Jesus calls his disciples to give their lives away for the cause, just as he is doing. If this is more than a figurative principle, how is this good news for the world or the disciples?
Discussion Questions:
Share about a sacrifice you made; it could be magnanimous or a small one you make every day. What did you trade or lose and what was gained?
Throughout John, Jesus talks about “his hour” (his death). But repeatedly, he says "my hour has not yet come" (John 2:4, 7:28-30, 8:20). Suddenly, for the first time in the Gospel of John, Greeks (Gentiles) seek him out. And he immediately says, "my hour has come." What does that show us about his sense of mission? What does Jesus consider his cause worth dying for? Why was this the tipping point? Since most of us are Gentiles (non-Jews), why would that be comforting? Are you genuinely comforted?
'Glory' means 'weight' in Hebrew (kabod) - as in significance, honor, or gravitas - whereas, we say that things ‘matter’ (or not). What are some common phrases or ways we use that term ('matter') today that might echo the biblical idea of 'glory'? How will the Son of Man be made to ‘matter’ (v.23)? How will the Father make his Name ‘matter’ (v.28)? How do the challenges of verses 25 and 26 challenge our views of what ‘matters’ in our lives?
In verse 27, Jesus says his soul is troubled. Yet we know he was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Is it possible to have inner conflict and yet be without sin? How might that be an encouraging thought in the midst of our struggles? Read Hebrews 2:18 and 4:16. Why might falsely requiring a stoic Christianity (e.g., "Keep a stiff upper lip!" and “Don’t break down!”) within our hearts and minds be dangerous for our mental and spiritual health? Because of this verse, JC Ryle said: "The believer may be known as much by his inward warfare as by his inward peace." What does he mean? (Consider Romans 7:15-8:1.)
Look at verse 32. How does Jesus' death on a cross "draw all people"? As repulsive as the overt violence of the cross is, how could that same cross be attractive? Why are 'losers' drawn more readily to the cross than 'winners'?
Look at verses 24-26. If the wheat does not die, it doesn't bear fruit. If one loves his life, he loses it. How are Jesus' statements here directly contrary to how our society operates? If anyone serves me, he must follow me. Is Jesus calling us to die? Literally? In what sense? Daily? (Luke 9:23) Why would that be threatening? What are the other causes people in the South Bay are already dying for every day?
How did early Christians embody his teaching in the midst of plagues? How was that a contrast to the world? How might we - with great wisdom and creativity - begin to embody that same joy in our city today?
What did you need to hear in the sermon or in this discussion?
