Please note: there will also be a live service at Bignor (inside) at 10am and 1130 at Barlavington One of the frustrations of John’s Gospel is it starts gripping stories, makes a point and then leaves us dangling! Did they see Jesus? We have to assume they did; why else is John telling us about it? We would love to know what they talked about. Presumably they are Greek converts or Greek-speaking Jews. Otherwise Jesus is breaking the law by speaking to them at all. Or is this the point of what John is telling us? Jesus speaks to everyone, Jew or Greek. This is what Paul says in several of his letters. Jesus speaks to everyone; Jesus died for everyone; Jesus rose again for everyone - to give everyone promise of eternal life. Jesus explains to those around him that his coming death and resurrection are a source of glory. God’s name is glorified by his Passion. This is one theme for this Sunday, Passion Sunday. To emphasise the point a voice comes from heaven, showing that Jesus and his Father are one. Through his suffering and death, his “being lifted up”, the world will see the working of Almighty God and give him the glory. John is quite clear that his death on the cross is to the glory of God. Where does this leave us? “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.” The only way we can help people to see Jesus is by being like Jesus. The point of this incident is to show that it is through suffering that God’s name is glorified, and that Jesus is for everyone. It is through us that this message is spread abroad in the world. If people want to see Jesus it is through us and the way we are with them that they will see him. It is a great responsibility, especially in a time of pandemic and lockdown. How can we show people Jesus? It is in our hands. John’s Gospel chapter 12 vv20-33
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AuthorCanon John Green Archives
May 2021
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