Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. John 12:25-26
I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 12:20-26, Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: God has a purpose and a plan for His Son Jesus and the Son is obedient to the plan, including the timing. V23 reveals Jesus' obedience to the plan and the timing. The plan itself is for Jesus to be glorified and on this Good Friday (April 3, 2026) this includes Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection three days later on Easter Sunday. The world does not see death as glory, so Jesus has to clarify v23 and vv24-26 do that by sharing that for those who believe in Him, their lives belong to Jesus and they must reflect the Light of the Son of God and must bring glory to Him (1 Corinthians 10:31). V24 first includes a warning a warning that if we don't die to self (see also Luke 9:23, Galatians 5:24), we remain alone - implying separation from God, including eternal damnation. But, if we do die to self and live for Christ, we bear much fruit for Him. We must lose and hate our earthly life but live for Him as citizens of Heaven and His Kingdom - and we have this promise of eternal life. We must follow the example of Jesus losing His life and gaining glory for Himself...and we will be honored by the Father.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: People may not express it as the Greeks did in v20 but all have needs and seek what only Jesus can provide - victory from sin and death in this world (forgiveness) and for eternity - salvation. We should connect people to Jesus just as Philip and Andrew did with the Greeks in vv20-23.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We must avoid living for ourselves. We should claim the promises of how faith and dying to self bears fruit for Him, provides eternal life, and honor from the Father. We should follow the example of Philip and Andrew to connect others to Jesus. We should follow Jesus - where ever He tells us to go. We must live for Him.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves! Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You love and save. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
