Read: John 12:12-26
Truly, 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. (v. 24)
Today’s reading took place during Passover, the Jewish festival commemorating God freeing his chosen people from slavery in Egypt. Jewish people from all over the surrounding regions were in Jerusalem to celebrate the occasion. Jesus rode into town on a donkey to shouts of “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” (v. 13). No doubt the people thought, This is the Messiah, or Here’s the one who will restore the throne of David.
However, it wasn’t only Jews gathered there. John records that there were “some Greeks” there that day “to worship at the feast” (v. 20). But wasn’t this a Jewish festival, held only for Jews?
In stating that there were non-Jews present, John gives us a glimpse into the universal nature of the mission of Jesus. The mission to fulfill the promise made to Abraham so long ago that “in [his] offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice” (Gen. 22:18).
Jesus taught the Greeks that day, and us today, the great upheaval of the gospel message, that in death there is life. And not just any death, but his own death. My hope for you today is that you receive this great message of good news: that Jesus’s death defeats death and creates life eternal.
As you pray, thank Jesus for his sacrifice.
About the Author
Lou Bury is the pastor at Downers Grove Community Church in Illinois. He has the pleasure of serving the Lord alongside a congregation committed to being “the hands and feet of Jesus in the community.” He and his wife Judy have two adult children and two granddogs.
