John 12:23-24
And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus doesn't just state that his glorification is coming; he uses a word that implies this hour is for the purpose of his glorification. This isn't merely a scheduled event, but a pivotal moment designed to fulfill God's plan, where His mission through suffering leads to ultimate honor.
Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem to worship the Lord approach Philip, wanting to see Jesus. This request prompts Jesus to declare that the time has arrived for the Son of Man to be glorified. He immediately follows this by explaining that this glorification will come through his death and subsequent fruitful ministry, not through earthly power.
Jesus says 'the hour has come' for Him to be glorified. But what 'hour' is this, and how is glory connected to something seemingly so bleak?
Jesus identifies a specific, divinely appointed time – 'the hour' – for His glorification. This isn't just any moment, but a pivotal juncture where His identity and purpose will be revealed and honored. The scholars highlight that this 'hour' is intrinsically linked to His upcoming suffering and death. It's not glory in the way the world understands it (power, earthly reign), but a deeper, more profound glory revealed through His obedience, sacrifice, and ultimate victory over sin and death. This hour is the culmination of God's plan, setting in motion the salvation of humanity.
Jesus uses a vivid image to explain how glory follows death. What can we learn from this agricultural analogy?
Jesus compares Himself to a 'grain of wheat.' This seed must fall to the ground and 'die' to produce a much greater harvest. This is the core of His message: His glorification isn't achieved by avoiding death, but through it. The scholars emphasize that His death is not an end but a beginning, essential for spreading His influence and bringing forth spiritual life for countless others – the first fruits of Gentiles, as some note. This paradox teaches that true fruitfulness, growth, and lasting impact often require personal sacrifice and a willingness to 'die' to self-preservation.
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.
kokkos sitou · Greek Noun phrase
An agricultural metaphor used by Jesus to illustrate the principle of sacrifice and death as a necessary precondition for life and spiritual fruitfulness.
The presence of Gentile seekers asking to see Jesus in Jerusalem directly prompts Jesus' declaration that the 'hour' for His glorification has come. This moment powerfully illustrates that Jesus' mission, marked by His death and resurrection, was always intended to extend His glory and salvation to all nations, not just Israel.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus enters Jerusalem
Jesus makes His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, acclaimed by the crowds as king. This event marks His final week before the crucifixion.
c. 30 AD
Greeks seek to see Jesus
Certain Gentile God-fearers, who had come to Jerusalem to worship at the Passover feast, ask to see Jesus. This is a significant moment, indicating the growing interest in Jesus from beyond the Jewish nation.
c. 30 AD
Jesus speaks of His glorification
In response to the Greeks' request, Jesus declares that the 'hour has come' for the Son of Man to be glorified, signifying that His suffering and death are imminent and are the path to His ultimate honor.
c. 30 AD
Jesus predicts His death and resurrection
Jesus uses the analogy of a grain of wheat dying to produce much fruit to explain the necessity of His own death and subsequent resurrection, which will lead to the salvation of many.
Jesus prays to the Father, 'glorify your Son,' directly echoing the sentiment in John 12:23 that the hour of His glorification has arrived, linking His imminent suffering with His ultimate exaltation.
John 16:32Jesus states, 'the hour is coming, and is now here,' when His disciples will scatter, directly connecting the 'hour' of His glorification with the 'hour' of His abandonment by those closest to Him.
Philippians 2:8-11This passage describes Christ being 'humbled by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross,' and as a result, God 'highly exalted him, giving him the name that is above every name.' This beautifully illustrates how His suffering and death (the 'hour' approaching) led to His ultimate glorification.
Hebrews 12:2It speaks of Jesus 'for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame,' which mirrors the idea in John 12:23 that His suffering was a necessary path towards His glorification, a path He embraced for a greater purpose.
1 Peter 1:11This verse mentions the apostles seeking to know 'what person or time the Spirit of Christ in him was indicating when he testified beforehand of the sufferings of Christ and of the glory that was to follow,' directly linking Christ's suffering and glory as foretold events.
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 doesn't just state that his glorification is coming; he uses a word that implies this hour is for the purpose of his glorification. This isn't merely a scheduled event, but a pivotal moment designed to fulfill God's plan, where His mission through suffering leads to ultimate honor.
Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem to worship the Lord approach Philip, wanting to see Jesus. This request prompts Jesus to declare that the time has arrived for the Son of Man to be glorified. He immediately follows this by explaining that this glorification will come through his death and subsequent fruitful ministry, not through earthly power.
Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem to worship the Lord approach Philip, wanting to see Jesus. This request prompts Jesus to declare that the time has arrived for the Son of Man to be glorified. He immediately follows this by explaining that this glorification will come through his death and subsequent fruitful ministry, not through earthly power.
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karpos · Greek Noun
The result of the life and work of God working through His people; often refers to converts, godly character, or spiritual works produced through union with Christ.
c. 30 AD
Jesus calls for discipleship
Jesus calls for His followers to serve Him, even if it means hating their own lives in this world and following Him through suffering and potential death, promising them eternal life and honor from the Father.
c. 30 AD
Jesus is arrested and crucified
Jesus is betrayed, arrested, tried, and crucified in Jerusalem, fulfilling His words about His impending death and glorification.
c. 30 AD
Jesus is resurrected and ascends
Jesus is raised from the dead, confirming His divine authority and the efficacy of His atoning sacrifice, and later ascends to the Father, completing His earthly mission and entering into His heavenly glory.
"And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." — Jesus doesn't just state that his glorification is coming; he uses a word that implies this hour is for the purpose of his glorification. This isn't merely a scheduled event, but a pivotal moment d…
