October 25 –  Love Never Fails

Sunday School

October 25

Lesson 8 (KJV)

 Love Never Fails

 

Devotional Reading: Romans 12:9–21

Background Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:27–14:1

1 Corinthians 13:1–13

 

1. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

 

2. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

 

3. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

 

4. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

 

5. Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

 

6. Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

 

7. Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

 

8. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

 

9. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

 

10. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

 

11. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

 

12. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

 

13. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

 

 

Lesson Aims

 

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

 

1. Recite the characteristics of charity (love) as Paul listed them.

 

2. Explain why love is essential to the proper use of spiritual gifts.

 

3. Identify one way that he or she can express love to others by use of personal spiritual gifts.

 

 

HOW TO SAY IT

agape (Greek) Uh-gah-pay.

Corinth Kor-inth.

Corinthians Ko-rin-thee-unz (th as in thin).

 

Introduction

 

1. Global Success, Personal Failure

 

At the time of his death at age 56 in 2011, Steve Jobs’s net worth exceeded $10 billion. He was widely recognized not only as a leader in the technology industry but as a significant shaper of global culture. As the founder of Apple and then Pixar Animation, Jobs set new standards for innovation in consumer technology and corporate culture. Apple effectively created both the home computer and the desktop publishing industry, as well as Toy Story—the first fully computer-animated feature film. Jobs was also a major force in the development of streaming music and movies and touch-screen personal devices. Famous for bypassing market research, Jobs had an uncanny ability to intuitively sense what consumers would want, even before they realized they wanted it.

While Steve Jobs was a uniquely gifted individual who has left an indelible mark on many aspects of global culture, his personal life was less successful. Jobs fathered a child at age 23 and spent the first seven years of her life denying paternity. Although he eventually accepted her into his family, she revealed in a 2018 memoir that Jobs was a difficult and demanding person to live with. Her testimony is consistent with numerous reports of Jobs’s erratic behavior in the workplace. He fired people without notice or severance numerous times, famously asked inappropriate personal questions to prospective employees, and humiliated staff members by criticizing or even firing them publicly at meetings.

Steve Jobs was a profoundly gifted person who left a huge mark on the world while damaging many people around him because he didn’t act in love. Our lesson today reminds us that love is the essential ingredient to all kinds of success—most importantly, for living as godly people.

 

1. Lesson Context

 

Corinth was a major city in ancient Greece. Paul spent 18 months in the city on his second missionary journey, despite much opposition there (Acts 18:1–17). Writing 1 Corinthians from Ephesus in about AD 56 while on his third missionary journey, Paul addressed a variety of issues and problems that had arisen in the Corinthian church in his absence.

That church’s many problems seemed to have been rooted in pride, which went hand in hand with airs of spiritual superiority. Some thought themselves to be superior because they identified with a particular leader (1 Corinthians 1–4). Some thought themselves to be exempt from moral expectations (chapters 5–7). Some thought themselves to be superior because of the foods they ate or refused to eat (chapters 8–10). Some thought that they were so superior to other Christians that they could neglect the needs of others (chapter 11). The issue of spiritual gifts was also a problem at Corinth in this context.

Many individuals in the first-century church were empowered by the Spirit to accomplish important tasks, including miraculous manifestations such as prophecy (example: Acts 21:8–9) and speaking in tongues (example: 10:44–46). First Corinthians 12 begins a long section on the pride and arrogance that had entered the church through, ironically, the use of spiritual gifts. That discussion continues in chapter 14, but in the midst of it Paul pauses to offer a single, simple, concise answer to all the Corinthians’ questions: love each other.

Love, properly understood, will put everything else into perspective, unifying the church and empowering believers to glorify Christ together.

 

1. Love Matters

(1 Corinthians 13:1–3)

 

1. When Using Gifts (vv. 1–2)

 

1. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

 

Paul began with the example of an impressive gift, speaking in tongues. This gift of the Spirit was publicly displayed in the proclamation of the gospel at the church’s inauguration at Pentecost (Acts 2:1–11). In that context, the disciples’ ability to speak a number of foreign languages symbolized the universal nature of the gospel: through Christ, people of different nations and cultures would come together as God’s people. This in turn confirmed God’s love for each person in all nations (Matthew 28:18–20; John 3:16). Ironically, the Corinthians had turned this power into a source of division, requiring Paul to discuss the proper use of tongues in detail in 1 Corinthians 14.

