PODCAST
Following Is Dying to Self
April 1st, 2020
John 12:20-36
One day Philip is approached by some Greeks who wanted to see Jesus. The Passover was near and many people were headed to Jerusalem. This included Jews, of course, and Greeks who perhaps had converted to Judaism, or Greeks who just were “God-fearers.” We don’t know why the men wanted to meet Jesus.
Philip and Andrew went to Jesus with the request. Jesus seems to answer an entirely different question saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” Jesus took this opportunity to remind His disciples what was at stake in following Him.
A life of discipleship leads to death, sometimes literally, but more often in dying to our own desires and interests. Jesus offers the hope of salvation to all races, nations, and creeds by saying, “Anyone who loves their life will lose it” (v. 25, emphasis added).
The book of Acts shows us how the early church struggled with Jesus’ teaching that salvation is offered to all people. One truth unites all of God’s children. We must die to ourselves so that the God’s name will be glorified through us.
Author: Carol Rittenhouse
