Embracing the Cost: Jesus' Sacrifice and Our Call

Summary of the message Sunday, March 30, 2025 by Mike Fleming

In John 12:20-33, we find a profound moment in Jesus' journey as He approaches His crucifixion. This passage reveals the depth of His mission and the cost of following Him. Jesus uses the metaphor of a grain of wheat falling to the ground and dying to illustrate the necessity of His sacrifice. Just as a seed must die to produce a harvest, Jesus' death would bring forth a multitude of believers. This is a call to understand that true life is found in surrendering our own desires and following Him, even when it leads to difficult paths.

Jesus' mission was not just for the Jews but also for the Gentiles, fulfilling the prophecy that He would be a light to all nations. His death and resurrection opened the door for all people to come to God through faith, not through adherence to the law. This is a reminder that salvation is available to everyone who believes, not just a select few. However, this does not imply universal salvation; rather, it emphasizes the necessity of faith and repentance.

The cost of following Jesus is significant. It requires a willingness to forsake our own lives and ambitions for the sake of His kingdom. This doesn't mean abandoning responsibilities but aligning our goals with His will. Jesus' followers are called to serve Him, and in doing so, they will be honored by the Father. This honor is eternal and far surpasses any recognition we might receive in this world.

Jesus' focus was always on glorifying the Father's name, even in the face of suffering. This is a powerful lesson for us to shift our focus from our own struggles to how God can be glorified through them. In moments of trial, we are encouraged to trust that God will provide the strength to endure and that our trials can serve a greater purpose.

Finally, Jesus' first coming was as a suffering servant, a concept that was difficult for many to accept. His crucifixion was necessary for the redemption of humanity, and it is through His sacrifice that we have the hope of eternal life. As we reflect on His journey to the cross, we are reminded of the depth of His love and the call to share this message with the world.

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Key Takeaways:

Links with timestamps at the end of each point goes to that point in the message on YouTube.

1. Jesus as a Light to the Gentiles: Jesus' mission extended beyond the Jewish people to include all nations, fulfilling the prophecy of being a light to the Gentiles. This highlights the inclusivity of the gospel and the call for all to come to faith in Him. Salvation is not limited by ethnicity or background but is available to anyone who believes. [05:32]
2. The Cost of Following Jesus: Following Jesus requires a willingness to forsake personal ambitions and align our lives with His will. This may involve sacrifices and challenges, but it leads to eternal life and honor from the Father. Our goals must be in line with God's purpose for us, and we must be ready to follow wherever He leads. [14:32]
3. Glorifying the Father's Name: In times of trial, our focus should be on glorifying God's name rather than on our own struggles. Jesus exemplified this by seeking the Father's glory even as He faced the cross. Trusting in God's plan and strength allows us to endure hardships with the assurance that they serve a greater purpose. [23:55]
4. The Father's Affirmation of Jesus: God affirmed Jesus' mission through a thunderous voice from heaven, demonstrating His approval and the significance of Jesus' role as the Messiah. This divine affirmation reassures us of Jesus' authority and the truth of His message. [27:31]
5. Jesus as the Suffering Servant: Jesus' first coming was as a suffering servant, a necessary step for the redemption of humanity. His crucifixion and resurrection opened the way for all to come to God by faith. This aspect of His mission is central to the Christian faith and distinguishes it from other religions. [36:57]