Tuesday, November 27, 2018: John 12:20-26

Tuesday, November 27, 2018: John 12:20-26

 

20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.”

 

The cost of following Jesus is so great that ordinary life appears ridiculous. Nothing can come between Jesus and us, if we are to follow Him. What Jesus talks about in this passage is impossible unless we are born again by the power of the Holy Spirit. Unless the Spirit of God opens our eyes to our own selfishness and sin, we will continue to live “our” lives in opposition to God’s will for us. When we are born-again by faith in Jesus Christ, our desires change so that we want to live for Christ. It is only by the power of the Spirit that we are able to take up our cross and follow Jesus.

 

Our sacrifice—our love for Jesus and His mission—involves a death to self. The agricultural analogy shows us that before life occurs, death must take place. Note the word “if”—“if it dies” (v. 24)—this implies our choice in the matter. We don’t automatically die to self when we are saved—it’s a constant choice of killing that which threatens to be bigger than our love for God. It is only in its death that the soul becomes fruitful (v. 24). If we want to bear fruit for God, then we must be willing to kill that which threatens our spiritual growth.

 

  1. If salvation is free, why does Jesus talk to us about what it will cost us?
  2. What are some things that you might be holding on to that could be hindering your walk with Jesus Christ?
  3. Thank Jesus for the irresistibility of His grace. Confess anything that prevents you from wholehearted devotion to Him. Pray that He would help you die to yourself this week.