This Sunday, we jump into John 12. A lot is going on here, but all of it is generated by the “buzz” surrounding the resurrection of Lazarus, by Jesus. Martha and Mary hosted a dinner where Mary anointed the feet of Jesus with an expensive ointment, while Judas complained about how it was a waste of money.

Jesus then came into Jerusalem to shouts of “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”

In erses 20-36, Jesus responded to a request by some Greeks who wanted to see and speak to Him, by announcing that “the time had come” for Him to be glorified. He proceeded to give them something that I think is an inverted call for every disciple — Die so that you may live (v.25).

Consider this idea as being central to how you follow after Jesus. It is what He did and it is what He continues to call us to do. In order to do this, however, we have to embrace the “upside-down” nature of the Kingdom of God.

Key Text: John 12