The Path of Paradox: Dying to Live

Theme: We must embrace the death of our self-will to enter the fruitfulness of God’s life.

Thrust: The urgent necessity for us to surrender our "now" for God’s "eternal."

John 12:20–36 KJV 1900

20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: 21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. 22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. 24 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. 25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. 27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. 28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. 29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. 30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. 31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. 32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 33 This he said, signifying what death he should die. 34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? 35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. 36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

Introduction

Self-preservation is something we all understand. From childhood, we are taught to look out for ourselves. We are taught to protect our own interests at all costs. In today’s society, self-preservation has reached a new level. Now, we are taught that we are the only ones who can know what is right or wrong for us. We are also taught never to allow anyone to tell us what is right or wrong. In fact, achievement or success is measured by how much a person can acquire materially and by how important we become to those around us. Ultimately, even if we don’t achieve what the world has set as the standard, that is acceptable, for you are your own person, and no one has any right to determine how you live your life as long as you live it the way you want to live it. Yet the funny thing is this. The more we try to buy into that line of thinking, and the more we achieve or succeed, the more isolated and empty most people become.

Last week, we were part of a private dinner party where two people were confronted with their worship of Christ as King. Both responded in opposite ways, reflecting the division building in the public over Christ and His claim to be God. We also noted that Chapter 12 is the turning point. It is the time when Christ ceases His public ministry and spends the last week before the cross with His disciples. There is much to learn from this chapter. However, as we pick up today, we encounter a group of Greeks (Gentiles) who come with a simple, profound request: “Sir, we would see Jesus.” They wanted to perceive the King, but Jesus did not show them a crown. Instead, He talks to them about seeds. He introduces a concept that makes no sense to our natural, fallen minds - a path where victory looks like surrender and life is only found in a grave.

This morning, we must realize that our natural inclination to “save ourselves” is the very thing starving our souls. We are often like the “corn of wheat” that prefers the safety of the granary, only to find that we are abiding there completely alone. This message is for everyone here because we all struggle with the “troubled soul” that fears what it might have to give in following Christ. All of us need to hear this because the “little while” of our opportunity is fading, and the darkness of self-will is a predator waiting to seize the heart that hesitates.

Proposition: To move from isolation to fruitfulness, we must embrace the paradox of the Cross: we must die to our self-will to enter the fullness of life Christ offers.

Transition: As we begin this Path of Paradox, let’s first look at the visitors who started this conversation and realize that...

We Must Exchange Curiosity for Connection (vv. 20-22)

The key to this chapter is a simple thought. Christ desires more than mere acknowledgment of who He is. He desires a personal relationship. Thus, in this chapter, we reach a defining moment when we are challenged to move from being mere observers, or, as we might say, “curious spectators” who want to “see” Him, to being committed followers who are intimately connected to Him. As we noted in last week’s message, when you come face to face with the reality that Christ is God and that He came on a rescue mission, you face a decision. You cannot remain neutral or merely admire from a distance.

Note what happens next in this great chapter.

John 12:20–22 KJV 1900

20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: 21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. 22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.

Now, you must remember that this is the last time Christ deals with the public, offering Himself as Messiah and Savior. As we will see, this is the last time He offers Himself to Israel as their King. It will be the beginning of Christ’s mission to open salvation to the whole world. Therefore, there is great significance that these Greeks (Gentiles) have come to the feast to worship. As they are there, they, of course, have heard of Jesus, His ministry, and His miracles. They approach Philip and ask a question that becomes the heart and soul of this chapter. They say, “Sir, we would see Jesus.” They desired Him. The word “desired” is notable in the original Greek. It entails more than merely observing Jesus. It is a word of desire and of purposeful will. It means they wanted more than just a glimpse of Him or to sit by and observe Him. No, they wanted an interview. They desired to sit and talk with Him so they could learn more about Him and have a personal relationship with Him. As noted in the account, Philip sought out Andrew, and together they brought them to Jesus.

