Scripture: John 12

Key points to ponder: “The hour has come for the Son of Man (Jesus) to be glorified.” His hour refers to his death on the cross.  Up to this point Jesus kept saying, “my hour has not come.” Now it has come. Why? There were some Greeks that went to Jesus’ disciples asking to see Jesus (vv. 20-22) right before Jesus makes this statement about his hour coming. Now that all people groups are believing in Jesus it is time for him to lay down his life (John 10:16; 12:32). Jesus goes on to say that we as his followers are meant to emulate his sacrifice with our lives (vv. 24-26). One pastor put it like this: “my dying for your salvation is my design for your imitation.”

Challenging terms: Verses 12-15 and then 37-40 are quotes from the Old Testament to show how Jesus fulfilled the promises that were made about him. Hosanna (v. 13) means, save now. Philip and Andrew are 2 of Jesus’ disciples (vv. 21-22). Son of Man is Jesus (v. 23). “Anyone who hates their life…” (v. 25). This isn’t a literal hate, but simply means that we would love the pleasures of this world so much less than we do living for Christ. The prince of this world (v. 31) is Satan, and Satan is driven out through Christ’s death on the cross. “And I, when I am lifted up…” (v. 32). Lifted up refers to being lifted from the ground, which is referring to Jesus crucifixion. 

Question: Since Jesus says that we experience life through dying to ourselves (vv. 24-26), what is an area of life that you need to die to yourself in order to truly experience life?

Prayer: Father, thank you so much that Jesus was willing to face “his hour” so that I may truly experience life. 

Consider praying that God would give you courage and boldness to die to your own selfishness so that you may truly experience life.