John 12:20-36
Q.1. Why did the Greeks come to Jerusalem? What are we to make of the response of Jesus to these inquirers? – (Jn.12:20-26)
The Greeks to whom John referred were Gentile proselytes such as the Ethiopian eunuch and the Roman centurion, Cornelius (Acts 9:27; 10:1-2). While at the feast in Jerusalem they doubtless heard about Jesus and wanted to meet Him for themselves. They went through Philip and Andrew who approached Jesus. His answer to them all seems somewhat disconnected from the request. That was consistent with His response to the Gentile Syro-Phoenician woman whom He told – I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Mt.15:24). That had provoked such a humble response from the woman (Mt.15:25-28). The day was at hand when Jesus would be glorified. Through the death of that ‘one grain of wheat’ a mighty harvest of souls would extend beyond Israel to all nations. Jesus predicted – 23 … 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 (Jn.12:23-24). He then encouraged them – If anyone serves Me, the Father will honour him (Jn.12:26).
Q.2. What is the connection between the purpose that Jesus came to fufill, and the Father’s confirmation from Heaven? – (Jn.12:27-30)
Jesus equated His death with His being glorified (i.e. through His resurrection – Jn.12:16, 23, 28). Though the pathway of rejection, ridicule, suffering, and alienation troubled Him, Jesus embraced the purpose for which He had been sent by the Father, as He prayed Heavenward – Father, glorify Your name. Then a voice came out of heaven: ‘I have both glorified it and will glorify it again (Jn.12:28). The Father had glorified Himself by sending His Son and acknowledging His approval at the baptism of Jesus (Mt.3:16-17). He would again be glorified by raising His Son from the dead. The incarnation and atonement not only glorified the Son but also the Father, because it put the invisible God’s heart on display for all the world to see. The crowds knew something amazing had happened – it sounded like thunder, or it might have been an angel … it was clear that there was a higher communication going. Consequently, Jesus said, “This voice has not come for My sake, but for your sakes (Jn.12:30). His death would usher in the final episode of God’s war against Satan (Jn.12:31).
Q.3. Why were the crowds confused about the claim by Jesus that He would die? What did Jesus mean to convey by His references to light? – (Jn.12:31-36)
Jesus was the Father’s sin-bearer and substitute for sinners and would break the ruler of this world’s stranglehold over God’s creation – And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself (Jn.12:32). What confused the crowds about this claim was that they accepted the role of the Messiah as the Reigning Ruler, but His role as Suffering Servant was overlooked and unappealing – The crowd then answered Him, We have heard out of the Law that the Christ is to remain forever; and how can You say, `The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?” (Jn.12:34). He urged them to continue to pursue the light as God’s children because all too soon the Light of the World would be removed from them. They should believe His claims and become children of Light (Jn.12:35-36).