Jesus and the Gentile Visitors (12:20–36) - part 2 of 2

Jesus and the Gentile Visitors (12:20–36) - part 2 of 2

Our Lord knew that He faced suffering and death, and His humanity responded to this ordeal. He was not questioning the Father’s will, but rather, He was fully aware of all that the cross involved, and His soul was troubled. Notice Jesus did not say, "What shall I do?" He knew what He was ordained to do. "What am I to say?" He said. In the hour of suffering and surrender there are but two prayers we can pray: either “Father, save me!” or “Father, glorify Thy name!”

Conformable or comfortable: that is the question. If we want to live comfortably, then we will protect our plans and desires, save our lives, and never be planted. But if we surrender our lives and allow God to plant us, we will never be alone but have the joy of being fruitful for God’s glory. Verse 26 says, "If any man [Jew or Greek] serve Me, let him follow Me.” This verse is similar to Matthew 10:39 and Mark 8:36.

“Father, glorify thy name!” cried the voice, and from heaven came the reply! God the Father spoke to His Son and gave Him a double assurance: the Son’s past life and ministry glorified the Father, and the Son’s future suffering and death would also glorify the Father. It is significant that the Father spoke to the Son at the beginning of the Son’s ministry (Matt. 3:17), as the Son began His journey to Jerusalem (Matt. 17:5), and now as the Son has entered the last days before the cross.

God always gives that word of assurance to those who suffer willingly for His sake, but they couldn't understand it, so what good could it do? The voice assured Jesus, who was to die for them, and this assurance was beneficial for them. They heard Him pray and they heard a sound from heaven in response to that prayer. That should have convinced them that Jesus had contact with the Father. John 12:30, “This voice came not because of Me, but for your sakes.”

Then Jesus spoke plainly about the cross. It was an hour of judgment for the world and for Satan, the prince of this world. The death of Jesus Christ would seem to be a victory for the wicked world; but it would be a judgment of the world. On the cross Jesus would defeat Satan and his world system (Gal. 6:14). Always remember, Satan is a defeated foe, although he is allowed to go to and fro in the earth. As we serve the Lord, we overcome the wicked one (Luke 10:17-19). Eventually Satan will be cast out of heaven (Rev. 12:10) and at last he will be judged and locked away forever (Rev. 20:10).

The phrase “lifted up” (John 3:14; 8:28) has appeared before. Its primary meaning is crucifixion (cf. Jn 12:33), but it also carries the idea of glorification. The prophet wrote, "Behold, My servant shall deal prudently [shall prosper], He shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high." (Isa. 52:13). Crucifixion was the exaltation of the Son of Man!

The phrase “all men” does not imply universal salvation. This phrase means “all people without distinction,” that is, Jews and non-Jews. He does not compel them; He attracts them (cf. John 6:44–45). He was “lifted up" so that men might find the way (John 12:32), know the truth (John 8:28), and obtain life (John 3:14). The cross reminds us that God loves the whole world, and the church's task is to take the gospel to the whole world.

The people didn’t understand what He was teaching. They knew that “Son of man” was a title for Messiah, but they couldn’t understand why Messiah would be crucified! Hadn't the Old Testament said that the Messiah would live forever? (See Ps. 72:17; 89:36; 110:4; Isa. 9:7.) But this was no time for theological hair-splitting! It was an hour of crisis (see John 12:31, where the Greek word "krisis" means "judgment"), and it was an hour of opportunity. The light was shining, and they'd better take advantage of their opportunity to be saved! This theme of light and darkness is not new to us (John 1:4-9; 3:17-20; 8:12; 9:39-41). These people could have come out of spiritual darkness and into the light of salvation by a simple act of faith.

This event was the end of our Lord’s public ministry as far as John’s account goes. Jesus went away and hid Himself. It was judgment on the nation that witnessed His miracles, heard His messages, probed His ministry, and yet refused to believe in Him.