Dear Friends,
We hope this week's devotional will encourage you in your spiritual walk. We give thanks to Major Dr Dean Smith, Director of Learning and Teaching and Senior Lecturer in Theology and Philosophy, for writing this devotional.
You are welcome to share this and include it in your church newsletters if you wish; we just ask that you please give credit to NTC and the author. Thank you!
John 12: 20-33 (NRSVUE)
Some Greeks Wish to See Jesus
20 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew, then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain, but if it dies it bears much fruit. 25 Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour.
Jesus Speaks about His Death
27 “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say: ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31 Now is the judgement of this world; now the ruler 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 indicate the kind of death he was to die.
Devotional
There are a great many occasions throughout history when we see Christian triumphalism at play. The crusades are one of the best examples. At present we are spectators of Jewish triumphalism writ large in word and in deed in Palestine. Yet how could we be surprised by such states of affairs. The world lives by the values, might is right, history is written by the victors. Add a spoonful of Christian ideology to the mix and you get the ultimate justification for war and all forms of abusive power - with God on our side we will surely win. But hang on, the reading for today does not seem to align at all with these sentiments. Here we have Jesus acknowledging that God's glory will be won not through might or power but through obedience unto death. This is not a message of unfettered success but a message of sacrifice and discipleship. Jesus said to his disciples: "Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who despise their life in this world will keep it for eternal life". Triumphalism has no place in Christianity, yet sadly the message of Jesus is often drowned out by those who proclaim victory in every area of life. As we journey closer to Jesus as he makes his way to the cross perhaps we may be challenged again to hear the true message of the gospel.
Prayer
Lord, the message of Christianity is clear to see if only we would open our eyes and focus on Jesus and his words and deeds. At a time when even our language at times sets us on a war footing with those who disagree with us, remind us that our mission is not to represent a God who is on our side so much as a God who is prepared to die and suffer loss for all sides. For the sake of peace for all humankind. Grant us the strength to live out this gospel.
Dean Smith, PhD (Director of Learning and Teaching; Senior Lecturer in Theology and Philosophy)