Tuesday 18 March 2008

Background

John's Gospel was most likely written for a Gentile (non Jewish,and in this case, mostly Greek) audience and so the request of agroup of Greeks to see Jesus is significant for John. The Greeksdon't actually seem to have got to see Jesus in this story, butperhaps this is an echo of the fact that Jesus' earthly ministrywas only to the Jews. Clearly John (writing around 80 years afterJesus' death) knows that Gentiles are now full participants in thegospel.

John recognises that it is now not only the Jews, but all peoplewho share in God's glory (verse 32). For John, Judaism has rejectedits place in God's purposes (by not recognising Jesus as theMessiah) and all those who respond to Christ will come to claimthat place instead.

Being "lifted up" is a reference to being lifted up on the Crossand at the same time being lifted up in glory. For John, thecrucifixion is the moment of glorification. After the crucifixion,all those who come to Christ will share in God's plan.

Verses 24-26 are really challenging. Over the years, some havetaken them to mean that an ascetic way of life - giving up allcomforts - is the only way to eternal life. However, many othersbelieve that the key point is to follow Christ and, as John isabout to tell us, this is the way that leads to the Cross.

Jesus is certainly no ascetic. He is contrasted with John theBaptist as someone who likes the good things in life (Luke 7:33-34). Yethis focus is not on his own pleasure but on demonstrating God'slove. All of his human life is secondary to this. Completeobedience to the Father is the only way for Jesus - and, byimplication, should be for his followers.

To Ponder

Is the Church always faithful to the way of theCross - or has it been too concerned with its own status? How aboutyou?

Reflect on the lives of some of the people whohave given themselves to change the world. What are the prioritiesfor change we should be seeking in order to bear fruit from ourlives?