John 12:20-26 (CLICK HERE FOR BIBLE VERSES)
Hi GAMErs,
Today’s passage is John 12:20-26. I encourage you to read the passage yourself first and see what you can glean with the Holy Spirit’s help, then read the GAME sharing below. Let’s go!
John 12:20-22 (NIV)
20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast.
21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.”
22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
On verses 20-22: Here we see not just Jews but Greeks wanting to see Jesus. It’s a reminder that Jesus didn’t just come to be the long-awaited Messiah the Jews were waiting for. Even more Jesus came to be the saviour that the entire world needs. That’s why Jesus would talk about having “other sheep that are not of this pen” that he must bring in also (John 15:16). That’s also why Jesus reached out to a Samaritan woman in John 4, a Roman centurion in Luke 7, and a Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:22. After Jesus’ resurrection Jesus would commission his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). That’s because no matter what your background, nationality or culture, Jesus is the saviour we need.
John 12:23-24 (NIV)
23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
On verses 23-24: Here Jesus is predicting his soon coming death and how, like a seed buried in the ground, when Jesus dies, his death will make life possible for many like never before.
John 12:25 (NIV)
25 The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
On verse 25: What does Jesus mean by this statement? He means that if you truly want to experience life to its fullest and keep it for eternal life, you need to “hate your life”; that is, don’t selfishly hang onto your life for your own sake. Rather, give your life away like Jesus did. If you love your life so much that you’re not willing to give it away, you’ll end up losing it and missing God’s greater purpose for putting you on this earth.
John 12:26 (NIV)
26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
On verse 26: From this verse I learn two things:
(1) God values those who serve Jesus (“My Father will honor the one who serves me”). Are you someone who is all about getting what you want from God and from the church like a spiritual consumer, or do you use what you have – your time, your talents, your energy – to serve Jesus and His church?
(2) Serving Jesus is not just about getting busy doing things for Jesus. Serving Jesus is about following Jesus and becoming more like Him in the way you live, love and lead (“Whoever serves me must follow me”). It’s about becoming more like Jesus in your attitude, your values, your decision-making, your priorities and your conduct. We of course can’t do this on our own. We need to help of the Holy Spirit working in us, transforming us from the inside out. May God help us to become more like Jesus in all these ways.
Jesus, You are the Saviour that every person needs, no matter what their background, nationality or culture. Thank You that by Your death You made life possible for each and every one of us. In response to Your love, may I not just be a spiritual consumer in my church, but a servant who humbly serves You and Your church. May I become more like You in the way I live, love and lead. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
Copyright © 2022 Justin Lim. All rights reserved.