The point is that we must exchange curiosity for connection comes from the Greeks’ desire to “see” Jesus. In my word study, I realized that the word “see” has more depth than merely looking at something. There is a mental aspect to this word that is often lost in our English translation. Historically, the Greeks were deep thinkers. They were philosophers. When it came to “seeing” Christ, they wanted something more than simply observing Him. The word “see” carries the connotation of “perceiving with the mind.” These men would not be satisfied with merely observing Jesus in action. No, they wanted to comprehend Him. Jesus’ reaction to them is further proof. He greets them not with words of welcome, but simply dives straight into Who He is and why He came. Look at verse 23.

John 12:23 KJV 1900

23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

What does this tell us? It tells us that if we truly want to “see (perceive)” Jesus as He is, we must see Him through the lens of Calvary and the cross. Listen carefully to this next statement. Casual curiosity is an insufficient bridge to Christ, the Son of God.

Why is that important to know? The simple fact is that “perceiving” Christ requires a “spiritual capacity” that the natural, sinful mind does not possess. As with the Greeks, the path to knowing Christ begins with natural curiosity, but it is not sufficient. Remember that there were plenty of people other than the Greeks who were following and observing Jesus. They, too, had natural curiosity. Later in this same story, a voice from Heaven is heard. Many in that crowd simply thought God’s voice was nothing more than thunder. Just as those people did, many hear the sound of the gospel but completely miss the message. However, the Greeks were different. They wanted to see the King of the Jews. They desired it. What did Jesus show them? Not a King, but a Seed. He showed them the Son of Man who must die so that we might live. Connection happens when we stop looking at Jesus merely out of curiosity and truly long to know Him as the Savior who died for you and me.

How do we move from curiosity to a genuine connection with Him? You must stop treating His Word, Scripture, as if you were reading a history book. Let me ask you a simple question that I believe will help you assess your relationship with Christ. When you read God’s Word, are you simply looking for “facts” about Jesus, or are you seeking to “know” Him deeply? I often hear people complain about how distant God feels to them. Perhaps He is distant because you have taken the position of observer rather than participant? You are more like those who sit by, waiting to observe a miracle, rather than the Greeks who came seeking Him not to see miracles, but to experience a personal relationship.

Let me encourage you not to miss your opportunity. As this chapter closes and we get to next week’s message, Christ says just that. The “hour” of opportunity to have a deep, personal relationship with Christ is now, not later.

It is one thing to desire a connection with the King, as the Greeks did. However, it is quite another to accept the conditions Christ set as the King. Once we move past our initial curiosity and come face-to-face with Jesus, we quickly discover that the relationship we seek is not found through a casual conversation but through a radical transformation - and to understand that transformation, ...

We Must Master the Logic of the Seed (vv. 23-25)

Now comes a paradox. The Christian life is a world of paradox. In our text today, Christ gives us one of the biggest of them all. Isolation is the result of self-preservation, while multiplication is the result of self-sacrifice. Fruitful people, according to Christ, who, like a seed, are willing to die so that they might truly live.

John 12:23–25 KJV 1900

23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. 24 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. 25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

Jesus now provides the Greeks and us with a practical illustration to help us understand this paradox. Note first that Christ said, “The hour is come.” He then uses the illustration of “a corn of wheat” that falls into the ground, dies, and then brings forth “much fruit.” He immediately gives us the explanation by saying, “He that loveth his life shall lose it, and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.”

At the heart of this is the statement that when the seed falls into the ground and dies, it “abideth alone.” It is contrasted with the fact that this dead seed goes on to give “much fruit.” The spiritual principle that Christ teaches is as follows. The logic of this world (natural, sinful) stands in contrast to God’s law. We think we need to keep what we have and, for the most part, increase it. However, Christ states the opposite. He says that keeping what we have only leads to losing it. Later in this text, Christ states that He must be lifted up so that all men would come unto Him. As we know, this was a reference to His impending death. Thus, if Christ had to die to bear fruit, we too must die if we are to bear any spiritual fruit.