The ability to speak languages by the Spirit’s power is a marvelous thing. But how much more impressive to speak the very language used by the angels in Heaven! This would surely represent the highest form of the gift. Yet if a person were to speak that angelic language from selfish motives—to draw attention to oneself or prove his or her superiority—it would be of no use to anyone. As far as God is concerned, without charity even the most elegant speech is just the noise of a brass instrument or a cymbal.

Many of us are familiar with the Greek word agape from its inclusion in the names of parachurch organizations and Sunday school classes. This word appears more than 100 times in the New Testament, and the King James Version translates it as love in the majority of cases (examples: 1 Corinthians 4:21; 16:24). In a minority of cases, it is translated charity, as we see here. This use of the word charity should not be confused with the narrow idea of provision for the relief of the needy, as the word charity is commonly used today.

 

2. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

 

Paul turned to a second gift that is typically expressed in highly public settings, prophecy. While prophecy sometimes refers broadly to an ability to speak God’s word to a particular situation (similar to modern preaching), Paul seemed to be thinking of the more obviously miraculous gift of knowing future events (see Acts 21:10–11). Suppose that someone was so gifted that he or she possessed all knowledge of future events, and even of divine mysteries of Heaven?

While we might regard the information such a person could share as priceless, it would be worthless, Paul said, if not exercised in charity. Faith here refers to supernatural trust in God that would apparently express itself through great power in prayer (see 1 Corinthians 12:9). Jesus gave the example of people whose faith is so great that their prayers could move a mountain into the sea (Matthew 17:20). Such faith would indeed be impressive to others, but Paul said that God will be impressed only if the prayer is offered in love.

 

Removing Mountains

The Gotthard Pass in Switzerland has been an important trade route from northern to southern Europe since the thirteenth century. This pass was slowly traversed on foot and later with horses, stagecoaches, and automobiles. In 1992, a majority of Swiss voters agreed on an ambitious solution to speed travel in the pass. They would remove parts of the mountain range to construct the world’s longest and deepest railway traffic tunnel‌—the first flat, low-level route through the Swiss Alps.

The 35-mile Gotthard Base Tunnel took 17 years and $12.5 billion to complete. About 31 million tons of material was removed. Tragically, nine workers died due to accidents during construction. In the end, however, mountains were literally moved, making it possible for up to 15,000 shipping containers to pass through the Alps each day.

The image of moving a mountain is used in Scripture to describe an act of great power (Job 9:5) and faith (Matthew 17:20). But even (re) moving mountains means nothing if it is done without love.

—J. E.

 

1. When Sacrificing (v. 3)

 

3. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

 

Generosity is not listed as a manifestation of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12, but Paul does include it in his list of gifts in Romans 12:6–8. All people are obligated to give of their means, but some people are specially gifted with the ability to freely give to those in need.

Paul’s give my body to be burned may be referring to surrendering faithfully to death in martyrdom. Any acts of service and sacrifice—even martyrdom—can be twisted into something self-serving. Even acts that mimic God’s self-sacrificial gift in Jesus are invalidated when we do them to exalt ourselves rather than to bless others. Paul is one who dedicates himself completely to the Lord’s service, suffering great physical distress in the process (2 Corinthians 11:23–27).

Paul is referring to the ultimate in self-sacrifice. But even the most extreme act of sacrifice is worth nothing if we do it so we can boast about our own spirituality. Nothing we do is worth anything if our actions are not guided by genuine love for other people.

 

What Do You Think?

How have you found growth in Christ to be related to growth in love?

 

Digging Deeper

How would you teach this connection to a new Christian?

 

1. Love Acts

(1 Corinthians 13:4–7)

 

1. What It Does (v. 4a)

 

4a. Charity suffereth long, and is kind.

 

Paul defined love in terms of what love does and doesn’t do. Love is not an emotion but rather a lifestyle, a set of behaviors that reveal a spirit driven by true Christian charity.

Suffereth long does not mean that loving always brings pain, but rather emphasizes that love does not express itself through vengeance, retaliation, or by giving up on people quickly.

 

1. What It Does Not (vv. 4b–6)

 

4b. Charity envieth not.

 

Though we use the two words very similarly, jealousy and envy have distinct meanings throughout the Bible. Jealousy is often a strong desire to protect a faithful, committed relationship. The Bible sometimes refers to God as jealous in His love for His people because He desires them to be faithful to Him (example: Zechariah 1:14). Envy is a desire to obtain what other people have, often accompanied by feelings of bitterness or hatred. Envy and covetousness are never motivated by genuine love.

 

4c. Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.

