John 12:20-26
Jesus seems to take the arrival of some Greeks as some kind of signal. Maybe reference to their more distant home triggers this announcement of what is to come, since Jesus has said that he came because of God’s love for the world.
In describing his dying to give way to greater life for many, he uses the word “hates.” Are we really supposed to hate our life in this world? I mean, he has also said he came that his sheep may have life to the full. And it can’t just be a matter of earthly life vs. heavenly life because he has spoken of eternal life, which begins the moment we believe. I think it’s a matter of exaggeration to make a point. He is talking primarily of his own impending sacrifice. That is, in comparison to what is to be gained with his sacrifice, it’s as if the life he is relinquishing is something to be hated. Speaking of hate in relation to visible life is a way of highlighting how stupendous is the life that is gained by letting go. As for us, we may need a strong antidote to our getting and clinging, “mine, mine” approach to life and living.
Prayer:
Lord, how full and rich life can be! On a beautiful sunny day with summer activities to look forward to, it is so jarring to even think of ‘hating’ this life. But I thank you for this and all reminders that life is to shared, and that often means letting go, giving things up, putting others first. And ultimately greater life means dying. And there are so many so close to that reality. Let me live out some little death and resurrection today. What could I give up today? In what way might I quietly set aside my selfishness, concede something, maybe not insist on being right, give way to another? Through Jesus who shares his grace. Amen.
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1 comment:
perhaps we can trace the things of this world that turn away from god's path and despoil creation, trace them back to evil, and hate the evilness those things represent.
it's a harsh way of looking at things, but i find i more closely examine the things of this world i choose to live with, which may compromise living with jesus, following him, as he commanded, and which i don't do very well.
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