Passion Week – Jesus’ Final Message for the World

Shortly before the Passover, some Greek men approached one of the disciples, requesting a personal audience with Jesus.  We don’t know what Jesus said to them, but immediately following that encounter, Jesus gave a final message for the world. 

As He had done so often, he referenced seeds and gardening to make His point.  He knew that the time had come for His final hour, but He also knew that when one seed is planted, it will produce many seeds.  He was about to lay down His life for the world, but from that sacrifice would come much fruit.  His human side was troubled by what lay ahead, but as God, He knew this was the very reason that He had come to the earth (John 12:27), so that the Son of Man could glorify His Father in heaven!  It was at that point that a voice from Heaven spoke, glorifying His name. 

The crowd heard something that day, but most were confused.  Some heard what they thought was thunder, while others thought the angels had spoken.  While they scratched their heads in disbelief, Jesus said, “Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.  But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself” (John 12:31, 32 NIV84).

Jesus knew exactly what lay ahead, but the crowd was still fixated on the “Son of Man”. They didn’t ask about the voice from heaven or about how He intended to glorify God or who the “prince of this world” was.  They only wanted to know who the “Son of Man” was.  Unfortunately, that remains a question many people still ask today.

Who is the Son of Man?  He is God who willingly became man, for the purpose of paying the debt of all mankind.  As the Son of God, He was obedient, fulfilling His mission, regardless of the cost, so that God would be glorified.   

While the crowd questioned and wondered, He gave one final message to them.  It’s a message that still rings true for us today. “Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you.  The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.  Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light” (John 12:35b-36a NIV84).  Jesus’ final message was an invitation to all who would believe.  If we fail to walk in the “light,” the darkness will overcome us.

Read: John 12:23 – 50

Food for Thought:

• Why do you think John mentioned the Greek men, but didn’t tell us about the conversation?
• Why was the crowd fixated on who the “Son of Man” was?  How do you think you would have responded if you had heard a voice from heaven?
• What does it mean to “put your trust in the light”?