Dying to Self: The Radical Way to Live — October 26 [Description]Overview of John 12:20-36:This passage occurs just after Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Some Greeks (non-Jews) ask to see Jesus, signaling the widening impact of His ministry. Jesus uses this moment to declare that His hour has come—a reference to His imminent death and glorification.He teaches through the metaphor of a grain of wheat: it must die to produce fruit. Likewise, Jesus must die to bring life to many. He calls His followers to a radical way of living—dying to self, choosing service, and following Him in obedience, even unto death.Jesus expresses deep anguish but remains committed to glorifying the Father. A voice from heaven affirms this purpose. Jesus then shifts to say that through His death, the ruler of this world (Satan) will be cast out and He will draw all people to Himself. The crowd is confused, expecting a triumphant, earthly Messiah. Jesus urges them to believe in the light (Himself) while they still have it, warning that walking in darkness leads to being lost.The theme? Jesus’ death is the pathway to eternal life, and victory over evil.

Bible discovery

John 12:20-36365D 299.1

20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast.365D 299.2

21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”365D 299.3

22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus.365D 299.4

23 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified.365D 299.5

24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much ^{[d]Lit. fruit} grain.365D 299.6

25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.365D 299.7

26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.365D 299.8

27 “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour.365D 299.9

28 Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.”365D 299.10

29 Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.”365D 299.11

30 Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake.365D 299.12

31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.365D 299.13

32 And I, if I am ^[e]Crucified lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”365D 299.14

33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die.365D 299.15

34 The people answered Him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’ ? Who is this Son of Man?”365D 299.16

35 Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going.365D 299.17

36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them.365D 299.18