The Greeks Show Up | John 12:20-33 with Dr. Chris Croghan

Scripture First

Dr. Chris Croghan summarized this week’s text in two sentences, “God made a promise. God fulfilled that promise.”

After his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, a few Greeks show up to the festival. What could be overlooked as a passing detail, Dr. Croghan explains how pivotal this detail is. God promised Abraham that the Messiah would come from his line for all nations.

With the Greeks showing up, suddenly it’s not just the Israelites. Non-Jews were present, too. With the promise fulfilled, Jesus proclaimed, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.”

What does it mean for God to be glorified? With the consequence of sin: death. Father, glorify your name. Do what you promised. When you’re experiencing God’s wrath in death, we cry out for mercy. Your sin is exposed for the world to see. Sinner. Guilty.

But that’s how God deals with sin: mercy. New life in Jesus’ resurrection. Crushing the devil’s head. Life everlasting.

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GOSPEL

John 12:20-33

20 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.

27 “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, wh

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