Grimy Glory
Opening Prayer
Loving Lord, as I come into Your presence, I confess my sinfulness and ask for Your gracious forgiveness.
Read John 12:20-26
[20] Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. [21] They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” [22] Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. [23] Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. [24] Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. [25] Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. [26] Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How does Jesus describe the role of his disciple (26)?Previously, Jesus declared that his “hour” had not yet come (John 2:4; 7:6). Now he announces: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (23). The disciples probably anticipated some exciting, even revolutionary, revelation. After all, their Master had just made his grand entrance into Jerusalem, welcomed by palm branch-waving, hosanna-chanting crowds (12:12,13). Even the Pharisees had admitted, “The whole world has gone after him” (12:19). The promise of glory lingers in the air. Yet Jesus does not speak of coronation, but of burial–a tiny grain of wheat, thrust unceremoniously into the gloomy, grimy underground (24). It’s not an easy or pleasant place to be, but it is where a seed germinates. The call to follow Jesus demands the willingness to “lose” self (25), but amid the dark times and discomfort something happens to us–God works on us, in us, through us. Jesus promises that whoever serves the Son will be honored by the Father (26). That’s glory.
Apply
Re-read verse 26a. Jesus often talked to the lonely, the sick, the outcasts, proclaiming the Kingdom. Where do you plan to be today?
Closing prayer
Lord, You died that I might live. Only You can empower me to give my life in the service of others.
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