Untitled Sermon (3)
We Want To See Jesus
A crisis (12:9–19). The stir created by raising Lazarus brought fresh crowds to Jesus. His renewed popularity created a panic among His enemies and convinced them that a crisis existed. How significant. The gift of life given to Lazarus moved Jesus’ enemies to act against Him and to take Jesus’ life! The eternal life Jesus gives also comes at the cost of His own.
“Greeks” (12:20). These were Gentiles, not Greek-speaking Jews. Jesus does not explain His refusal to see them, except to say that the “time has come.”
“Kernel of wheat” (12:24). The image is poignant. In surrendering its identity the seed multiplies itself. Jesus’ death was not loss but gain.
He who loves life will lose it (12:25). The saying here is different from a similar saying in Matt. 16. Here Jesus uses two words for “life.” By losing one’s self (psyche) through exchanging worldly drives and motives for submission to Christ’s will, a person gains spiritual life (zoe), which is experienced here and in eternity.
For this reason (12:27). Jesus was determined to fulfill the purpose for which He had been born. Let’s not ask for release from the suffering which all too often gives our life unique meaning.
“When I am lifted up” (12:30–33). The phrase “lifted up” speaks first of the Cross, but also of the Resurrection. It is the Resurrection which infuses the Cross with meaning, even as Christ’s glorification puts His suffering in perspective.
“All men” (12:32). Jesus does not suggest all will be saved, but that all humanity is invited to look to the Cross and live. Perhaps this is His answer to the Greeks who approached Philip. The Cross was His message to them, as it is to all.
“They loved praise from men” (12:42–43). Did the silent minority of leaders who “believed in” Jesus truly believe? Probably so. And many may have taken an open stand for Jesus after His resurrection. Yet their silence was in itself a kind of betrayal.
It is hard to see how we can believe wholeheartedly in Jesus and still worry about the opinion His enemies may have of us!