MMwM Episode 2021-28 - Dying to Live

Good Monday Morning!

I want to wish all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving week!

I do apologize that we had audio issues on the stream from Charity, yesterday.

As we continue in our study in John, we have moved into the Passion Week. The six days prior to the Passover at which Christ is crucified.

John is now recording events at hyper speed, and it is easy to miss the smaller stories within the context of the larger one.

Today, we begin in John 12 and read verses 20-26.

John 12:20–26 ESV

20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 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. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 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.

A group of proselyte Jews, referred to here as Greeks has come up for the feast.

It is clear that they have heard about Jesus and they desire to meet him.

The disciples, who are now busy with running interference for the Lord during this busy are apparently tasked with creating some space for Him.

They come to Philip and make a simple request, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus...”

Many messages have focused upon and been built around these words.

Some have attempted to make this a superficial meeting, much like a fan who waits in line to shake the hand of a popular start.

I can recall that when I was young, my sister and her friend wanted to meet Lee Majors, who had been starring in the 70’s hit, The Six Million Dollar Man. We went to a local Toys R Us, where his action figures were being introduced and sold. We waited in line for HOURS, but finally the moment came, and there we were, Shaking hands with the Six Million Dollar Man himself!!! It all lasted for a few seconds and then it was over.

The text is not clear on the intent or heart of the these worshippers, but the request passed up the chain, from Philip, to Andrew and then they both approach the Lord and ask Him.

It is at this point where the Lord’s answer makes it clear He is intent on imparting eternally important spiritual truth, rather than just offering a few fleeting moments...

First, Jesus makes it clear that the HOUR of His glorification is at hand.

In just a moment, the Father will speak from heaven, and in just a few days the Son will die and resurrect.

Second, Jesus uses the seed analogy.

The seed/grain of wheat must fall into the earth, yield the life within and then it will spring forth with much fruit.

Jesus, IS the firstfruit but His resurrection brings life to all who believe.

Listen to the Words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:20-23

1 Corinthians 15:20–23 ESV

20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.

Jesus, by His death and resurrection will bear the fruit of all those who enter the Kingdom by belief in Him.

They will be reconciled by His death, and saved by His Life.

Third, Jesus now makes direct application to us as humans. If we love our life - we lose it...

In other words if we ignore God and serve only self, we will lose our eternal life.

BUT, If we hate our life - that is give it to another (Christ) in this world we will indeed have eternal life. This life begins with trust in Jesus and ends with eternity with Him and all His people.

If we are to serve Jesus, as He served His father, even unto death, then we must FOLLOW Christ - perhaps not to the specific death of the cross, but follow Him all the days of our life until our death,

THEN, as we walked with Him spiritually in this life, He has promised that in eternity we will be WHERE HE IS..

Paul tells us that to be absent from the body is to be present with Christ.

Finally, Jesus tells us that if ANYONE can choose to be His Servant.

This is not selective, it is rather inclusive. If you believe upon Him and thereby serve Him - As He served the Heavenly Father, then WE will be honored by the Father.

My dear follower of Christ, take the time to TRUST in Jesus and SERVE HIM ACTIVELY that you may indeed be Honored by the Father. There is no sin or arrogance in desiring to hear both the Savior and the Father declare, “Well done thou good and faithful servant...”

Do not concern yourself with numbers and notoriety, only with Following our Savior and being His faithful servant unto death.

God bless you this week, and may you and yours have a very happy Thanksgiving!