Lent 2023: John 12:20-36

Jesus Predicts His Crucifixion

20 Now some Greeks were among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 So they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus.

23 Jesus replied to them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces much fruit. 25 The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me. Where I am, there my servant also will be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

27 “Now my soul is troubled. What should I say—Father, save me from this hour? But that is why I came 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 it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”

30 Jesus responded, “This voice came, not for me, but for you. 31 Now is the judgment of this world. Now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 As for me, if I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate what kind of death he was about to die.

34 Then the crowd replied to him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah will remain forever. So how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?”

35 Jesus answered, “The light will be with you only a little longer. Walk while you have the light so that darkness doesn’t overtake you. The one who walks in darkness doesn’t know where he’s going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light so that you may become children of light.” Jesus said this, then went away and hid from them.

—John 12:20-36

Read & Journal

Read John 12:20-36. Use the following journal prompts to process what you’ve read.

• What does this passage teach you about Jesus? His character? His mission?

• Take note of how Jesus refers to the Father in this passage. What do you learn about the Father in this passage? How does it deepen your understanding of Jesus’ unique relationship with the Father?

• Look at verses 23-26. What does Jesus’ relationship with the Father mean for believers? Why is that important?

• Consider the words of the Father in verse 28. How did Jesus’ crucifixion bring greater glory to God the Father?

• Reread Jesus’ words in verse 25. What does it mean to love your life in this world? What would that look like today?

• Is there anything of this world that you’re holding onto too tightly? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any “things of this world” that may have turned your heart and affections away from the Lord.

• In this passage, we get the chance to dwell on the glory and power of Jesus’ sacrifice. As you reflect on how that sacrifice brought glory to God, journal your praise. Then, reflect on what Jesus’ sacrifice means to those who believe. Journal your prayerful response.