To read: John 12:20-36
New Revised Standard Version Bible,Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus.
Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say - 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name."
Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again."
The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him." Jesus answered, "This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.
The crowd answered him, "We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?"
Jesus said to them, "The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light." After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them.
copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
To think about:
It
was a dangerous time for Jesus. He had just entered the holy city of Jerusalem, but the religious leaders had unholy plans. They had recently met and plotted to put Jesus to death. Jesus knew of their plans but he would be obedient to a greater plan. This greater plan was the reason Jesus came to this troubled and sinful world. Jesus came to reveal the love of God for all sinners. Jesus came to be the obedient lamb of God who will take away the sins of the world. Jesus came to save and not to condemn the world.
Although Jesus was troubled by what was ahead, his death on the cross, he did not pray to be saved from that death. Jesus promised three great gifts from his death on the cross. First, the "ruler of this world will be driven out." Jesus will reveal a force stronger than all evil, the love of God, love so strong that "nothing can ever separate us from this love." Secondly, by his being lifted up on the cross, Jesus will draw all people to himself. Instead of fearing God's judgment of rejection for our sinful ways, the cross draws us to the healing power of forgiveness of sins and a right relationship of peace with God. Thirdly, Jesus will reveal the glory of God by his death. He will reveal the glory of God by his rising from death and giving the certain hope of eternal life for all who trust him. He will reveal the glory of God by his return to heaven and his rule, a rule that promises to be with us always and in our hearts to stay.
Jesus revealed the glory of God by coming to this world to save, serve, and strengthen us to be faithful followers. Inspired by such love, may we trust and believe in God, ever confident of his help and power to transform us into faithful followers. Jesus offered the illustration of the seed. The seed is buried and appears lifeless. But it rises from the earth, grows, and bears fruit. May we put to death our selfish ways, unfaithfulness, unloving attitudes or indifference toward our neighbors, asking our loving God to renew us each and every day. But his powerful love and faithfulness, we can therefore face each day anew, forgiven and free to serve.
To pray:
Almighty and merciful God, prepare our hearts for spiritual growth during this Holy Week. Help us to see Jesus as he revealed your glory by not asking to be delivered from the hour of suffering and death. As we humbly turn to the cross to praise and thank our Redeemer, may the power of your steadfast love draw us closer to you for forgiveness and healing of soul and spirit; may your steadfast love draw us closer to one another, that we may be your agents of reconciliation and mercy, both in the church and in this world you love. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Conference President
First Lutheran Church, Ewen, Mich., and Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Paynesville, Mich.