²⁰ Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks.²¹ So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” ²² Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. ²³ And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. ²⁴ Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.²⁵ Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. ²⁶ If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

Reflection Questions

John 12:20-26

• Reflect on the link between glory and becoming “a grain of wheat [that] falls into the earth and dies” as it applies to Jesus’ life. How does the Christian understanding of glory differ from the world’s definition?  In what ways have I embraced the life of becoming a grain of wheat that falls and dies?
• In what ways am I a recipient of others’ death?
• What are the ways in which people “lose” their life because they “love” it too much?
• Do I view my life as one I need to cling on to or one I need to spend?

John 12:26

• Reflect on the call and promise contained in this verse. What is my response to this verse?