Daily Bread 2011 – John 12
Jesus Predicts His Death
20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. 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. 23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, 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. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 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.
What Does This Mean?
This Sunday is Palm Sunday, when Jesus came riding in on a donkey with throngs of people shouting, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna, Hosanna to God in the highest”. These were shouts of acclamation meant for a King, and the Messiah. The palm branches were symbolic of a victorious king coming home after a war. Yet, Jesus chose not to ride a war horse, but a young donkey. This was fulfillment of a prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 that “Your king will come riding on young donkey.” The donkey was a symbol of humble service, a beast of burden that carried people’s loads.
In this next passage, Jesus begins to explain what kind of King he would be. One who would lose his life for those he serves. He likens it to a grain of wheat that falls to the ground and dies. Through its being broken open it produces many seeds. He then says that this is the type of lives those who follow Him will lead. Not living for themselves, but dying to self and multiplying their lives through serving others.
What Does This Mean For Us?
We all fight the tendency to make things “all about me”. We all fight just trying to keep that single seed going. But the reality is our influence on the world comes as that seed is broken open and it produces many seeds. This can happen in many ways and is the path of discipleship. It is a process and where we will certainly take two steps forward and three steps back. At least that has been my experience.
Importantly what is Jesus calling you to “die to” today?
The Good News is that though death is never easy, but it leads to the production of a good harvest when it is done in obedience to follow Jesus. And when God is a part of it, the multiplication is one that has eternal significance.
Heavenly Father we all need to die to being in control and looking out for number one. Through the power of Your Spirit lead us to die to self so we might produce much fruit like Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
Jesus Predicts His Death
20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. 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. 23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, 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. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 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.
What Does This Mean?
This Sunday is Palm Sunday, when Jesus came riding in on a donkey with throngs of people shouting, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna, Hosanna to God in the highest”. These were shouts of acclamation meant for a King, and the Messiah. The palm branches were symbolic of a victorious king coming home after a war. Yet, Jesus chose not to ride a war horse, but a young donkey. This was fulfillment of a prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 that “Your king will come riding on young donkey.” The donkey was a symbol of humble service, a beast of burden that carried people’s loads.
In this next passage, Jesus begins to explain what kind of King he would be. One who would lose his life for those he serves. He likens it to a grain of wheat that falls to the ground and dies. Through its being broken open it produces many seeds. He then says that this is the type of lives those who follow Him will lead. Not living for themselves, but dying to self and multiplying their lives through serving others.
What Does This Mean For Us?
We all fight the tendency to make things “all about me”. We all fight just trying to keep that single seed going. But the reality is our influence on the world comes as that seed is broken open and it produces many seeds. This can happen in many ways and is the path of discipleship. It is a process and where we will certainly take two steps forward and three steps back. At least that has been my experience.
Importantly what is Jesus calling you to “die to” today?
The Good News is that though death is never easy, but it leads to the production of a good harvest when it is done in obedience to follow Jesus. And when God is a part of it, the multiplication is one that has eternal significance.
Heavenly Father we all need to die to being in control and looking out for number one. Through the power of Your Spirit lead us to die to self so we might produce much fruit like Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
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