Glory Time

Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. ²¹They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” ²²Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. ²³Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. ²⁴Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. ²⁵Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. ²⁶Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. John 12:20-26

Throughout the gospel of John, Jesus performed signs that he was the Messiah. These signs allowed those with eyes of faith to understand what God was doing. The final sign that reveals God's plan for salvation is Jesus' death and resurrection. This sign was designed to take place at a particular time and place. As Jesus entered the first Holy Week, he sensed the time was upon him as both Jewish and non-Jewish visitors entered Jerusalem for the Passover celebration. The timing would allow a maximum number of people to be exposed to Christ's death on the cross, creating a greater opportunity for people to come to believe Jesus was the Messiah. And just like the grain of wheat that in death produces life, so to will Christ's journey to the cross produce the promise of eternal life for all who believe.


As contemplated his journey to the cross he knew he would both fulfill God's plan and be incredibly painful.

Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. ²⁸Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” ²⁹The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” ³⁰Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. ³¹Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. ³²And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” ³³He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. ³⁴The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” ³⁵Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. ³⁶While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.” John 12:27-36

The time had come for Jesus to go to the cross. He understood everything he had done had led to this point. The healings brought the crowds, the teaching opened minds and hearts, and his followers would share the good news. Jesus is the light of the world and came to eradicate all darkness. He did this for you, me, and all of humanity. He gave his life so we might live. Let us walk as children of the light.


Prayer: Lord, let me walk in your light and see the promise of your Son. Prepare my heart to receive your love in this most Holy Week, in Jesus' name, AMEN.