Sunday of the Passion: Gospel, John 12:20-43              

John 12:20-43

It was great to be seated across the table from a very dear sister in Christ. In the past few years she has seen her beloved husband claimed by the effects of a severe stroke, she has struggled through a series of her own health setbacks, and then the general annoyances of the Covid virus were thrown into the mix. God is faithful. So is and ever has been the testimony of this wonderful woman. Sister and brother we are. Friends for eternity. Because of God’s Son.

Jesus predicts his impending death in our gospel this week. A heavenly Voice confirms the mission. And as usual when the Son declares His “defeat,’ darkness joyfully encroaches so the Master Teacher gives words of wisdom about trusting in the light He provides even in the world’s shadows.

Then there is the matter of the miraculous. Jesus has shown Himself mighty in many ways during the first twelve chapters of John’s gospel. How does unbelief possibly remain in the hearts of those exposed to the young carpenter and his “craft?” Mighty in teaching, healing and mission. “Even after Jesus had performed many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him” (John 12:37, NIV). They would not.

Back to lunch with my dear sister in Christ. Our chat moved to the working of the Lord in our lives, our children’s and grandchildren’s lives and the broader church. We share a common love for the persecuted church and our conversation moved to the great sacrifices made in other lands under the lash, in the cell or at the grave. Of course people pay a price in our country to follow Jesus and it’s growing, but so many have suffered for so long in lands far away. The connection to our text?

John reveals that eventually many leaders were coming to faith in Jesus. But secretly because there was a great price to pay. Yes, I believe that in their “quiet faith” they were still true believers. But courage sometimes takes time to form. We’ve no room to judge. But they had “fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God” (12:43). Lord, have mercy. Growing in grace includes courage, among other traits.

We sat finishing our bread, our conversation and asking one another and ourselves, “What would I suffer for my friend, the Lord Jesus?” My prayer is this: Lord, a common love drew my sister and I together for a simple meal. May that same common love drive us forward to embrace with joy all that You have for us. No matter the cost. Amen.”