John 12:20-26 - When to die

 Wednesday of Holy Week

The Jewish leaders were not the ones ultimately responsible for Jesus' death. Nor was it Pilate, Herod, and the Romans. Nor was it Judas or the crowds that cried out, "Crucify Him!"

Jesus made it clear that the Good Shepherd voluntarily died to rescue His sheep:

“15 just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd. 17 “The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. 18 No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” (John 10:15–18 New Living Translation, 2015)

Throughout the book of John, Jesus kept saying, "My hour isn't here, yet," referring to when He would volunteer His own life for Jews and Gentiles. So when did He know His time had come?

Things fell into place a few days before Good Friday.

John 12:20–23 (NASB95) — 20 “Now there were some Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the {Passover} feast; 21 these then came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him, saying, 'Sir, we wish to see Jesus.' 22 Philip came and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip came and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, saying, 'The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.'” (John 12:20–23, NASB95)

Jesus came to save lost sheep--including Gentiles who would admit to being lost and in need of being be found. (John 10:16) Jesus had encountered other non-Jews, and even commended their faith at times. These Greeks weren't looking for miracles, they weren't even in the temple offering Passover sacrifices. They simply wanted to see Jesus.

"Other sheep" were seeking Jesus for His own sake. The hour had come for Jesus to lay down His life for them as well. He then invited His followers to follow His example:

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. 26 Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” John 12:24–26 (NLT)

Lord, we want to see Jesus--not just for what He can do for us, but because we want to follow Him. Following in His footsteps is intimidating; we don't know where it will take us or what we'll lose in order to follow. Give us courage, give us endurance, and striving for the honor only You can give. Amen.