John 12:23
And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus isn't just announcing a future event; he's stating that the very arrival of these curious Greeks seeking Him signifies that the critical moment for His ultimate purpose has arrived. His "glorification" isn't just a heavenly reward, but the unfolding of God's plan through His death and the subsequent spread of the gospel to all nations, starting with these very seekers.
Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem to worship seek out Jesus, and their request to see Him prompts Jesus to declare that the moment for His glorification has arrived. This declaration, made as He transitions into explaining the necessity of His death by the analogy of a grain of wheat dying to produce fruit, signals the imminent opening of His mission to the Gentiles and His ultimate return to heavenly glory.
Jesus speaks of 'the hour' not just as a moment, but as a pivotal, preordained event. What makes this specific hour so significant?
When Jesus says, 'The hour has come,' He’s not just talking about a clock striking. In John’s Gospel, 'the hour' is a recurring theme, referring to the divinely appointed time for Jesus’ suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension – the culmination of His earthly mission.
This isn't a random moment; it's the fulfillment of God's plan. The approach of the Greeks, who wished to see Jesus, acts as the catalyst, bringing this 'hour' to the forefront of Jesus' mind. It signals the transition from His public ministry to His ultimate sacrifice and subsequent glorification, a time marked by both profound suffering and ultimate victory. It’s the critical turning point where the Son of Man will be uniquely honored.
Jesus is about to be glorified, but the context hints at something more profound than just honor. What is the surprising path to His glory?
The word 'glorified' (doxazo) here means more than just being admired; it refers to manifesting God’s presence and power. For Jesus, this glory is intrinsically linked to His impending sacrifice.
He uses the analogy of a grain of wheat: 'Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.' His death is not an end, but a necessary catalyst for immense fruitfulness – the salvation of humanity and the extension of His kingdom to all nations. The Greeks seeking Him are the first fruits of this global harvest. His glory will be fully revealed not in spite of His death, but through it. His suffering and death become the pathway to His exaltation and the honor bestowed by the Father.
Understand the original words
hōra · Greek Noun
The set time appointed by God for the fulfillment of His redemptive plan, particularly regarding the death, resurrection, and glorification of Christ.
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
The Messianic title used by Jesus to describe Himself as the heavenly figure who suffers, dies, and is raised to authority, highlighting His humanity and divine appointment.
doxazō · Greek Verb
To manifest or reveal the divine majesty, honor, and nature of God; in the context of Christ, it specifically refers to His redemptive suffering and subsequent exaltation.
The arrival of Greeks seeking Jesus during Passover signals a pivotal moment, pushing Jesus to acknowledge that His 'hour' of suffering and subsequent glorification has indeed arrived, pointing towards a mission that extends far beyond Israel.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus has been teaching, healing, and performing miracles throughout Galilee and Judea, gathering followers and attracting the attention of religious authorities.
c. AD 30
Lazarus Raised from the Dead
Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, a powerful sign that deeply impacts many and further incites the religious leaders to seek Jesus' death.
c. AD 30— this verse
Greeks Seek Jesus
Certain Gentiles (Greeks) who have come to Jerusalem for the Passover feast inquire about meeting Jesus, indicating a growing interest in Him beyond Jewish circles.
c. AD 30
Jesus Predicts His Death and Glory
In response to the Greeks' request and the growing threat from authorities, Jesus speaks about His impending 'hour' of glorification, linking it to His death and resurrection.
This passage shows Jesus praying for His own glorification just before His passion, directly echoing the 'hour has come' theme and His desire to be glorified with the Father.
Philippians 2:8-11This passage describes Christ's humiliation through death leading to His ultimate exaltation and glorification, mirroring the paradox presented in John 12:23 where suffering precedes glory.
Colossians 1:24Paul speaks of completing what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of His body, the church, highlighting the suffering that is intrinsically linked to Christ's glory and the spread of His message.
1 Peter 1:11This verse speaks of the Spirit of Christ in the prophets foretelling the sufferings of Christ and the glory that would follow, connecting the present moment of Jesus' announcement to the prophetic plan.
vincentJohn 12:23: "And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified."
Answered (ἀπεκρίνατο)The best texts read ἀποκρίνεται, answereth.The hour is come, that (ἐλήλυθεν ἡ ὥρα ἵνα)This is not equivalent to "the hour is come in which." The hour is used absolutely: the critical hour is come in order that the Son, etc.
henryJohn 12:20-26: "And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:"
12:20-26 In attendance upon holy ordinances, particularly the gospel passover, the great desire of our souls should be to see Jesus; to see him as ours, to keep up communion with him, and derive grace from him. The calling of the Gentiles magnified the Redeemer. A corn of wheat yields no increase unless it is cast into the ground. Thus Christ might have possessed his heavenly glory alone, without bec…
Jesus isn't just announcing a future event; he's stating that the very arrival of these curious Greeks seeking Him signifies that the critical moment for His ultimate purpose has arrived. His "glorification" isn't just a heavenly reward, but the unfolding of God's plan through His death and the subsequent spread of the gospel to all nations, starting with these very seekers.
Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem to worship seek out Jesus, and their request to see Him prompts Jesus to declare that the moment for His glorification has arrived. This declaration, made as He transitions into explaining the necessity of His death by the analogy of a grain of wheat dying to produce fruit, signals the imminent opening of His mission to the Gentiles and His ultimate return to heavenly glory.
Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem to worship seek out Jesus, and their request to see Him prompts Jesus to declare that the moment for His glorification has arrived. This declaration, made as He transitions into explaining the necessity of His death by the analogy of a grain of wheat dying to produce fruit, signals the imminent opening of His mission to the Gentiles and His ultimate return to heavenly glory.
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c. AD 30
Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus makes a public entry into Jerusalem, accepted by many as the promised Messiah, while simultaneously facing increasing opposition.
c. AD 30
Passover Feast
The events surrounding Jesus' request to meet the Greeks occur during the Passover festival, a time of national remembrance and religious observance in Jerusalem.
"And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." — Jesus isn't just announcing a future event; he's stating that the very arrival of these curious Greeks seeking Him signifies that the critical moment for His ultimate purpose has arrived. His "glorif…
