| There is a great stir in Jerusalem. It is the time of the Passover (John 12:1,12,20). There is excitement over the fact that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. This caused the Jewish leaders much concern. So, they were plotting how to kill, not only Jesus, but also Lazarus (John 12:9-11). Jesus' triumphal entry produced a great outpouring of enthusiasm from the common people, including children. This only added to the anger and frustration of the Jewish leaders (John 12:12-19 cp. Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-38). Greek proselytes, also coming to the Passover feast, have entered town. Hearing of the reputation of Jesus, they make a request to see Him. Jesus did not go see them. Instead He made a picture for their mind: a grain of wheat, going into the ground, dying, then bringing forth new life, bearing much fruit (John 12:20-24). Since we cannot see Jesus, personally and physically today, it would be good for us to pay attention to this word-picture so that we can "see" Jesus as those Greek proselytes were instructed to do.
The Request: "...We would see Jesus." (John 12:21)
The Answer (John 12:23-26):
• Something glorious is about to happen. Meeting me physically will not be important (John 12:23). Knowing me in your mind and heart will enable you to also know the Heavenly Father (John 12:44-50 cp. John 5:19-25; 6:44-45; 14:1-11,23; I John 2:21-24).
• Though we call it death, I am actually being planted, like a seed, for the purpose of producing a harvest of eternal worth (John 12:24 cp. Matthew 16:21-23; I Corinthians 15:12-26).
• Prepare yourself to meet me by being willing to join me. I came not into this world to enjoy this life. I invested myself for a heavenly purpose. If you are willing to deny yourself and also be planted in this world, serving me, the Father will honor you for all eternity (John 12:25-26; 20:21 cp. Matthew 16:24-26; 10:24-33; II Timothy 2:8-13).
The Death of Christ:
• Is glorious because it reveals the Father's Holiness. He hated sin so much that His own Son would have to die to pay our penalty. See Psalm 22:1-3; Romans 3:23-26; 8:3,32; II Corinthians 5:21.
• Is glorious because it reveals the Father's Love. He was willing to send His Son to pay that price for us. See John 3:16; I John 3:16; Romans 5:6-8.
• Is glorious because it reveals the Father's Wisdom. The cross of Christ defeated Satan (John 12:27-31 cp. Colossians 2:14-15; Hebrews 2:14-15; I John 3:8; Romans 11:33-36).
• Is glorious because it fulfills the Scriptures. We know the Gospel is of God and that we
may depend upon the Bible because of the fulfillment of so many old testament
Scriptures (John 12:23,27,32-33 cp. John 3:14-17; 5:24,37-47; 8:28; Matthew 26:51-54;
Luke 24:44-48; I Corinthians 15:1-4).
• Is glorious because of Christ's resurrection from the dead. Now, the power of the resurrection is released on earth in the lives of Christ's followers (John 12:32 cp. John 7:37-39; 11:25-26).
See also Galatians 2:20; Philippians 3:10. Note:
> Romans 8:1-4 – The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus.
> Romans 8:10-13 – The Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the Dead.
> Romans 8:14-18 – The Spirit of Adoption (see vs. 23).
Note: Our Security and hope (see vs. 28-39).
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