Holy Week Devotionals: Holy Tuesday

Read John 12:20-36

By Associate Pastor of Youth and Missions/Outreach Lindsey Odom

Summary of Scripture Passage: Greeks arrive on the scene, they find Philip, and they ask to see Jesus. It seems like a simple enough request, but Jesus’ response is anything but simple. Jesus’ response to their request includes an announcement that the hour has come, referring to his crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. I do not know what answer Philip and Andrew expected to hear about them seeing Jesus, but I will bet they did not expect to hear about his impending death.

Somehow death and seeing and following Jesus are intimately connected. It makes this connection through discussing a grain of wheat and how the grain of wheat must fall into the ground and die so that it will bear much fruit. To see Jesus is more than just believing and seeking to follow the things that Jesus said and did. It entails dying to the things that are not Christ-like, such as the need to be right or to be in control, anger, and our attachment to power, wealth, and status, so that we can live more faithful and holy lives that bear fruit.

Reflect:

• Why would Jesus ignore the Greeks who were seeking him and instead pivot to talking about his mission and what it meant to follow him?
• In two previous scenes (John 2:4, John 7:30), Jesus explains that his time had not yet come. But in verse 23, he declares that “the time has come,” and specifically for him to enter his glory. What are the implications of this?
• Look back to verse 26 and 36 where Jesus invites us to follow Him into His death. Then make a list of what you believe is involved in following Christ?

Pray: Use Psalm 71:1-14 as a prayer. This is a lectionary text for Holy Tuesday.

1 In you, O LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. 2 In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me. 3 Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.

5 For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth. 6 Upon you I have leaned from my birth; it was you who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you. Amen.