John 12:20-26
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
In today’s passage it’s a little unclear to whom Jesus addresses his words, but it seems that Jesus is speaking to the “Greeks” who have sought him out through Philip and Andrew. Read John 12:20-26 as if you are one of the people who have requested to speak with Jesus.
The Greeks in this passage may have been Jews who were living far from Jerusalem, or they may have been Gentiles who recognized the God of Israel as the true God and traveled to worship at the Passover celebration. We’ve already seen that Jesus came to gather the lost sheep of Israel back into community. In his response to these seekers, Jesus alludes to the gathering of all who will follow him – Jews and Gentiles. In just a few sentences, Jesus summarizes his mission and explains what it looks like to follow him in that mission.
Prayerfully read the following words of Jesus pausing to meditate on each phrase and talking to him about any thoughts or feelings that arise:
“…unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels – a plentiful harvest of new lives.”
“Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.”
“Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.”
Now read John 12:20-26 again taking note of anything that stands out.
Jesus came to die. His ultimate mission was to sacrifice his own perfect life to break the chains that held rebellious humanity captive. His death and subsequent resurrection made a way for each of us to be reunited with God so we could become the people God intended us to be.
Just as Jesus laid down his life, his followers will lay down their lives every day to live on Jesus’ mission of restoration. We will live this way when we recognize that apart from Jesus our lives have no meaning. When we have experienced Jesus, we must be with him.
Our part in Jesus’ mission often feels small – as small as a seed or a kernel of wheat – but when we lay down our lives in small ways, in the Name of Jesus, as his co-laborers on earth, our small offerings have within them the power and potential to become a harvest of new, restored lives.
How are you seeking to be with Jesus every day? What is your motivation for following him? Contemplate these questions for a moment and then discuss your thoughts with Jesus.
How alert are you to the opportunities around you each day to “lay down your life” in small ways for the benefit of others?
What is Jesus inviting you to do today? What will you do about that?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
