What needs to die?

John 12:20–33 ESV

Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

What is something that has happened in your life that although difficult (painful, annoying, sorrowful, etc.) was beneficial to you?

Central Truth- Death brings forth life.

Subject- How does death bring forth life?

compliment- Death brings forth life through (1) Denial of self, (2) acknowledgement of authority, (3) prioritization of purpose.

Context: At the festival of passover, these greeks approach the disciples seeking Jesus. They likely approach Phillip for his greek name. Jesus affirms that his time has come for his purpose (i.e. his death, burial, and resurrection).

Exegetical notes:

Jesus’ parable on the wheat seed:

Jesus compares his death to that of a seed of what, who’s death is necessary for fruit to bear, for new life to come into being. The same is true of the death of Jesus. He had to die for life to come. Through the death of Jesus, life comes to all who trust in Him for salvation.

Jesus’ teaching on life:

Jesus doesn't want us to hate life; quite the opposite. Jesus himself is not only the giver of Life but the supreme enjoyer of life! We see this through Jesus’ enjoyment of people, his fellowship with disciples, care and compassion, and the delighting in dinner parties, and performing wonders at weddings. A better understanding of this verse, calls us to guard our delight of the things of this would in comparison to eternal things. This life is not all that there is; for if we think this way, we will certainly lose our lives (as we will not be truly living the Way of Jesus).

Following Jesus doesn't only mean believing in Him for salvation- it means doing as He did and desiring to Be with Him!

This way of living - to die to self for the sake of others troubled even Jesus! But it is through the denial of self that the Father is glorified. It is through the death of Jesus that satan will have no authority and the salvation of every tribe, tongue, and nation will be real.

Application question: What in your life needs to die for fruit to bear?