Read: John 12:20-36
A few days before the Passover, Jesus was notified that some Greeks wished to see him. At this time, he took the opportunity to reveal his purpose on earth and explained how followers could achieve eternal life by following his example. He predicted his death and how through his death he would be glorified and would glorify his father in heaven. Jesus compared his dying to that of a grain of wheat which produces more plants after it dies, thus leading to the harvest. So too, his death would be fruitful in producing believers and draw all people to him even Gentiles. He warned that people should not put emphasis on the things of this world, but on pleasing God as sentence was being passed on this world and its ruler will be cast out. When a voice from heaven acknowledged that God’s name was glorified and will be glorified again, Jesus commented that the voice was for the benefit of the people. The crowd questioned him further about the Jewish Law and who is the son of man. Jesus replied using the metaphor of following and trusting the light (himself) and avoiding darkness so they may be “children of light.” These verses contain the crux of Christian theology for all people: believe in Christ, follow his teachings, do not live for this world, but live to please God regardless of the consequences and you will be rewarded.
Father, we thank you for loving us and sending your son Jesus Christ as a sacrifice for our sin. Thank you for teaching us the way. We pray for strength and steadfastness to follow Christ and for your forgiveness when we stray. Be with us O God and lead us on our journey toward the heavenly light. Amen
Lystra Alleyne
A few days before the Passover, Jesus was notified that some Greeks wished to see him. At this time, he took the opportunity to reveal his purpose on earth and explained how followers could achieve eternal life by following his example. He predicted his death and how through his death he would be glorified and would glorify his father in heaven. Jesus compared his dying to that of a grain of wheat which produces more plants after it dies, thus leading to the harvest. So too, his death would be fruitful in producing believers and draw all people to him even Gentiles. He warned that people should not put emphasis on the things of this world, but on pleasing God as sentence was being passed on this world and its ruler will be cast out. When a voice from heaven acknowledged that God’s name was glorified and will be glorified again, Jesus commented that the voice was for the benefit of the people. The crowd questioned him further about the Jewish Law and who is the son of man. Jesus replied using the metaphor of following and trusting the light (himself) and avoiding darkness so they may be “children of light.” These verses contain the crux of Christian theology for all people: believe in Christ, follow his teachings, do not live for this world, but live to please God regardless of the consequences and you will be rewarded.
Father, we thank you for loving us and sending your son Jesus Christ as a sacrifice for our sin. Thank you for teaching us the way. We pray for strength and steadfastness to follow Christ and for your forgiveness when we stray. Be with us O God and lead us on our journey toward the heavenly light. Amen
Lystra Alleyne