John 12:20-50, Jesus’ Announcement of His Death

Bible Study with Dr. Thomas Constable

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Podcast Summary: John 12:20-50 - Jesus’ Announcement of His Death

Title: The Hour Has Come: Jesus' Announcement of His Death

Episode Description:
In this episode, we dive into John 12:20-50, where Jesus makes a profound declaration about His impending death. In response to the arrival of some Greeks who wish to see Him, Jesus announces that His time has come—His mission is reaching its climax. Through powerful metaphors and teachings, He explains the necessity of His death, the cost of following Him, and the eternal impact of His sacrifice. Jesus also reveals the tension between belief and unbelief, and the ultimate glory that will come through His crucifixion. Join us as we explore this pivotal moment in the Gospel, where the reality of Jesus' death becomes clear to His followers and those around Him.

Episode Notes

1. The Request of the Greeks (Verses 20-22)

• The Greeks’ Desire to Meet Jesus:
  Some Greeks, who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover festival, approach Philip and ask to see Jesus. Their request is significant, symbolizing the growing international interest in Jesus and the expanding reach of His ministry beyond just the Jewish people. This moment marks the beginning of a shift where Jesus' message begins to transcend cultural and ethnic boundaries.
• Philip and Andrew’s Response:
  Philip and Andrew bring the Greeks' request to Jesus. While their exact motivation is unclear, the request signals that Jesus’ message is no longer confined to Israel but is being recognized by people from other nations, which foreshadows the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles.

2. Jesus Announces His Hour Has Come (Verses 23-26)

• The Timing of Jesus' Death:
  Jesus responds to the request with a declaration: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” This statement reveals that the moment of His sacrificial death has arrived. Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus refers to His "hour" in a way that signifies the appointed time for His crucifixion—this moment marks the fulfillment of His mission.
• The Parable of the Grain of Wheat:
  Jesus uses the metaphor of a grain of wheat falling to the ground and dying to illustrate the necessity of His death. Just as a seed must die in order to produce fruit, Jesus must die to bring forth eternal life. This is a powerful reminder of the cost of His sacrifice and the spiritual harvest that will come from His death.
• The Call to Follow Jesus:
  Jesus then shifts the focus to His followers, saying that anyone who wants to serve Him must follow Him and be willing to lay down their lives. This teaching sets the foundation for understanding the call to discipleship as a life of self-denial, sacrifice, and total commitment to Jesus' mission.

3. Jesus’ Soul Agitated by His Death (Verses 27-30)

• The Agony of Jesus' Soul:
  Jesus acknowledges the anguish He feels as His death approaches, asking, “What shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’?” However, He quickly affirms that this is the very reason He came into the world: to glorify the Father through His sacrificial death.
• God’s Voice from Heaven:
  At this moment, a voice from heaven declares, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” This voice, which the crowd hears, affirms that Jesus’ death will bring glory to God and is part of His divine plan. The voice is a confirmation of Jesus' mission and purpose, signifying the divine approval of His actions.

4. The Judgment of the World and the Ruler of This World (Verses 31-33)

• The Judgment of the World:
  Jesus speaks about His death in terms of judgment. He says that when He is lifted