 

At the same time, a person who loves does not try to make other people envious by bragging about the things that he or she has. Loving people are not prideful and do not seek to draw attention to what God has given them. Paul was thinking here especially of the pride that people might take in their spiritual gifts. Since all gifts are given by the same Spirit and all are of equal importance to the church (1 Corinthians 12:4–7), it is senseless to boast about them or to envy what someone else has received.

 

5a. Doth not behave itself unseemly.

 

Paul emphasized four things that people driven by love will not do. The Greek word translated behave is used one other time in the New Testament; in the other instance Paul advised unmarried men not to act “uncomely” by failing to honor a commitment to marry (1 Corinthians 7:36). Love does not lead us to do anything that we would be ashamed of later. Following from verse 4, Paul was probably thinking of envious or prideful things we might say.

 

5b. Seeketh not her own.

 

Pride and envy are categorically eliminated by the fact that love is not selfish, but instead is always acting in the best interests of others.

 

5c. Is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil.

 

Love is not expressed in a hot temper. Of course, we may be angry at the sins that people commit and may be frustrated by their poor choices, but these feelings should be motivated by genuine concern that the person is doing something harmful to himself, others, or the cause of Christ.

For this reason, love is quick to forgive. Thinketh no evil here means that we should not continue to harbor ill feelings toward those who make us angry. Instead, we should forgive what needs forgiving and forget the small stuff.

 

What Do You Think?

What are some circumstances in which you should take care that your loving actions not be misinterpreted as unloving?

 

Digging Deeper

How are Paul’s declarations in 1 Corinthians 5; 2 Thessalonians 3:10; and 1 Timothy 1:20; 5:9–10 appropriate actions for loving people?

 

6. Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.

 

Many of the Corinthian Christians seem to have been arrogant about their spiritual gifts. We can easily become envious of, and resentful toward, arrogant people, and we may feel gratified to see them do something wrong because this justifies our judgmental attitude. Real love, however, always wants to see other people succeed and do the right thing.

 

What Do You Think?

What are some spiritual disciplines you can use to ensure that your acts of love remain closely connected with truth?

 

Digging Deeper

In addition to Ephesians 4:15 and 1 Peter 1:22, what texts help you most in this regard?

 

1. Without Exception (v. 7)

 

7. Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

 

This verse highlights four ways that a loving person treats others, with the repetition of all things stressing that we are to act this way no matter what other people do. Love does not break under pressure but instead always bears up. Believeth and hopeth do not mean that loving people are naïve, but rather that love always remains positive. This attitude is tempered by the fact that love also endureth. Far from wearing rose-colored glasses, loving people see the reality of situations and choose to love anyway.

Earlier in this letter, Paul drew a parallel between the Christian life and the athletic contests of running and boxing (1 Corinthians 9:24–27; compare Galatians 5:7; 2 Timothy 4:7). Though in the middle of enduring we may think other people are enemies, our opponent is actually Satan and his influences. Instead of competing against others, we extend loving hands of patience, kindness, humility, etc., to help others cross the finish line with us.

 

Sing It Out

 

Many song titles begin with the words “Love Is.” but fail to offer accurate or complete definitions. Consider the following: one title declares that “Love Is Blind.” Another opines that “Love Is Blue.” A third proposes that “Love Is a Battlefield.” Yet another contends that “Love Is a Losing Game” to express the singer’s regret at ever having given her heart to another.

None of these songs express the biblical truth about love. Their focus on romantic love is one-side. Paul’s clear explanation of what love is and what love is not often contradicts contemporary thinking on the subject. What steps can you take to resist secular definition of love?

—J. E.

 

III. Love Lasts

(1 Corinthians 13:8–13)

 

1. When the Gifts Run Out (v. 8)

 

8. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

 

This verse establishes a contrast between love and spiritual gifts. Paul selected three gifts from the list in 1 Corinthians 12:8–10 that all reveal information about God and His will. The time will come when we will not need such revelations, but we will always need love. That is true in this life and in the next.

 

What Do You Think?

In what modern contexts might the exercise of a spiritual gift be unloving?

 

Digging Deeper

How do Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 help frame your answer?

 

1. When We Fully Know God (vv. 9–13)

 

9. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

 

At present, our knowledge of God is limited. God is so great, so far beyond human comprehension, that it would be impossible for any human being to know all that there is to know about Him. Indeed, human language could not express all that He is, and our finite minds could never fully grasp His perfection and holiness. As such, even prophecy can provide only a partial knowledge of God. Any person who takes pride in knowledge should realize that he or she doesn’t know everything.

