The Way of the Wheat

By Ed Pilapil Jr.

John 12:20-26 • May 12, 2024 • English Service 10:00 AM

 

Sermon Introduction

As Jesus's following grew, the Pharisees noticed that not just locals but people from other places began to seek Him. While it may sound like an exaggeration, there was truth to their observation about the world following Him (John 12:19). Notably, even the Greeks, representing the Gentiles, sought Him out. In response to this growing interest, Jesus stated that the time has come for His glorification. Jesus shared a poignant metaphor: just as a grain of wheat must fall and die to produce abundant fruit, so must He undergo death to bring forth life.

Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

 
 
 
 

John 12:20-26

20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 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. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 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.

Notes

As Jesus's following grew, the Pharisees noticed that not just locals but people from other places began to seek Him. While it may sound like an exaggeration, there was truth to their observation about the world following Him (John 12:19). Notably, even the Greeks, representing the Gentiles, sought Him out. In response to this growing interest, Jesus stated that the time has come for His glorification. Jesus shared a poignant metaphor: just as a grain of wheat must fall and die to produce abundant fruit, so must He undergo death to bring forth life.

  1. Greeks Seek Christ

    Some Greeks who went to the feast wanted to meet Jesus. The Greeks asked Philip who told Andrew, and then both of them told Jesus. Part of God’s plan is to give eternal life to both Jews and Gentiles.


    20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus (John 12:20-22).

    Application: Philip and Andrew tried to connect people to Jesus. Jesus was not exclusive to the Jews; the non-Jews were included in God’s plan. Thus, by His grace, we should connect people to Jesus by presenting the person and work of Christ.

  2. Jesus Speaks of His Death

    Jesus replied indirectly to Philip and Andrew when the Greeks looked for Him. Jesus said that the hour had come for the Son of Man to be glorified. The Lord then mentioned an illustration about a grain dying in order to give life to many.

    23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 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 (John 12:23-24).

    Application: We must continue to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, which has reached many tribes and nations. God made salvation through Jesus Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection. His death brought eternal life to Jews and non-Jews, which included us.

  3. Following Christ

    The Lord Jesus once said that to believe in Him was to have eternal life. But He also warned that those who love their lives in this world will lose it. Eternal life is also about denying the self, and those who serve Him must follow Him. Such the Father will honor.


    25     Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 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 (John 12:25- 26).

    Application: We should love the Lord more than ourselves and never be comfortable with the world's sinful ways. We must serve the Lord and follow Him no matter what, even if it means suffering and death.

Reflection & Discussion

  1. What was Jesus’ reply when Philip and Andrew tried to connect the Greeks?

  2. Why did the Greeks seek Christ? What did it confirm with the Pharisees?

  3. According to Christ, what does it mean to follow Him?