A study of John 12:20-36 reveals one truth from two opposites, a sacrifice for all mankind, and a spiritual lesson from light and darkness.
A study of John 12:20-36 reveals one truth from two opposites.
Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. (ESV, John 12:26-27)
During religious feasts like the Passover, both Jews and Greeks traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate it in the Jewish capital. In this passage, some Greeks approach Phillip and ask to see Jesus. The term “Greeks” in V.20 suggests they weren’t specifically from Greece, but Gentiles from a Greek speaking region. Possibly one close to Bethsaida where Phillip was from. And maybe they approached Phillip because he had a Gentile name and they felt a kinsmanship with him, even though he was a Jew.
Who were these Greeks that wanted to see Jesus?
They could have been proselytes who converted to Judaism, non-converts who feared God, or simply curious due to Jesus’ growing reputation. John doesn’t say. And Phillip seems unsure what to do. So he asks Andrew who takes him to ask Jesus. And the engagement we anticipate evaporates like a puff of smoke. Because instead, Jesus announces his time to be glorified has come and then he shares a metaphor.
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. (ESV, John 12:24)
Looking back today, the metaphor makes sense. But probably didn’t to those at the time. Because Jesus was talking about his crucifixion, the resurrection, and the new spiritual life that would grow from his death. It would have a life producing, multiplying effect.
The lesson of love and hate
Jesus goes on to say those who love their life will lose it and those who hate their life will keep it for eternity. What does he mean by this?
His point is not about the two emotions, but on a loyalty they represent. People that love their life focus on themselves. It is the I in sin that also defines it. In contrast, Jesus teaches us to serve him by serving others. To look outward rather than inward. And he demonstrated it by washing the feet of the disciples during the last supper. It is the power of his indwelling Spirit that moves us beyond self-interest to demonstrating interest in others.
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. (ESV, John 12:24)
Jesus again alludes to his death. Just as a kernel of wheat germinates when it dies and grows to produces a crop, Jesus would also die. But his resurrection would produce a crop and therefore a spiritual harvest of people who through faith in him would gain eternal life.
A study of John 12:20-36 reveals a sacrifice for all mankind.
Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” (ESV, John 12:27-28)
Jesus pauses to express anxiety as he anticipates what is ahead. The Greek word for “troubled” is tarassō, which means to trouble, stir or agitate as to roil water. And he even mentions a potential rescue by his father. Like us, in his humanity, he considers “what if” regarding his choices. But then reasserts his commitment to carry out the father’s purpose to glorify his name. And a voice from heaven affirms Jesus is indeed, glorifying the father.
What does it mean for Jesus to be glorified?
The Greek word for “glorified” is doxazō, which means to be glorified, honored, exalted, and made manifest in splendor. In his Gospel, John means to honor, magnify and reveal greatness. And Jesus does this through obedience to the father in his sacrificial death on the cross and resurrection.
Jesus then speaks about his death with more detail and an additional meaning.
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. (ESV, John 12:32-33)
Two meanings for “lifted up from the earth.”
First, there is the physical act of lifting Jesus up on the cross. But there is also his ultimate exaltation to the right hand of God after his resurrection that will draw all people to him. By sacrificing himself for us and rising from the dead, Jesus defeated both sin and death. And through him we can too.
The Greek word for “draw” is hĕlkō, which literally means to drag, draw, pull, haul or compel by forceful movement. It’s used to describe Peter drawing his sword when Jesus is arrested and hauling in a catch of fish. In this context it is used figuratively to mean powerfully attracting people to Jesus in faith. The words “all people” doesn’t mean everyone will put their faith in Jesus. But to communicate the inclusivity of the Gospel. Jesus invites all mankind–Jew and Gentile–to compose the New Testament church.
John records Jesus speaking about this earlier in his Gospel.
“I have other sheep which are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd.” (ESV, John 10:16)
A study of John 12:20-36 reveals a spiritual lesson from light and darkness
So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” (ESV, John 12:35-36)
The people are confused when Jesus says he must be lifted up. It illustrates their misunderstanding about his real purpose as a sacrificial savior. And they express this misunderstanding.
We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man? (ESV, John 12:34)
In other words, the Messiah they expected was a conquering king who would establish an earthly kingdom and rule forever. However, the kingdom Jesus spoke of was spiritual rather than physical. But rather than accept this they questioned if Jesus was actually the one they expected. Perhaps the Son of Man, as he called himself, was someone completely different.
It once again illustrates the stubborness of human hearts. People fail to recognize who Jesus is because he doesn’t meet their expectations. So it is important that we study the scriptures and form expectations on what scripture reveals about the character of God, his purpose, and plan for the eternal order.
Light and Darkness
Light and darkness are common spiritual themes in John and throughout the New Testament. And here it includes a warning of future judgment. Perhaps in a modern, hip paraphrase, Jesus might say, “Wake up people and open your eyes! The light is right before you. It’s me.”
The Greek word for “overtake” is katalambanō, which means to take eagerly, seize, and possess. For us, sunset represents a gradual descent of the sun as darkness overtakes the earth. But when Jesus is gone, the darkness will be immediate and overwhelming. Perhaps the idea of being seized and possessed by it better describes a spiritual reality without God’s illumination. So don’t let darkness seize you. Instead, seize the moment, believe in Jesus, and become sons of light. Or as John says in his first chapter.
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (ESV, John 1:12)
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
A Family Friendly Funny Book
Family Stew is a warm, laugh-out-loud collection of stories on life in a middle-class, suburban Christian family. With a storyteller’s heart and a comedian’s timing, Tudor captures the messiness, chaos, and joy experienced when faith, parenting, and daily routines collide.
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