John 12:20-36 (TPT) True Seekers
20 Now there were a number of foreigners from among the nations who were worshipers at the feast. 21 They went to Philip (who came from the village of Bethsaida in Galilee) and they asked him, “Would you take us to see Jesus? We want to see him.” 22 So Philip went to find Andrew, and then they both went to inform Jesus.
23 He replied to them, “Now is the time for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Let me make this clear: A single grain of wheat will never be more than a single grain of wheat unless it drops into the ground and dies. Because then it sprouts and produces a great harvest of wheat—all because one grain died.
25 “The person who loves his life and pampers himself will miss true life! But the one who detaches his life from this world and abandons himself to me, will find true life and enjoy it forever! 26 If you want to be my disciple, follow me and you will go where I am going. And if you truly follow me as my disciple, the Father will shower his favor upon your life.
Pause in his presence
Lenten Reflection: In our passage today, Jesus is preparing his disciples for his death. He must lay down his life, so that we may enjoy new life in Him. We must detach from the life the world proclaims as victorious in order to actually follow the Lord. Isn’t it interesting how we have literally been forced to disconnect from so many worldly activities and influences right now? It’s for our good that we have done so. And, it provides us much needed time to connect to Christ. Let Christ refresh your spiritual life in the Father’s favor.
Prayer: Lord, there is so much I want to learn from you, so many ways I need your comfort, today, but the most important thing I can articulate in the moment is to say thank you! I want to be a life-grain that produces a harvest with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.