The Right Reason
Reflective Reading: John 12
Within the pages of John 12 we discover a variety of characters, conflicts, and curiosities. As we enter this unique chapter, we come to Bethany where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. There we see Mary anointing Jesus’ feet at her home. A little further on, we hear Judas’ snide remarks on Mary’s extravagant use of her perfume, then we see a crowd trying to find Jesus because of what they heard about Lazarus’ resurrection. The scene quickly shifts to the chief priest’s plot to kill Lazarus, and then the triumphal entry of Jesus. You would think that would be enough action for one chapter, but it continues with the Pharisees’ bewilderment on how the world was following Jesus, and then the Greeks’ request to meet with Jesus. And if this wasn’t enough, the chapter continues with Jesus’ prediction of his crucifixion, the unbelief of the people, and finally, Jesus’ emphasis on listening to his word to have eternal life. Now that is a lot of subject matter for one chapter! And in the center of it all is the Greeks’ request to have an interview with Jesus, which is the key to unlocking the meaning of this power-packed chapter. Ready to dive in? Here goes:
We begin with John’s retelling of the story of Lazarus’ resurrection. If you look closely, you will see that Lazarus’ resurrection is what connects all the dots—especially the connection between the Greeks’ desire to talk with Jesus and Lazarus. The Greeks, along with everyone else, are following Jesus because of what they saw or heard about this once-in-a-life-time occurrence—a man raised from the dead! It is one thing to make someone walk, see, or hear…but to raise someone from the dead is block buster news! Can you imagine if something like that happened today, and it could be verified? News stations from around the world would be covering the story! I certainly wouldn’t want to be that person! People would be surrounding my house day and night trying to get a camera shot or ask me questions. I wouldn’t have peace for years. You might even think you were better off not having been raised from the dead!
So the Greeks find Phillip and request a personal interview with Jesus. How does Jesus respond to the Greeks’ request? Be ready, because Jesus’ response is going to be one of those, “What did he say?!” Let’s listen in:
“The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name.”
Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, “An angel spake to him.” Jesus answered and said, “This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” This he said, signifying what death he should die. (12:23-33).
Time out! Stop the presses! This doesn’t seem to make any sense! How does this answer the Greeks’ question?! Jesus seems to always throw a curveball when he answers questions. His responses often catch his followers off guard, leaving them with a bewildered sense of, “What did he just say?” I think I would have been one of those disciples who was continuously asking the others, “What does he mean?” Well, let’s see what the Master is trying to teach them and us.
In this passage of Scripture, Jesus is letting everyone know that the resurrection of Lazarus is not the reason people should follow him. Jesus is teaching that if they love their life here and now, they will eventually lose it. He is moving everyone’s attention away from Lazarus’ resurrection and onto his upcoming death and resurrection! Why? Listen to what Jesus says next:
“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”
The crowd was following Jesus for the wrong reason! Mary was following Jesus for the right reason, and as a result, she poured out her expensive ointment for the purpose of Jesus’ burial. She understood that following Jesus isn’t about living a life full of health and prosperity; no, it is about becoming poor so we can be eternally rich. Following Jesus is about hating the sin of this world and clinging to the hope of a better world to come.
And as the crowds continued to follow Jesus for the wrong reason, Jesus did the unthinkable—ready for this? The next verse says, Jesus hid himself from them, and “though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him” (12:37).
Many are following Jesus for the wrong reasons. Those who are following Jesus for the right reason are always attracted to the greatest demonstration of love in the universe—the cross. And if you are following him for the right reason, then you, like him, must take up your cross.
“For he that loves his life shall lose it; and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me” (John 12:25).
“And he said to all, If any will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9: 23).
“And whosoever does not bear his cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27).
Sincerely,
Mark Hamby
M.S., M. Div., Th. M., D. Min.
President
Recommended Reading:
Hungering and Thirsting book and dramatic audio (ages 6+)
Stephan: A Soldier of the Cross (Ages 9+)
The Wrestler of Philippi (Ages 12+)
The Least of These (Ages 12+)
