John 12:20-36
Key Verse 24 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. 25 Anyone who loves their
life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it
for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my
servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
1. [20-23] Who were certain Greeks
and what did they ask (20-22)? Why (Ref. 17)? What did Jesus answer to their
request (23)? Discuss what the coming of the hour means and its implication
(23-24,13:1 ref. 8:20; 17:1; Isa 49:1-3; John 6:38,40)?
2.
[24-26]
How can a kernel of wheat produce many seeds (24)? If this is the only way,
then why (ref. Gen 3:19; 1 Cor 15:42-43;)? How is this principle applied to one’s
life (25; Cf. Rom 6:4; 1 Cor 15:36-38)? What is the difficulty in doing so? How
can one overcome that difficulty (26; Ref. 10:27)? How might this teaching
serve as an answer to the need of the Greeks?
3.
[27-30] As the hour has come for him, what struck his soul
(27a)? How did Jesus try to alleviate
the trouble in him (27b) and how did he resolve it (27c-28a)? Discuss what might have enabled him to do so
(Ref. 6:38, 40; 12:24). Then what did a voice from heaven say (28b)? How (29)?
Why did God do this (30)?
4. [31-34] What time is it now for the world (31)?
Why (32; Ref. Rom 3:25; John 16:8-11)? What does it mean that he was to be
lifted up (32-33)? How or why did this puzzle the crowd (34; Ref 13, 14, Cf. 24)?
5. [35-36] What did Jesus tell them to do (35ab)?
Why (35c)? How can they do that (36)? How could this teaching serve as an
answer to their question in v34?
6. Discuss
what might be the difference between the two beliefs: one that Messiah must
remain forever, and the other that the Son of Man must be lifted up and how one
of the truth can overcome the other.
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