Friday 16th August
Read John 12:30-33
“Jesus said, ‘This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.’ 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.” (NIVUK)
The spiritually deaf crowd, unable to grasp the words spoken, are hopefully not so obtuse as to realise that something significant, perhaps even divine, has occurred. That is Jesus’ conclusion at least. The people should listen closely for God Himself has spoken – for their benefit.
With two emphatic ‘nows’ Jesus spells out exactly what is about to take place and how significant it is. Those listening might think merely local issues are all that the fate of Jesus affects, but what is outlined is cosmic in scale. The coming of the Greeks to Jesus is the trigger that tells Jesus that the ‘hour’ has indeed come. The time of ‘crisis’ has arrived (v31).
This time of ‘crisis’ was usually held to be in the future at the very wrapping up creation. Imagine the last judgment as depicted in many medieval and Renaissance frescoes and murals. But Jesus proclaims that His impending crucifixion is when life and death is decided. Not a future event at all, an incredibly imminent event.
His crucifixion is what will grant life to those who respond in faith to Jesus and ‘lose’ their lives (v25). It also spells death for those who seek to keep their lives and align themselves with the world (v25), whose ruler has readied himself for just this confrontation (v31b). We are mistaken if we believe that the glorification of God occurs after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. Jesus maintains it occurs on the cross. That is when He is ‘lifted up’ and draws all people, Jews and Gentiles, to Himself. When the world comes to Jesus, so does the ‘hour’ to save it.