 

10. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

 

This verse reads like a proverb, a general statement about how things work in this world. Perfect here has a sense of maturity, lacking nothing. As a rule, things that are lacking become obsolete as soon as the full package becomes available. In this regard, one proposal is that the perfect thing being referred to is the completion of the New Testament. When that happens, that which is in part, referring to the previous verse, is obsolete. Regarding another theory, see verse 12, below.

 

11. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

 

This verse serves as an example of the principle in 1 Corinthians 13:10. A child thinks and talks according to his or her limited physical and mental capacity. But as we grow older, these simple ways of thinking are replaced by a more informed perspective, one based on a better understanding of the world around us.

 

12. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

 

As noted in 1 Corinthians 13:9, the revelatory gifts of knowledge, prophecy, and others like them grant believers partial knowledge. Paul therefore compared the knowledge of God we gain through these gifts to a reflection in a looking glass. Ancient mirrors were made of polished metal rather than glass and therefore could not provide a sharp image. Similarly, spiritual gifts give us an incomplete knowledge of God.

But Paul anticipated a time of seeing face to face. Scholars have various theories regarding what Paul was referring to. One theory is given with verse 10, above. Another theory is that Paul was thinking of the second coming (1 John 3:2; Revelation 15:3–4). Yet another proposes that Paul was referring more generally to life in Heaven, where we will dwell in God’s presence and behold His perfect glory. While some Bible students support their case by holding that face to face must be understood in its most literal sense of “in person” (2 John 12; etc.), others point to a figurative meaning of “clear communication” (see Exodus 33:11, 20).

 

13. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

 

The word now focuses the reader on present, earthly experience. At present, we must exhibit faith, trusting that He knows best.

Hope is not wishful thinking but rather is confident expectation. Hope will be out of place when we reach Heaven because, as Paul asked rhetorically, “hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?’ (Romans 8:24).

But love will never be obsolete: it will continue to characterize our relationship with God and other redeemed saints forever. Love is therefore the greatest because it never ends. As such, when we exercise our gifts in a spirit of love, we are acting with eternity in view.

 

Conclusion

 

1. Not Optional

 

From the perspective of the world, love is not an essential ingredient in the use of gifts. A large financial donation still helps the needy even if the donor gives the money simply to save on income taxes. A gifted teacher can lead a powerful lesson that changes lives, even if the teacher only wishes to draw attention to himself or herself.

But from God’s perspective, these efforts are of no value to the individual who exercises the gift because their exercise is not done with the right motive. Central to the Christian understanding of God is that He is a loving God. This becomes “real” for us when we have a personal relationship with Him.

God is not a dispassionate Creator. The Lord God as revealed by Jesus is one who loves us in a personal way. God’s love is not based on our loveliness or deservedness. Love is the guiding force in everything that God does and must be the guiding force in the life of anyone who wishes truly to serve Him. It’s not optional.

 

What Do You Think?

As your actions are motivated by love this week, how will you ensure that you honor the context of 1 Corinthians 13?

 

Digging Deeper

How do Galatians 5:6, 14, and 22–23 help clarify the context Paul intends?

 

1. Prayer

Father, help us to be truly loving and forgiving people. Give us the wisdom to use the gifts You have given us in humility and for Your glory and honor. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

 

1. Thought to Remember

Love never fails

 

 

KID’S CORNER

Believers Must Both Serve and Follow Jesus

October 25, 2020

John 12:20-26

 

John 12:20-26

(John 12:20) Now there were some Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast;

The previous verse ended with the Pharisees concluding and prophesying about Jesus, “Look, the world has gone after him!” Now, in addition to Jesus’ Jewish followers on Palm Sunday, other nationalities (Gentiles) who went to worship during Passover began to get excited about Jesus. What the Pharisees recognized about Jesus’ popularity among more people than just the Jews began to take place even before Jesus was glorified.

