The battle is on in our reading today (John 12:9-26). The crowd is beside themselves hearing about the new superhero who is raising the dead. The parade as He comes into town reminds me of those old newsreels of ticker-tape and cheers welcoming the hero to be honored. Of course this one has palm branches, and what is that He is riding on? Oh well, a donkey might not be Cadillac convertible, but Jesus always does things different. It is quite a great parade with the truth being shouted, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!"
But then there is the other side. The Pharisees or "powers that be" are crazy with fear and anger that all believing in Jesus will result in them losing their place (John 11:48). There is nothing to do but to kill Him. So when some Greeks request to see Jesus, He replies that is is time for Him to receive real honor and glory. He explains it so that we can hear. "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. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me."
But then there is the other side. The Pharisees or "powers that be" are crazy with fear and anger that all believing in Jesus will result in them losing their place (John 11:48). There is nothing to do but to kill Him. So when some Greeks request to see Jesus, He replies that is is time for Him to receive real honor and glory. He explains it so that we can hear. "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. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me."
Can we get the message? He knows He is about to give His life for all of us. Can we give up all to serve Him and let Him be in charge? Can we give up cheap honor and praise of men to do the humble hard things of true value? That is the path of real honor (from the Father).
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