John 12:20-26 Summary
Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus had been waiting for his “hour” to come (John 2:4; 4:21-23; 5:25-28; 7:30; 8:20). The “hour” that Jesus had been waiting for was the proper time for him to die in behalf of his people, the time that fit into the predestined plan and foreknowledge of God (Acts 2:23; 4:28). In the first few verses of this passage, Jesus told his hearers that the long-awaited hour of his demise had come at last.
The indication that his hour had come was that the Gentiles had arrived. The grace of God that had been largely confined to the political nation of Israel was about to be spread throughout the entire earth. The Gentiles in Jerusalem at that time were about to see the Son of man glorified in his death and resurrection. These Gentiles were typical of what we expect to see in this age: people throughout the world, moved by the Holy Spirit, will want to see Jesus.
Jesus then gave an illustration that helped his hearers to understand the way in which he would be glorified. He said that a seed must fall to the ground and “die” (be buried) in order for a plant to grow and bear much fruit. His death will be like that. Though it appeared to be a defeat for him, it would end in many people having life. It was a great victory, and one of the reasons that we give him glory today.
When Jesus died and was glorified in his hour of death, he provided an example for all people to follow. All of us must die to ourselves and our own desires in order to find real life and joy. We must follow after him in the path of suffering if we are to be honored by the Father.
