John 12: 20-33

The first forty-four verses of the eleventh chapter of John’s gospel are devoted to Jesus’ raising Lazarus from the dead. As a result of Jesus raising Lazarus, some came to believe in him but others went off to inform the Pharisees. The Chief Priest and Pharisees convened a meeting of the full Sanhedrin. Because they are worried about Rome’s reaction to Jesus’ growing popularity, they decide to kill Jesus. So Jesus, who no longer walks in public, leaves the region. The Jews who had gathered for the Passover were looking for Jesus and wondering if he would come for the feast. The chief priests and the Pharisees had spread the word that they wanted to arrest him. Six days before the Passover, Jesus traveled to Bethany and the house of Lazarus. While at dinner, Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive oil. The crowd learned where Jesus was and came out to see him and Lazarus. The plot to kill Jesus was expanded to include Lazarus. Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem with crowds of people greeting him, waving palm branches and crying out “Hosanna!” At this sight the Pharisees said, “Look, the whole world has gone after him.” (John 12:19b) This is a brief summary of the text that immediately precedes the text that is this week’s gospel. (John 11:45-12:19)

Philip and Andrew are Greek names. It is possible that Greeks who had come to Jerusalem knew Philip or at least thought they would have a better chance of meeting Jesus by approaching a fellow Greek. The text does not say whether or not they were Jews or why they were in Jerusalem. The assumption that they were there to celebrate the Passover is not confirmed in the text. They may also have been there to sell merchandise to the crowds or as escorts to Jews who had come for the feast. Their presence and request to meet Jesus makes the statement of the Pharisees that “the whole world has gone after him” a statement of the reality. Often in the gospels, an adversary or spirit speaks a truth before it is accepted and understood by those who are disciples.

With the arrival of the Greeks Jesus says that his hour has also arrived. It is both the hour that he dreads and the hour of his glory. They are one and the same. Jesus uses the image of a grain of wheat to illustrate his point. It is only by the seed’s destruction that it can become a plant that can then provide nourishment. The reality that the seed must surrender its life as a seed in order to become a plant is also Jesus’ reality and the reality of those who desire to be his followers. The use of the words “love and hate” emphasizes the contrast. What is involved here is a choice, a decision to be made. The prayer that begins in verse 28 indicates a sense of real struggle Jesus experiences in making his choice. With Jesus’ decision to be faithful, the events that will lead to his hour of dread and glory have been set in motion. God’s affirmation, the voice from heaven, is heard by those present but not understood. The hour of judgment has come. The ruler of the world, those who do not accept his teaching, will be defeated. In the text the Greeks have come to Jerusalem for the Passover and find their way to Jesus. At the end of the text Jesus says that when he is raised up he will draw everyone to himself. We will gather to hear this gospel and be challenged to accept our hour.

1. When you think of a person who lives life, what qualities do you associate with that person? From what values would they operate? When would it be nice to have that kind of person around? In what kind of situations would you NOT like to be depending on them?
2. How many times have you experienced a critical moment in your life when you were aware that that moment was going to have a significant impact on your future? What were some of the things you experienced as you approached that moment in your life?
3. Do you think that Jesus really struggled with his decision to face his hour? What does your response indicate about God’s desire to be present to you in your struggles and daily life?
4. Do you ever think of yourself as being one of the Greeks? What kind of overtones does that carry for you?
5. How is the way you life your daily life preparing you to surrender this life for the life that God has prepared for you?

(Comments to Paul at pauljg@mindspring.com.)

Paul Gallagher, OFM
San Damiano Friary
4856 West 29th Street
Cicero, IL 60804
708.656.1022
pauljg@mindspring.com