Think about the seed He spoke of for a minute. If you take a single kernel of wheat and leave it sitting in a granary, what happens? Nothing. It is isolated. It is safe. It is useless. However, if you take that same single kernel of wheat, bury it in the ground, and allow it to die, what happens? As we know, it will eventually sprout. Life comes from death. Over time, as the rain falls and the sun shines, that sprout will grow into a full plant that eventually yields many other kernels of wheat. You might say this morning, so what, or what does it even mean for me? That is a great question. It means this. You can spend your entire life chasing your dreams, hopes, and plans, accumulating all kinds of material wealth, and, at the end of your life, find that you are alone and that it was all in vain. Many do. Or you can put to death your wishes, dreams, hopes, plans, and opinions by exchanging them for a relationship with Christ. Many see this as death. However, the reality is that when you die to self and embrace Christ, you truly begin to live. You see, “hating” one’s life isn’t about loathing oneself. It is more about your willingness to let go of your life and give it to Christ so that you can be fruitful.

Many people live “alone” even when they are in a relationship. Husbands feel alone. Wives feel alone. Parents. Children. All of them are seeking what they can get. They live pursuing their own self-interests. Too often, those relationships are shattered because one or both refuse to give up what they want. They believe that if they can secure the next promotion, a larger house, a place on the lake, or the right person who will fulfill their dreams, they will be happy. They chase after those things and never find them. They literally lose their lives in pursuit of what pleases them. Christ is saying to you this morning to let it all die. Give it all up. Exchange your pursuit of selfish desires for me. When you do, you will find not just eternal life, but a life of purpose and fulfillment you have never experienced before. As I mentioned earlier, the time is now. Oh, and by the way, that loneliness you feel as you pursue your dreams also changes when you accept Him. For in that moment, Christ gives you His Spirit, and He promises that He will never leave you nor forsake you.

We must recognize that to live, we must die, and to be fruitful, we must be planted. But Jesus reminds us that the opportunity to make this exchange will not last forever—the Light is with us only for a “little while.” Lest the darkness of our own reasoning and delay seize us, we must take the decisive step of the will today. To ensure we are children of the Light,...

We Must Resolve the Struggle of the Hour (v. 26-36)

Let’s settle the conflict between our “troubled souls” and God’s glory. How do we proceed with this? We do this by choosing to walk in the LIGHT (Jesus Christ) while the door is open to us. Please be careful that you do not allow your internal agitation to paralyze you into indecision.

Why do I say that? I say it because of what happens in our text.

John 12:26–36 KJV 1900

26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. 27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. 28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. 29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. 30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. 31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. 32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 33 This he said, signifying what death he should die. 34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? 35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. 36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

Christ transitions from the seed illustration to the duty of a servant. Note that “If any man serve me, let him follow me.” He then acknowledges His troubled soul by saying, “Now is my soul troubled.” In the end, Christ issues a final warning, “Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you.”

There is now an urgent shift in Christ’s message. It is no longer just about a seed; it is about the stark reality of a “troubled” soul. The word “troubled” means “agitated or restless.” I find it interesting that Christ did not ignore the struggle He felt. He is our example. He demonstrates the importance of acknowledging that we struggle with spiritual matters. How does He resolve it? He offers another great example. He resolves his own inner struggle by choosing once again the Father’s glory over His own “hour” of safety. This final movement of our text is a call to action. Christ is calling all those who have not accepted Him to “believe” and “walk.” This entire text is about the great paradox of the Christian life. A life must die so that much fruit might be realized. Christ now validates this Path of Paradox by bringing everyone to a definitive moment. It is a moment of decision. He is asking them and us to take a definitive step of the will.

