Read John 12:20-26
Don’t Be Rude.
Some Greeks came to the festival to worship. They approached Philip (one of Jesus’s disciples) and said, “We would like to see Jesus.” What a flattering request, I can’t wait to hear what Jesus said. Philip and Andrew both approached Jesus and shared the request of the Greeks. Jesus did not respond with either a yes or no. It seemed a little rude. Why was it not important enough for Jesus to take the time to see them?
The response that Jesus gave actually explains why.
Jesus’s attention focused on his upcoming death and Resurrection. It’s his death and Resurrection that would enable him to draw ALL people to himself, a relationship that would be forever. He basically was saying if these Greek individuals want to meet me let them see my death and Resurrection and then come follow me and serve me by serving others.
Jesus was talking about eternal life. Like a kernel of wheat that dies in the soil, it produces more seed. So the death of Jesus was necessary in order for him to produce lives for the kingdom. Anyone willing to give up the earthly pleasures of life, and focus on eternal things through Jesus can receive the new life in heaven that Jesus offers.
I like Jesus’ statement when he said if you want to serve me you must follow me. Following Jesus is not a life of comfort, but a life of commitment that may result unto death. Jesus went to the cross. There’s nothing comfortable about that. He was willing to die for us. If we’re going to follow him, we must be willing to take up our cross daily and do as he did. Serve him by serving others. Don’t be rude. To neglect the lives of others is to neglect sharing the hope for eternal life. Not sharing is rude. Why would we not want to see others come to the Lord as we have.
