After the Cleansing of the Temple [see Topics 4,5] our Lord ends the day by teaching in the Court of the Gentiles. Phillip and Andrew come to the Lord asking that He talk to a group of devout and religious Gentiles. Gentiles in the temple that day? I thought the celebration of the Passover was for Jews only!
The Introduction of the Seekers.
This event is found only in the Gospel of John [John 12:20-36]. Chronologically, I believe it follows our Lord 's overturning the money changers tables 1. Since these tables were set up in the Court of the Gentiles 2, it was probably the public display of driving out the money changers from the temple compound that brought Jesus to the attention of a group called "Greeks." The word in the original language is "HELLENES" and refers to Gentiles who rejected the paganism of their Greek culture and adopted the monotheistic beliefs of the Jews.
Many of these people would convert to Christianity after the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ [Acts 17:4]. They were seekers, like the wise men who came to Bethlehem at Jesus' birth inquiring, "Where is He that is born the King of the Jews?" Dr. Warren Wiersbe had an interesting observation about this; he said: "At His birth, Gentiles came from the east; now at His death, Gentiles come once again. Why does John mention them at this point? For Israel has rejected Jesus as King. The Jews had said, 'We want to see a sign!' (Matthew 12:38); but the Gentiles said, 'We want to see Jesus!' " 3
The Hellenes were converted to Judaism, like the Ethiopian Eunuch who was a worshiper of Jehovah. He was the treasurer of the Queen of Ethiopia. He came to Jerusalem to worship the one and only True God. As he left the city to return to Ethiopia; he was reading the scroll of Isaiah. I like him already! If you want to find the truth, you have to go to the place where you can find it. Absolute truth is found in only one place, the Scripture. He was reading Isaiah chapter 53 which is all about the suffering of the Messiah. Jesus had been crucified, buried, resurrected and ascended into heaven when this Gentile man visited Jerusalem [Acts 8:26-39]. Phillip 4 led Him to Christ that day. It is an absolutely wonderful story.
20) Now there were certain Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast;
If you were a Gentile convert, you were permitted to worship in the Court of the Gentiles. You were forbidden to go into the other areas, such as the inner court made up of the court of women, the court of the Jews or the court of the priests.
The Inquiry of the Seekers
21) these therefore came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him, saying, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus."
The question being debated everywhere was "Who is He?" They came for an interview. They received more than they bargained for, they get invited to accept Christ as Savior. "We wish" is the verb THELLO and indicates “ a desire." Their emotions had been stimulated. They were curious about all they heard and observed. Many instances of miraculous healing were taking place. Lazarus was in the temple that day with Jesus. The religious leaders thought of killing Lazarus because of his powerful testimony. Imagine Lazarus' witness. I was dead, and my body was wasting away in a tomb, but Jesus said: "Lazarus come forth, and I came back to life." I would have loved to hear that testimony [see also John 12:9,11-12).
22) Philip came and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip came, and they told Jesus.
This is unusual. Philip went to Andrew first. Why doesn't Philip go directly to the Lord? Possibly the standing order Jesus gave in Matthew l0:5,6 had not been revoked. The policy was not to go to the Gentiles. Now here is a group of Gentiles who want to see Jesus. However, I think there is another reason. Philip was at a loss to know what to do. He is indecisive and lacks confidence. These are signs of spiritual immaturity.
On the other hand, Andrew is a mature believer. Every time we meet him he is leading someone to Christ as in John 1:40-42, 6:8-9, and 12:22. This is an Interesting contrast among the disciples.
There are two other occasions where Philip is seen:
John 6:4-7
4) Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand.
5) Jesus therefore lifting up His eyes, and seeing that a great multitude was coming
to Him, said to Philip, Where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?"
6) And this He was saying to test him; for He Himself knew what He was intending to do.
7) Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarius worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little."
