Greeks


John 12:20-36a
20Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24Truly, 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. 25Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26If 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. 27Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. 34So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”

The arrival of those outside of the Jewish community to speak with Jesus is important. With these few verses the fact that Jesus came for the whole world is again solidified. Jesus’ response to the Greek’s request to see Him clarifies His mission to the whole world. Note the use of “whoever” and “anyone”. He doesn’t say “Jews” or “Hebrews”. Jesus work of salvation is for anyone who would believe in Him. The Father even graces this conversation with an appearance. Granted, the people don’t exactly understand what is happening, but the seed is planted.

As Jesus brings clarity to His purpose on the earth we must embrace the truth that we are a part of the “whole world” aspect of His ministry. We stand with those who approach the disciples and say, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” That’s you and me! The Good News for all of us today is that God graciously grants us that access! Jesus explains His all-inclusive character to the disciples in language that cannot be misunderstood. He is here for us all. He ends this discourse with an admonition to follow the Light. He is that Light. I am certain that there were those in the crowd who lacked understanding at the end of this talk, but their hearts were enlivened and the events that are coming in the next few days would impact their lives forever.

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