“The Hour Has Come…!”

“The Hour Has Come…!”(Jn.12:20-26).
If we consider the death of Jesus from a legal and historical perspective, we would say an innocent man was murdered. Looking at the cross in that perspective sees the crucifixion as fatality.
Jesus did not see his death that way. He knew what was to be expected. At some point, Jesus even precipitated his end. Jesus looked forward to the cross as a means by which he was to be glorified.
The cross can be victory as much as it can be abysmal!
Those who crucified Jesus thought they had scored a victory by getting rid of a criminal whose only offence was blasphemy.
For Jesus, the cross was the way of his glorification. The death of Jesus is like a seed sowed in the soil. It sprouts, grows up, and produces crops only when the planted seen has rotted in the ground. Jesus’ death and resurrection is the message of the gospel that is spreading all across the world.
There is no doubt that when he was told that some Greeks were looking for him, he saw this as a sign indicating that his time of departure was at hand. The Grecians wanting to see him meant his teaching was already extending to the Gentiles. It was a sign of fulfilment for his ministry. Like a seed, it was time for him to be planted so that it could die in the ground and grow up and multiply.
The readiness to die is the hallmark of discipleship. Sacrificial service and the readiness to die for the sake of the gospel is the way by which we will be with Christ when he comes again!
My friend, God honours those who serve Christ. Are you one of them? If not, why not?
Sunday prayer: Holy Spirit, arm me daily with the readiness to respond to the call of sacrificial service to the LORD. Amen!
Have a blessed Sunday! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.
15/03/2026.