Sunday 22 March 2015

Psalm: Psalm 51

Background

Today's passage  picks up at least threethemes that occur several times in the Gospel as a whole:

• the coming hour
• being glorified
• being lifted up.

All of the themes are related to Jesus' saving work through hispassion and death on the cross.

The theme of Jesus' "hour" is introduced in John2:4, the story of the wedding at Cana in Galilee (John2:1-11). When Jesus' mother points out that the hosts of thewedding feast have run out of wine, a matter of some concern andshame for them, Jesus replies, "What concern is that to you and me?My hour has not yet come." He then performs the sign of turningwater into wine. His newly-called disciples see the sign andbelieve. Jesus' hour comes, as the Gospel eventually reveals, whenthe non-Jewish Greek visitors arrive (in today's passage). Perhapsthey represent the gentile world seeking Jesus. From this pointJesus will prepare his disciples for his death.

The theme of being lifted up is introduced in John3:14. 'As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, somust the Son of Man be lifted up…". The reference is to Jesus'coming crucifixion. The work of salvation is accomplished whenJesus is lifted up on the cross and given over to suffering anddeath.

The concept of glory is also closely related to the cross. Theglory of the Son of Man is revealed in the crucifixion. The Son ofGod, the eternal word, through whom the world came into being,comes to his own only to face rejection, scorn, or indifference bysome, including those in power. The arrival of the Greeks who askto see Jesus signals that his message is reaching the wider world.Now, the hour has come. When he is lifted on the cross, his glorywill be revealed so that the whole world will be drawn to him.

To Ponder

• What do you think is the significance of the detail that Greekscame to see Jesus?

• What is your response to the connection of Jesus' glory withhis suffering on the cross?