John 12:20-36 – Jesus Predicts His Death
- ”It not just about Jesus”
- This passage seems to be disconnected.
- Verse 20-23 tells of some Greeks wanting to see Jesus.
- Then immediately after Jesus appears to go some kind of rant about his death.
- What’s the connection?
- The Greeks are either Greek speaking Jews or the God-fearers; those who believe I God, follow the Jewish religion but do not convert to Judaism with some of its traditions and laws.
- It seems the reason they are approaching Jesus is to offer him opportunities for ministry. They are likely to request that He goes to their part of the world to bring His message.
- Jesus replies with what is essentially a no.
- Remember – Jesus rarely gave a straight answer and instead was primarily concerned with passing on understanding.
- He says instead:
- “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.”
- What He is saying is this – I am not enough!
- If he goes with the Greeks it is just Him as a single human being travelling around.
- If He dies however He will reproduce Himself.
- Yes He will no longer be the one who gets to be the famous travelling speaker but the Kingdom of God will instead be advanced far more effectively!
- It’s a challenge to all of us.
- We think we are so important but actually it’s when we die to our understanding of personal effectiveness that we become far more useful to God.
- Today I want to invest even more in others who will surpass me!
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