What Are Your Priorities?
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, open my eyes and mind once again today so that I may see more of You and Your Word.
Read JOHN 12:20-26
[20] Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. [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] I tell you the truth, 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] The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his 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 Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What challenge and assurance does Jesus give us here?Not many people would see their death as glory, but Jesus did because he knew that through his death we could receive eternal life. In v. 24 Jesus likens his death to a grain of wheat which, when it dies, bears fruit. Jesus knew his death was not the end or a failure of his mission, but rather its fulfillment. As the one mediator between God and humanity (1 Tim. 2:5), Jesus was able to represent both God and humans on the cross.
It’s easy to spend so much time trying to cling to perishable, material things (jobs, possessions, etc.) that we miss out on the imperishable things that are infinitely more important. Non-Christians may think we are naive or unintelligent for going to church and living the Christian life. But God says anyone who doesn’t give their life to Jesus will be unable to receive the eternal life that he offers.
To serve Jesus we must follow him. Just before he went to the cross Jesus said, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Jesus follows his Father’s will, and to follow the Father we must follow Jesus. That’s the way to true life.
Apply
Reflect on your attitude toward “perishable” things and how well you are following Jesus now.
Closing prayer
Thank Jesus for dying in your place on the cross, enabling you to have abundant life now and eternal life forever.
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