Day 25 - Jesus Predicts His Death

Big Scripture: John 12:20–25, 32–33 (NLT)

20 Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration 21 paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, “Sir, we want to meet Jesus.” 22 Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus. 23 Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. 24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. 25 Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.  

32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate how he was going to die.  

Big Idea:

In this story, some Gentiles (people who were not Jewish but feared God) had traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover and they wanted to meet Jesus. They had heard stories about the miracles and the healings, and they were curious. When the disciples let Jesus know, His answer seemed a little odd. He started talking about how the time had come for Him to “enter into His glory.” Then He talked about seeds dying. What was this all about? What did He mean?  

There is something about the request of the Greeks that caused Jesus to realize the hour of His suffering and death was near. When most people think of glory they think of victory, power, and strength. Jesus realized that His path to glory was going to be marked by pain, sorrow, and death. He then used the example of the seed to explain that through His death, many would experience life. Every farmer and gardener knows that a seed has to fall in the ground and die so that there can be greater life.  

Jesus challenged His disciples to do the same. No, none of us can die for the world’s sins, but there is a way in which we can lay our lives down. As we serve and love others, we will find true life both here on earth and forever in heaven.  

Jesus knew that He would have to be lifted up on a cross if He was going to draw everyone to Himself. When we see Jesus dying on the cross for us it helps us in two ways. Objectively, we can know that His sacrifice and His victory is enough for us. Subjectively, our hearts can be moved by the beauty of what He did.  

Big Questions:

    Have you ever tried to plant something (a flower or plant)? How did it go?  

    How did Jesus respond to the request from the Greeks?  

    In your own words, what was Jesus trying to teach us by using the example of the kernel of wheat?  

    What are some ways you can lay down your life to serve and love others?  

Big Prayer:

God,  
Thank You that Jesus came to die so I could live. Help me to live not for myself but for Your glory and for the good of those around me. There are so many times when I am selfish, times when I make decisions or say words that help me and might hurt others. Please forgive me of those times when I love myself more than You. Help me to see the truth of what Jesus did for me at the Cross and help me to see the beauty of what He did for me at the Cross. Fill my heart with truth and beauty so that I can both know and experience Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.