No one sitting here this morning has not experienced the same “troubled soul” that Christ acknowledged. Christ was not troubled by the cross. Instead, I believe Christ was troubled by the reality that many surrounding Him in that moment would soon cry, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” He was troubled by the knowledge that they would not “believe” and “walk.” This reality occurs across the globe every day. Every day, someone recognizes that Christ is the Savior of the World. He is the Light that can overcome their darkness. It troubles them. They begin to wrestle with it. The same battle rages within them that we see in Judas and the religious leaders. They begin calculating the cost of accepting Him. Will I have to give up my popularity, my wealth, or my life? The answer is yes. Therein lies the state of the troubled soul. It is a struggle realized when they understand that following Jesus means “death” to all their own plans. Yet what they miss is this. They miss having a relationship with the God of the Universe that surpasses any relationship this world offers. They miss a sense of life fulfillment that defies explanation. They overlook the fact that this relationship with God will last for eternity. Their focus on what the world offers right here and now blinds them to eternity in the glorious presence of the Savior.

If that is you this morning, don’t let this “hour” pass. Be like the Greeks and desire to see Jesus. Open your heart to Him. Allow your dreams to die. Put to death your own will. Accept Him as the Savior who died so that you might truly live. Don’t just admire Him. Seek Him out. Go after Him.

You might think you have plenty of time and can wait until another day. I would say perhaps you can, and you might. Unfortunately, none of us is guaranteed tomorrow or even the next moment. We all know that reality all too well. There is no better time than now to seek Him. Christ plainly said, “Yet a little while is the light with you.” He then said, “While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.” Don’t let your reasoning, arguments, and opinions become a smoke screen for disobedience. Believe in the Light now so that you might be a child of Light before the darkness overtakes you for all eternity.

Conclusion

As we conclude today, we must reckon with the truth that Jesus has laid before us.

A relationship with Christ begins when we move beyond mere “curiosity” to a deep, personal relationship with Him. The “logic of the seed” is that if we cling to our lives in self-preservation, we are guaranteed a life that is barren and “abiding alone.” However, in contrast, if we are willing to die to self, we will find a path to producing “much fruit.” The reality is that many people struggle when they face the fact that Christ is the Savior and are “troubled” because they are unwilling to put to death their ambitions, dreams, and desires in exchange for Him.

The time is now. God is calling you from curiosity to connection. Thus, I urge you to stop protecting your “life,” which you are so afraid to lose. Stop protecting your reputation, comfort, and plans. Instead, fall into the ground of God’s will. If you are feeling “troubled” in your soul this morning, do not see it as a barrier; see it as God’s pulling at your heartstrings as He draws you unto Himself. Exchange your pursuit of selfish desires for Him. When you do, you will find a life of purpose and fulfillment that this world simply cannot offer.

What I am saying this morning is not religious rubbish; it is a matter of life and death, of light and darkness. Jesus clearly warned that the Light is with us only for a “little while.” Any delay is a risk. It is a risk of allowing the continued darkness of this world and of your soul to blind you to the way of eternal life. Your “hour” of opportunity is here, right now.

Remember that the seed that refuses to die may stay safe in the granary, but it will always abide alone; only the seed that is willing to be buried can truly live.

Altar Call

PRAY

Every head is bowed, and every eye is closed. Instead of standing today, I want you to remain seated. I want you to simply reflect on the message. Just as those who heard the voice from Heaven in our text today, perhaps you hear God calling you today. Like the Greeks at the feast, you are meeting Christ face-to-face.

The “hour” of decision is here. For some of you, your soul is “troubled” because you realize that “seeing” Jesus means surrendering your own will. You have been “abiding alone” in the safety of your own plans, but you are ready to be planted in the fertile soil of God’s grace.

Do not let the “little while” of this moment pass you by. Do not let the darkness of indecision become the darkness of eternity.

•     If you need to move from curiosity to connection and accept Christ as your Savior for the first time - the Seed who died so you might live - I invite you to come.

•     If you are a believer who has been “loving your life” and staying isolated, and you need to die to a specific area of self-will today, I invite you to come.

Step you from where you are. Walk in the Light while the Light is with you. Come now, exchange your “now” for His “eternity.”