From the Gospel of John

Submitted by Pastor Richard Boettner, Rock Port Baptist Church

Often when speaking of events or schedules, I will mention an activity or give a verbal invitation. And usually people ask next, “What time is it?” This gives us both a better idea if the event will be meaningful or attainable with other life events in consideration.

Throughout the Gospel of John Jesus has spoken of His eventual arrest and crucifixion, but often missed danger as “His hour had not yet come” (John 2:4; 7:6-8; and 8:20). Finally in John 12:23 He announces: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” Perhaps for many Christians a season of Lent which begins this week will remind us of Jesus’ suffering, and prepare us to appreciate the Cross of Jesus.

In John 12 we can see some teaching to help us during this time:

1) “We want to see Jesus” (vs. 20). This was spoken as a request to the disciples from some Greeks who had come to worship. It is a reminder that anyone can see and experience Jesus in a personal way, especially those who are different than I might be in culture, national heritage, or social status.

2) “We want Jesus glorified” (vs. 27-32). It is a paradox of the Cross that it would seem to produce unwanted suffering and shame. Even Jesus longs to be delivered from this time. But in prayer He sees that the Father will be glorified as He is “lifted up from the earth” to “draw all people unto himself” (vs. 32). The basic truth is that we will experience the greatest spiritual impact when we learn from the Cross, and pass on our sufferings, not merely our successes.

3) “We need to see death to see life” (vs. 24,25). Jesus gives us a simple natural illustration of a seed dying in the ground, but producing more fruit as it germinates and produces a greater harvest. Jesus promises that when we give away our life to others, we save it for eternity. He redeems the dying so that others can live.

4) “We need Jesus lifted up for salvation” (vs. 30). The discussion was marked at this point in the text by a supernatural voice from heaven: “I have glorified your Name, and I will glorify it again.” This gives confidence that the suffering of the Cross is in God’s hands, and that those who hear and obey will receive God’s glory. This also means that we can speak confidently, in any hard circumstances, just like Jesus preparing for His hour on the Cross, that God will bring more of His presence to us, so that the suffering will have meaning for us and for others.

Please accept an invitation to join “Songs of the Cross,” a gathering sponsored by the Rock Port Ministerial Alliance at the Rock Port Baptist Church Wednesday, March 19, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. We will choose favorite hymns of the Cross, and share prayer requests, words of thanksgiving, and testimonies of faith.

I pray as we have shared this article together that you might understand that “the hour has come” to BELIEVE in Jesus for the first time or in a new way for new and greater service. Feel free to contact me at rpbaptistchurch@gmail.com with any questions or comments.