Today's Bible Reading: John 12

Selected Biblical Text
Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
"Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!"
Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again." (John 12:23-28 NIV)

Reflecting and Thinking
Today's chapter contains many smaller narrative sections. One way to tie together the multiple storylines is suggested in today's title. Jesus' glory is demonstrated at the Triumphal Entry, affirmed and explained by Jesus' teachings and by the voice from heaven, and rejected by the Jews who continue in their unbelief. The question posed by today's reading is this: "What will we do with Jesus' glory?"

How often do you think "glory" when you think of Jesus? Have you seen his glory? When? Where? How? Consider the various groups described in this chapter -- what did they think of Jesus' glory? What do you do in your daily life to demonstrate how glorious Jesus is? (Consider this: the risen Jesus is in one sense even more glorious than the incarnate Jesus!) Make a special effort today to look for and see Jesus, just as the Greeks did in today's chapter.

Prayer
Our God and Father, thank you for glorifying the name of Jesus. Give us greater respect for his name and authority; help us see his glory in this world, in our lives, and in the lives of others. Help us reflect that glory, in the name of the One who reflects your glory, Amen.