John 12:20-50
It was still some days to the Passover feast. Jesus and his disciples were among the early arrivals in Jerusalem. He wanted to have some time with his disciples before his departure to Heaven. Among those who came for the feast were Greeks. Greeks were idolaters- people who believed and worshipped all kinds of gods. They believed almost everything was a god- god of the sea, of the sky, of thunder, of darkness, of love and the rest of them. But this time, they came to Jesus’ disciples, they said, “We want to see Jesus!” It was astonishing to hear and Jesus used the opportunity again to speak about his death and the manner of his death. He described it as wheat falling to the ground, died but raised up to bear much fruit. He described it as being lifted up from the earth (a Jew would not think of that as a means of death for a good man).
Why did Jesus speak so much about his death? His glorification is tied to it. The Father’s glory is tied to it. God’s adversary will be condemned by it. There is much at stake! Unless a corn of wheat dies it is useless…but in dying it bears much fruit. In dying many sons- including these Greeks will be brought into the Kingdom. His death is the hope for the nations- Gentiles!
Lesson– Each time we yield to God in obedience, God is glorified and we are able to impart spiritual life to others because the law of fruitfulness is activated.