Jesus is testing Philip. He hopes he has learned the lesson that nothing is impossible with the Lord. This is embarrassing in light of Phillip's experience. What experience? The Lord and the disciples are in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. The Lord is resting. Suddenly, without warning, a great storm enveloped them. It was a desperate moment. Some of these men were experienced fishermen. Yet, they were caught off-guard. The threat was real. So while they are being tossed around by the raging sea, Jesus is asleep. So they wake Him crying out "Master, don't you care that we are perishing?" If Jesus is in the boat how could they be perishing? If there were a danger, He would be up doing something about it. Well, what could they have done? How about hold on and enjoy the ride, and let the Lord get His needed rest. So, Jesus said to the storm, "Stop, your scaring these men!" What was their response? "What manner of man is this that even nature obeys him?" [Matthew 8:23-27]
Certainly, by now Phillip would remember that nothing is impossible with the Lord. However, on this occasion, we have a very large crowd gathering to hear Jesus speak, about 6000 men, women, and children. Jesus said to Phillip, "how many loaves of bread will we need to feed this multitude?" And Philip said, "I don't know Lord, but if you can speak and mother nature obeys your voice, I am sure you can speak and cook up enough bread for all these to eat." I wish! No, he got out his calculator and began to run the numbers, and the number was too large for his puny mind to handle so he spoke in desperation, "two hundred days wages couldn't buy enough bread to feed this many people." Philip failed the test.
Another example of Phillip‘s immaturity is seen in the upper room when he said, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us" John 14:8. After three and half years with the Lord, Philip is still looking for ways to bolster his faith. Jesus was very disappointed in him. His faith was weak, and it is characteristic of believers who need signs, i.e., show us. We expect new believers to be immature, but not ones who spent years in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. If we remain, immature believers, we will eventually become carnal believers (1 Corinthians 3: 1-3). There is a solution to this spiritual problem, but it is not our purpose in this study to address it at this time. However, let me suggest learning to be like Jesus as a spiritual goal and starting point [Matthew 10:25]; then the daily study of the Word of God [2 Peter 2:2; 3:18, Hebrews 5:14; Matthew 4:4; 11:28,29; John 1:14-18]. Before we say goodbye to Philip, I did want to say that he became a mature believer serving Christ faithfully even unto death. 5
What do these Greeks need? The Master knows, and He now addresses the Greeks in verses 23-36. The following is what He said to them:
The Issue of the Cross
23) And Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
Earlier in His ministry, the Lord said, "My hour is not yet come" [John 2:4; 4:21,23; 7:30; 8:20]. Obviously, the strategic moment has arrived. The hour is technical and represents His death on the cross. This was the purpose of the first advent. He came to die as a substitutionary, sacrifice for our sins. His hour has indeed come for shortly [in two days time] they will arrest Him and crucify Him. Yet, notice His words carefully. He is about to face the most horrible and torturous kind of death ever conceived, that is crucifixion! He calls it "the hour of His glorification." He is remarkable. Jesus views everything from the divine perspective.
This is the example that He has set for us. Our Lord Jesus Christ looked at suffering from the high ground of spiritual maturity. He trusted in the principle that every bad thing, ever difficult thing, even going to the cross was for His blessing and benefit. We all need to know the Doctrine of Suffering for Blessing so that we too can look at life's troubles from the divine perspective and become like our Lord.4
24) "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
He provides an illustration from nature to show them their spiritual need. Let me interpret the symbolism so that we can appreciate the fullness of our Lord's words.
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat [a reference to Jesus, He is the grain of wheat or the seed] falls to the earth [this is the incarnation. He comes in the flesh before He dies in the flesh] and dies [the cross], [the first possibility] it remains by itself alone [It does not fulfill its purpose and stays as seed.] but [a second possibility] if it dies [Christ dying on the cross] it bears much fruit [He provides the basis for salvation, and many will be saved].
Our Lord Jesus Christ is presenting the gospel to the seekers. In the illustration, Jesus tells them that there is life after death. The seed dies and from its death in the ground new life springs. It is the simplicity of the analogy that makes it so extraordinary. But why should we be so surprised? He is the Creator as well as the Savior. Nature's laws are His design. Is there life after death? How can we know? No one has come back to tell us. This is a common objection. Philip said, "show us the father, and we will believe." Yet, nature speaks eloquently of life beyond death, "the seed dies and bear much fruit."
25) "He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world shall keep it to life eternal."
Now our Lord Jesus challenges them. There are two kinds of people. The first person "loves his life." What does Jesus mean by the expression "loves his life"? The context of this statement is important. We should always seek to interpret the words in their context. Jesus was speaking to the Greeks who desired to meet Him. That is the context of these words. He is addressing their spiritual need. They wanted to see Jesus, but they need to see Him as Savior. What would keep them from seeing Jesus as Savior? This is the point that Jesus is making. These Greeks are the ones He describes as "loving their lives."
