John 12:20-26 We would see Jesus

John 12:20-26 This opens with an odd statement - that Greeks came up to worship at the feast of the Passover. It is probably reasonable to infer that these were Greek proselytes to Judaism, otherwise this would not make sense. Even though they asked Jesus' disciples to see Him, John does not record that they ever got to talk to Jesus, only that their request was taken to Jesus. Jesus' response is not to them, but rather a statement that He took this as a confirming sign. He reiterates that His glory will consist of dying and being put in the ground like a seed, and the fruit of that seed will be abundant. And that this principle extends to those who follow Him. The only way to be with Him is to lose one's own life. This is perhaps further explained in Luke 9:23-24. Jesus there precedes His statement about losing one's life with the statement that whoever follows Him must daily take up his cross. Obviously taking up a cross as a metaphor for literal death could not be a daily event. But the next verse sheds additional light on Jesus' meaning. What does it profit a person to gain the whole world and lose himself or his soul? Daily cross-bearing must mean something approximately like surrendering one's desires, aspirations, ambitions, and even legitimate needs to the cross. Daily. Not as an odious duty to gain God's permission to continue to exist and enjoy His blessing. Rather, to bear fruit, to experience the joy of The Lord and an abundant life, one's heart must die to the things of the world and the flesh in order to enjoy the transforming power of the kingdom of God.

          The connection of this principle to the Greeks' request seems tenuous. Perhaps Jesus was reflecting God's desire to redeem all of mankind, not just the Jews. This will come eventually, but not under Jewish law and culture. And only after Jesus has died and risen again and sent he Holy Spirit.