John 12, Part 3

Scripture: John 12:20-26

Observation: Among those who have come to the Passover feast are Greeks. These are not Jews from Greece; they are Gentiles who come to worship God, and want to see Jesus. They go to Philip, who goes to Andrew, probably because it was such an unusual request. They both go together to see Jesus and report the wish of the Greeks. His answer may not have been clear to them at the time. Jesus tells them it is time for the Son of Man to be glorified (v.23). The time for His death and resurrection approaches, and with that the opening of the gates to the Gentiles. Jesus compares the laying down of His life to a seed that must die so that it may bear much fruit. Those who love their life (the life of selfishness and pride of the world) will lose it, and those who hate their life (or are willing to give up everything to live for Jesus) will keep their life for eternity (v.25). Those who serve Jesus must follow Him, even unto death. They will be honored by the Father (v.26).

Application: Jesus does not call us to despise ourselves, or our family, or anything else. Jesus taught us to love as He loves. When Jesus spoke of hating our lives, He was speaking about our sinful nature, that which separates us from God. We are to hate everything that God hates, and put all our focus on Him. When we live a life dedicated completely to God and His will, there will be suffering, as Jesus Himself suffered for us. But in the end, the Father will honor those who give up their lives for Him, and instead will give us eternal life in heaven. There is no loss in following Jesus, only gain.

Prayer: Lord, it is my desire to throw away the old self and put on the new self. I realize, though, that my sinful nature struggles with my heart's desire. As Paul wrote, I don't do that which I know to be right (Romans 7:18-20). I know I must daily surrender myself to You, that You may take Flesh Woman and put her out of me, replacing her with Your Holy Spirit. Take my life Lord, and make me new. Turn me into the woman You want me to be, a woman after Your own heart. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.