John 12:23-26
09/18/2025
- And Jesus answered them, ‘‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
- Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
- Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
- If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.’’ (ESV)
And Jesus answered them, ‘‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.’’
Christianity is a paradox. The One through whom all was created, the Son of God, willingly takes on our human flesh and dies for sins He did not commit. Willingly He took up His cross, forgiving those who nailed Him to the rough wood, bringing peace to those who mocked and scorned Him.
Those who are great are the ones who serve. Those who receive the gift of eternal life are the ones who confess they are unworthy sinners. Those who are least in this world, the children, the sick, the poor, the humble, are great in the kingdom of Heaven.
No wonder that Saint Paul says the message of the cross is foolishness to the wise and a stumbling block to those who believe themselves righteous.[1] Yet, our only hope in this world, and the assurance that our sins are forgiven, comes not with the glory of God, but at the cry, ‘‘It is finished,’’ as our Lord gave His life for our salvation.
May our Lord grant us faith to recognize His victory over sin, death, and the grave as He died on the cross only to rise again on the third day. Amen.