The Greeks, like the Jews, and this is true of all self-righteous people, say to themselves, "I'm okay, I'm not a bad person, I am a good person." A self-righteous individual "loves his life." They do not see themselves as sinners, bankrupt to the core, hopeless and helpless, dead in trespasses and sins. This is how the one "who hates his life in this world" perceives himself or herself.
In summary, the one who loves his life in this world says, "I'm okay. I am a nice person", and the one who hates his life in this world says "I am a sinner." The ones who love themselves don't need a savior. The ones who hate themselves see their need for a savior.
Many of the great hymns of the faith understand this principle. How about that stanza in "O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing".
He breaks the power of canceled sin; He sets the prisoners free;
His blood can make the foulest clean; His blood availed for me.
Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb, Your loosened tongues employ,
Ye blind, behold your Savior come; And leap ye lame for joy.
Or Amazing Grace which says that "saved a wretch like me." Until we come to that place and see God as "Holy, Holy, Holy" and join with Isaiah in his discovery "I am unclean," we will remain selfish, and self-centered. Do you need Jesus? Can you get to Heaven without trusting in Him? Are YOUR good works, YOUR nice and pleasing personality all that YOU need? For me, I am trusting, wholly and solely on the work of Christ on the Cross. Faith alone in Christ alone! Nothing in my hand I bring, only to the cross I cling.
Jesus teaches two different outcomes. The one who loves his life loses out in time and eternity. There will be no blessing from God in time and after we die the lake of fire forever and ever. The one who hates his life is saved, and his salvation secures God blessing in time and provides eternal fellowship with Him. Jesus said, "shall keep it to life eternal." This message is not for anyone who is perfect. When we compare ourselves to others, we can always find someone better than ourselves. Being better than others around us is not the way to Heaven. When we compare ourselves to God, then we see how far we fall short [Romans 3:23] and how hopeless and helpless we truly are to be like Him, in order to please Him, and fellowship with Him.
Jesus teaches about discipleship
26) "If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall My servant also be; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him."
Salvation does not stand alone. After we accept Jesus Christ as our savior are we done with God? He gives us new life, called eternal life, and this new life is designed for us to become more like Christ. He saves our life, then gives us back new life to be used for His glory. Paul says, "We are not our own we are bought with a price." [ 2 Corinthians 8 ] Sadly, too many Christians fail to move forward from salvation to serving the Lord. They have not broken the old habit of "loving their life." Just as the Heaven Father had a plan for the Lord Jesus Christ, so He has a plan for our lives.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
There is an erroneous view of life that is bred in hell and fostered by a secular humanism that human life is a matter of human copulation or human sexuality. Since there is no God, God can have no part in the formation of a human being. The Bible informs us differently, "we are His workmanship." God is involved with every conception and therefore all human life at conception is sacred. That is why Abortion is such a terrible evil. Human beings in their arrogance, in their blind arrogance, have believed the lie of Satan and therefore live under that lie. What is the lie? They are their own boss. They can do want they want. They do not have to answer to anyone. This philosophy espouses the idea that man is the center of all things and the measure of all things. It is for this reason that they are under a strong delusion. It is a simple statement but true that wise men still follow him. Jesus says there will be a blessing and reward for all who follow Him, "anyone who serves Me, the Father will honor him."
Monday, day two of our study, now ends. Jesus will return to Bethany for an evening of rest.
Footnotes
1 John inserts this story right after Jesus’ Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem, which would be Sunday and the celebration of the Passover, Wednesday of this week [John 13]. We have placed it after the "Cleansing of the Temple" on Monday rather than following the Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem. In other words, in John chapter 12 between verses 19 and 20, the entire day has elapsed. In John's written testimony of the Person and Work of our Lord Jesus Christ, he omits "the Defiance of the Pharisee's, the Cursing of the Fig Tree, the Cleansing of the Temple." He places this event right after the words of the religious leaders who in frustration said about Jesus "The whole world is gone after Him!" John 12:19. Not just Jews, but even Gentiles. John’s gospel is written to illustrate the point that "whosoever will may come."
