John 12:20-33, The Message

Profound messages usually begin with a request!  Jesus is at it again.  There is a strange request from some Greeks.  During the Passover festival, the crowds are large and the Pharisees are nervous about the appeal of Jesus’ popularity with everyone.  But this time, Jesus doesn’t grant the request, he rather begins to talk about death and the resurrection as a grand witness.

Have you had any strange requests lately?  People are always requesting of Jesus, but this time he shifts to pointing to a constant response about the kingdom of God.  Jesus invites us to gain eternity by losing our earthly grab.  Losing one’s life for the sake of eternal life is a message for then and now.

Jesus’ message cuts to the core of our hearts.  It is a simple message that is constantly knocking at our hearts – deny self!  Jesus will model for humanity what it takes to live a life of obedience.  Like Jesus there is no way around it but he will rise up!

Seeing is not a requisite to belief!
There were some Greeks in town who had come up to worship at the Feast.  They approached Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee: “Sir, we want to see Jesus.  Can you help us?”   John 12:20-21

Release your grab on this life!
“Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat.  But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over.  In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life.  But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal.  If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me.  Then you’ll be where I am, ready to serve at a moment’s notice.  The Father will honor and reward anyone who serves me.”   John 12:24-26

 Hear the W.O.W. the Words of Wisdom,
“Rise Up!”