makes me think of Christ being in heaven at the right hand of the Father. It makes me think of Him being on His throne above and how our lives are hidden in Him. It’s also helpful to see that “shall” speaks of the future. You know, this life is hard and painful just as Solomon taught in Ecclesiastes, but when our work is done and our own hour comes we leave this body and we go to be with the Lord. There we will be with the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We will be in heaven, we will be glorified, and we will be satisfied. Who hopes for what he already has? It’s only then that we will be truly alive! But there’s a second promise to those who follow Him:

if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. The idea of being honored means we are estimated to be of worth. It’s a little contrast isn’t it? We hold this life to be worthless but we are counted worthy by God. Why? Because we believe in His Son! We love the One He has loved. We’re united to Him and of the same family. We belong to Him and do His will. There is

no more wrath or condemnation; no one can ever separate us from His love and no one can ever take away His honor. It’s for this reason that: #1- We have no fear of death. #2- We wait patiently knowing our reward comes after. #3- We’re not too attached to this life or the things in it. #4- We hold fast to Christ knowing in Him alone is true life. newgracebaptistchurch.wordpress.com