Jesus Faces the Cross

GOLDEN TEXT: “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” —John 12:25

JOHN 12:20-32

JESUS’ enemies in and about Jerusalem had for some time been seeking an opportunity to arrest him. Knowing that the Heavenly Father’s due time for him to die had not yet come, Jesus had purposely been avoiding them. This is why he was in Galilee when Lazarus of Bethany died. However, in order that the “glory of God” might be manifested, he returned and awakened Lazarus from the sleep of death. This miracle increased the Master’s popularity and consequently the enmity of his enemies.

“Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews.” (John 11:54) Thus, when “certain Greeks” desired to interview him, they first spoke to Philip, then Philip and Andrew discussed the matter and presented the request to Jesus.

Seemingly Philip and Andrew decided that the Greeks in question meant no harm to the Master. On the contrary, the manner in which he replied to them could indicate that they considered it a special sign of honor to the cause that these Greeks should be seeking an interview with Jesus. Perhaps they saw in it an indication that a new field of opportunity and service was opening up, one in which their Master would not need to move about in so restricted a manner. However, instead of granting the interview, Jesus said, “The hour is come, that the Son of Man should be glorified. Verily, verily I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.”—vss. 23,24

This answer strongly indicates that in the disciples’ opinion the proposed interview with the Greeks would lead to a more popular service for Jesus, and an escape from the constant threat of arrest and death. But it made it clear to them that Jesus did not expect to escape death, that to do so would defeat the divine purpose in his coming to earth. He had remained out of reach of his enemies only until the “hour” for his death had come, and now that it was near he would not attempt to escape.

This thought is further emphasized in the next verse, which is our Golden Text. It sets forth the same principle that Jesus stated on the occasion when Peter endeavored to dissuade him from going to Jerusalem, thus giving his enemies an opportunity to arrest him. (Matt. 16:22-25) Jesus had covenanted to lay down his life in sacrifice. He knew that this was the Heavenly Father’s will for him, and now to consider ways and means of saving his life would have disastrous results.

Jesus was just as interested in a successful ministry as were the disciples, but he knew that the Father’s plan was that he first must be “lifted up,” and then, as a result of this, “all men” would be drawn to him. (vs. 32) “This he said,” John notes, “signifying what death he should die.”—vs. 33

The Master again emphasized that those who desired to serve him and the messianic cause could do so only on the condition that they be willing to follow him, and to be with him, even though it should lead to dishonor and death.

The Revised Standard Version renders verse 27 thus: “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour?’ No, for this purpose I have come to this hour.” Obviously this gives the correct thought. Jesus knew that it was his Father’s will that he should die, and he had covenanted to lay down his life; so, regardless of the suffering involved, he would not ask to be saved from this “hour” of trial. What he did request was that in the experience his Father’s name would be glorified.

The death and resurrection of Jesus marked a definite turning point in the divine plan for the redemption and salvation of the human race. Previous to this, much preparation had been made and promises given, but the reign of sin and death, under the dictatorship of Satan, was permitted to go on unchecked. Concerning this Paul said, “The times of this ignorance God winked at,” then added, “but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent.”—Acts 17:30

In Hebrews 2:14 Paul explains that it was through his sacrificial death that Jesus was placed in a position to destroy, or render powerless, “him that had the power of death, that is, the Devil.” Jesus understood that his death would lead ultimately to the complete “casting out” of the “prince of this world,” that the judgment, or trial, beginning with “the house” of God would continue until all mankind were given a full opportunity to take their stand on the side of God and of righteousness. Thus he said, “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.” Yes, Jesus’ death guarantees that all mankind will be given a new trial for life, and that Satan will be rendered powerless.

QUESTIONS

What may have been the reason Jesus did not grant an interview with the “Greeks” who requested to see him?

Explain the principle set forth by Jesus in his statement, “He that loveth his life shall lose it.”

Why was it necessary for Jesus to lose his life?

Why did Jesus not ask his Father to save him from his hour of trial and death?

Explain the statement, “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.”

| Home Page | Table of Contents |