John 12:20-26 Becoming sons_

Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” John‬ ‭12:20-23‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Have you ever asked a question and received an answer that made you wonder if the person heard you correctly? The question, although implied, was direct: the Greeks would like to see you, would you see them? Jesus’ reply indicated an incredible truth, but first, a little background.

At an earlier time, a Canaanite woman who had a daughter possessed by evil spirits came to Jesus for help.

He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” Matthew‬ ‭15:24‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Didn’t the disciples remember this? Possibly. But it made Jesus’ answer more understandable. He didn’t need to tell them again. The work his father had given him was directed toward Israel. But part of that work was to break open the light of the kingdom that had been covered by Israel’s national identity basket for so many years, so that the entire world might enjoy it. Israel had become obsessively self-serving and self-focused. The salvation that was entrusted to the nation was put out of reach and steeped in legalism, so that even many in Israel had difficulty finding redemption. Nationalism and a political spirit had superseded the desire of God for the nations. He loves the Greeks. And that’s the point – the door of salvation was about to swing wide open for them. Not through Israel “the nation” any longer, but through those who were Israel in heart, recipients for the the promises, and those that belonged to God – starting with that motley crew of disciples. The political rulers of the nation to whom he was sent were about to deliver him up and crucify him.

After three years of ministry, the stories of this man Jesus must have travelled far and wide to the Jews dispersed among the nations, and to those people whose hearts were inclined toward God. The Greeks wanted to see Jesus. They heard of this teacher who was rocking the world. Of his miracles. Of Lazarus being raised from the dead. Of the authority in which he spoke. They were followers of God too. Jesus said earlier,

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them… ‭‭John‬ ‭6:44‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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Let’s look at this request from Jesus’ perspective. His hour had come. What was this momentous hour? The Jews would crucify him shortly. He was about to spend his last moments with his disciples. Judas would betray him. He would be delivered up. The payment for sin would now be tendered. The ownership of the kingdom would then be transferred and returned to man. Think of it as if you were a pregnant mother going into labor and during transition your friend called asking you to go shopping for baby clothes. Would you go? Now was not the time for the Greeks. But soon.

And in his reply was an incredible statement to his disciples… and me. It was compassionate. Detailed. Although the Greeks would not understand it, the disciples would, or should. Christ was the kernel of wheat that would fall into the ground. It was his DNA, his life, that would multiply. The very Jesus that the Greeks sought would soon be found within his disciples in the presence of the Holy Spirit. They came asking for an audience with Jesus and Jesus immediately placed the responsibility back on the disciples’ shoulders. Jesus spoke in more detail about this during the last supper, but his point was this: his death and resurrection must come first, then the very Spirit-presence that he enjoyed, the ability to be in heaven, hear the Father, know his heart and mind, reflect the kingdom on earth, manifest of signs, power, and authority, would now be within believers. And the Jesus that the Greeks sought would be found in them. Us.

What did the Greeks want anyhow? They wanted to speak with someone who by reputation was connected to heaven, affirmed by the power of God, who spoke incredible words of teaching and wisdom, who rocked the present. This “presence” would be found equally in Jesus’ offspring — the crop raised from his seed.

And before Jesus moved on, he again reminded them of the requirement to make this happen in verse 25: “He that hates his life in this world, unto life age-abiding will guard it.” One may never get too far from the requirement to be born again. Being born of water (death) and the Spirit (life). Just like Christ was about to do – to sacrifice his perfect life for the desire of the Spirit of God – connecting man to God through his death. Inhabitation and fellowship restored. The Greeks would enjoy the same privileges as all the sons of God. Soon, very soon.