John 12:20-36
Q.1. Why were these Greeks doing in 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 (see Acts 9:27; 10:1-2). While at the feasts in Jerusalem they doubtless heard about Jesus and wanted to meet Him for themselves – “Sir, we wish to see Jesus” (Jn.12:21) They went through His disciples, Philip and Andrew who approached Jesus. His answer to them seems somewhat disconnected from the request. However, 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 a beautiful and humble response from the woman (see Mt.15:25-28). The day was at hand when Jesus would save the world and be glorified. His vicarious death would include, not only Israel but all the nations of the world (see Jn.3:16-17 c.f. Rev.7:9). Through the death of that ‘one grain of wheat’ a mighty harvest of souls would extend beyond Israel borders 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 appealed to 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 – see 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). As Jesus reached His earthly goal, His Father responded to His prayer and confirmed His approval of His Son. The Father had glorified Himself by sending His Son and acknowledged His approval at the baptism of Jesus (see 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 (see Jn.12:29). 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 (see 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 (see Jn.12:35-36).Â