2 Surrounding the sanctuary and these courtyards was a low fence that separated the Israelite worshipers from the Gentile visitors. Hence, the vast courtyard area was called the Court of the Gentiles. This vast Court of the Gentiles was where the moneychangers and sellers of animals had their tables and stalls, and it was this Temple court that Jesus cleansed (Mt. 21:12–13). The Temple in the First Century by William Varner in Israel My Glory: Volume 55 Issue 6. 1999 (electronic ed.). Bellmawr, NJ: The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, Inc.
3 Wiersbe, W. W. (1997, c1992). Wiersbe's expository outlines on the New Testament (p.243). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.
4 The Philip of Acts chapter 8 is not the Philip from Bethsaida who was the disciple that brought the Greeks to Jesus.
5 This apostle and martyr was born at Bethsaida, in Galilee, and was the first called by the name of disciple. He was employed in several important missions by Christ, and being deputed to preach in Upper Asia, labored very diligently in his apostleship. He then traveled into Phrygia, and arriving at Heliopolis, found the inhabitants so sunk in idolatry, as to worship a large serpent. St. Philip, however, was the means of converting many of them to Christianity, and even procured the death of the serpent. This so enraged the magistrates, that they committed him to prison, had him severely scourged, and afterward crucified. His friend, St. Bartholomew, found an opportunity of taking down the body, and burying it; for which, however, he was very near suffering the same fate. The martyrdom of Philip happened eight years after that of James the Great, A.D. 52; and his name, together with that of St. James the Less, is commemorated on the 1st of May. Foxe, J. (2000). Foxe's book of martyrs (electronic ed.). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
6 The Doctrine of Suffering for Blessing teaches us that everything, every bad thing, every difficult thing, is in the Father's plan and therefore, it is for our blessing and benefit, and for His Glory [Romans 8:28]. It is undeserved suffering and should be distinguished from deserved suffering. When we sin, we are disciplined. This is deserved suffering. When difficulties come into our lives, we must know that our Heavenly Father has permitted them in order to bless us. What possible advantage does suffering bring? Scripture reveals six reason why God allows suffering.
Summary Outline
1. TO CORRECT US
God uses problems to correct you. Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It is likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch that hot stove, but you touched it. You learned by being burned. Sometimes we learn the value of something; such as health, wealth, a relationship, by losing it.
The punishment you gave me was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws. They are more valuable to me than millions in silver and gold! [Psalm 119:71 The Good News Bible]
My troubles turned out all for the best -they forced me to learn from your textbook. Truth from your mouth means more to me than striking it rich in a gold mine. [Psalm 119:71,72 The Message]
2. TO DIRECT US.
Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change.
Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways. Proverbs 20:30
Sometimes our Heavenly Father wants us to draw us closer to Him. We felt we were doomed to die and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of God, who alone could save us, for he can even raise the dead. [2 Corinthians 1:9 The Living Bible].
3. TO PERFECT US
When we responded to problems correctly, they become character builders. God is far more interested in character than in your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are two things that survive the destruction of the universe. Your bank account will not survive. Your things will not survive. Difficulties promote spiritual maturity and develop the character of Christ in us: Patience, wisdom, humility, obedience. People are like teabags! If you want to know what is in them, you have to drop them in hot water! Has God tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you? Problems test our faith and tell us what sort it is.
2) Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy,
3) for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow.
4) So let it grow, and don't try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete. [James 1:2-4 The Living Bible]
4. TO PROTECT US [a blessing in disguise]
As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil, for he brought me to this high position I have today so that I could save the lives of many people. Genesis 50:20
A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. I heard the story of a Christian who was fired because he refused to do something unethical that his boss asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem, but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when his bosses action were uncovered.
5. TO AFFECT OTHERS THROUGH US (as a witness for Christ)
Difficulties bring opportunity to share the gospel with others. Everything in your life is preparing you for your mission in life.
13) Usually no one will hurt you for wanting to do good.
14) But even if they should, you are to be envied, for God will reward you for it.
15) Quietly trust yourself to Christ your Lord, and if anybody asks why you believe as you do, be ready to tell him, and do it in a gentle and respectful way. [1 Peter 3:13-15]
6. To PROFIT US (to reward us)
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.[James 1:12]