3-1614 Jesus and the Greeks

20Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” 22Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.

23Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24Very 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.25Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.26Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

27“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28Father, glorify your name!” (John 12:20-27)

Thoughts: The festival talked about here was the Passover.  It was the time of sacrifice in which every Jewish family bought or brought a lamb to be sacrificed for them to save them from the angel of death. Greeks, who could have been proselytes or could have been seekers of truth (which the Greeks were known for), asked to see Jesus.  They asked Philip, who had a Greek name.  We too should seek to see Jesus and get to know Him.  

When they approached Jesus, Jesus gave some surprising and memorable words.  He did not just say, "I'll go see them."  He talked about the Son of Man being glorified, dying in order to bear fruit.  Jesus knew that his death was the way to reach the whole world.  He also knew his popularity and the fact that even foreigners were seeking him, meant His conflict with those who wish to kill Him.   Jesus was courageous in facing His enemies and His death.  He knew it was for a great good and He did not retreat.  Neither should we be afraid or shrink back from holding forth the Gospel.  Not in hostility to those who oppose it, but simply as a way to lift high the cross.
     Stories abound of people trying to silence the Christian message as they tried to kill Lazarus for just being raised (12:10).  The Air Force Academy was caught telling a cadet to erase a scripture verse from his dorm room's white board.  Other places are told to take down memorial crosses from public places.  While we do not wish hostility, we should not shrink from being offended at those who are offended at our existence or our message.  Freedom of speech and freedom of religion allow different points of view.  So Jesus said whoever loves their life (their eternal life) will hold loosely to this earthly life.  As we stand up for our faith, no matter the cost, we glorify God.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to speak up for you as you were not ashamed to go to the cross for me.