Paradox

March 27 Paradox John 12:20-36

“That death may be less bitter and disagreeable to us, Christ invites us by His example to submit to it cheerfully. And certainly this makes us ashamed of refusing the honor of being His disciples. But He only admits us into that number on condition we follow the path that He points out. He leads the way before us to encounter death.” John Calvin “Commentary on John” Vol. 5:38

Some Greeks asked to see Jesus. This is significant. Even though they were probably Gentiles who had converted to Judaism, who were coming to Jerusalem for the Passover, but they were not, strictly-speaking, Jews. If Jesus had rejected them outright, it would have signaled to His disciples that His ministry was to be restricted to the people of Israel. Some early Christians did believe that, in order to follow Jesus, one had first to become a Jew, by circumcision. But before long a much more expansive interpretation prevailed. Within a few years, many people who had no connection to Israel at all were clamoring to know more of this Jesus. Anticipating them, Philip and Andrew did what all true disciples must do: they brought them to Jesus.

The Man they sought was becoming increasingly conscious of the lateness of the hour. His earthly ministry was drawing to a close. So Jesus chose this moment to remind His disciples of a recurring theme throughout His ministry – the paradox of life and death. Just as a kernel must be thrust into the ground if it is to bear fruit, we too must die if we are to generate new life. Reading His words, we see the obvious implications with regard to His own death, but Jesus’ teaching has a wider application. Those who concern themselves only with themselves are destined to waste away and to bear no fruit. But those who give themselves in the service of others, to serve a greater goal, will experience the fullness of life. It is those who give away their lives who really gain them. Those who hoard their lives end up holding only a handful of dust. This is the principle of sacrifice. It goes far beyond the need to do good deeds for others. It contains no element of self-justification. For those who follow Jesus Christ it means being prepared to put Him first. As we give ourselves in His service, we lay aside the culture of greed and death and take up life everlasting.

Jesus knew that He would have to give His life in obedience to His Father’s will. Even though He knew that the gate of death opened into resurrection life, it was not a prospect that He, or anyone, could relish. He struggled. This is John’s equivalent of the story of Gethsemane. Jesus prayed, and the Father spoke, and His voice came like thunder from heaven. Jesus heard confirmation that, by His obedience, He would give glory to God. This was the confirmation His anguished heart required. He knew that the “Son of Man” would have to die in order that the ruler of this world (satan) could be cast out. Jesus would have to be lifted up. A wooden Cross would raise Him.

When they engineered Jesus’ arrest, trial, and execution, His enemies believed that they were ridding themselves of a dangerous opponent. What they did not understand was that, in condemning Him, they condemned themselves. Because of the Cross, Jesus would draw people, without distinction, to Himself. More than the Greeks who asked to see Him, Jesus would draw millions to Himself, from every tribe and tongue. He was, and is, the Light of the World.

For further reading: Psalm 119:73-88