The Court of the Gentiles in the Temple was reserved for those who were not Jews to worship God. Gentiles who had turned from (or were turning from) paganism to learn more about the Law of God or worship the true God would do so in the Court of the Gentiles, where some rabbis (if they chose) could also teach them. Jesus cleansed the Court of the Gentiles of corrupt business practices related to the sale of sacrifices and money changing by driving out the money changers and the overpriced sacrificial animals. If the Court of the Gentiles remained cleansed, Gentiles could truly worship God and learn more about God as the Father intended. Jesus probably cleansed the temple at the beginning of His ministry and then again before the end of His ministry because the priests had returned to their corrupt religious and business practices. The chief priests and the Pharisees knew that letting Jesus live involved financial considerations. Sincere and faithful Jews and Gentiles knew that the true purpose of the Court of the Gentiles had become corrupted and those wanting to sacrifice at the temple were being cheated by their religious leaders. No wonder many Jews and Gentiles rejoiced when they learned about Jesus as the Messiah and His coming to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

Most Gentiles in the known world spoke Greek because Greek was the universal language of the time, which promoted trade among people of from different nations. Usually, only Jews knew the Hebrew or Aramaic languages. The New Testament was originally written in the Greek language, so the Good News of Jesus could be learned by the greatest number of people around the known world. Indeed, now translated into many languages, the Bible can now be read by millions in their own language and the whole world continues to go after Jesus.

(John 12:21) these then came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”

John specifically mentioned that some Greeks who went to the festival wanted to see Jesus. John does not tell us what day of the week these Greeks went to see Philip. They may have sought out Philip because Philip is a Greek name. Alexander the Great’s father was named Philip. Philip was a Galilean from Bethsaida (along with Andrew and Simon Peter), so he may have seemed more approachable as they saw Jesus surrounded by mostly Jewish seekers. They respectfully asked to see Jesus, perhaps to learn more about His teachings rather than to only be able to tell others when they returned home that they had seen Jesus, the Jewish Messiah.

(John 12:22) Philip *came and *told Andrew; Andrew and Philip *came and *told Jesus.

Andrew was the first disciple Jesus called and he was the brother of Peter. Andrew was the first disciple to proclaim Jesus was the Messiah. Andrew is also a Greek name. These Greeks may have thought that Philip and Andrew would be more open than some of the other disciples to speaking with Greeks and Gentiles. Philip and Andrew may have been more fluent in Greek than the other disciples. Andrew had been a disciple of John the Baptist, so he had seen Gentiles coming to John, repenting, and being baptized by him. Philip and Andrew knew that Jesus spoke openly to Jews and Gentiles (even Samaritans), so they went to Jesus believing Jesus would want to speak to these Greeks who sought to see Him.

(John 12:23) And Jesus *answered them, saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

John does not tell us whether Philip and Andrew went alone to talk to Jesus or if they took the Greeks with them to make their request known to Jesus. We do not know if Jesus saw them. We do not know if Jesus spoke the words about His coming glorification to these Greeks and to Philip and Andrew. Believers and unbelievers usually have some questions that the Bible does not answer. John only shared the most important points of what was probably a longer discussion. In reading these verses, we know some of what Jesus meant because we know “the rest of the story.” Jesus’ public ministry was coming to an end, and He had prepared His disciples to take over His ministry after He was glorified. After He was glorified, it would be their responsibility to see Jews and Gentiles and tell them about Jesus. They would need to tell others about Him in ways that would lead Jews and Gentiles “to see” Him (not with physical but with spiritual eyes), believe Him, and receive Him as their Lord and Savior. The word “hour” meant “time” in this verse. It was time for “the Son of Man” (the accepted title for the long-expected Messiah) to be glorified or honored rather than remain a poor itinerant carpenter turned preacher. God glorified Jesus when He was crucified, raised from the dead, and returned to the Father in heaven.

(John 12:24) “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.

To further explain what He meant, Jesus compared His glorification to a grain of wheat falling to the earth (after being sown by a farmer), dying, being covered by the soil, and then rising up and producing enough grain to be harvested.  The Father had sent Jesus into the world. Jesus would die. Jesus would be buried in a tomb. Jesus would rise from the dead and ascend into heaven. By the risen Jesus working in and through His disciples many more people would follow Him, be discipled (taught) by His disciples, and become disciples as well. John does not tell us how much Jesus further explained His words to His listeners at that time. Readers of the Gospel of John for the first time learn what Jesus meant as they read the subsequent chapters, just as His disciples learned more of what He meant after He was glorified. Just as the fruit of the grain is like the grain from which it came, Jesus’ first disciples would become apostles and become like Him in their teaching the truth, in working miracles as signs, in their suffering and martyrdom, in their loving others as Jesus did, and in other ways. Even today, Jesus’ disciples increasingly become more like Jesus as they learn the truth of the Bible and learn more about Jesus as the Holy Spirit works within them. As the Bible teaches, Jesus gives believers in Him a variety of gifts and talents, and He expects them to use their God-given gifts as He intends in order to help others believe in Him and remain loyal to Him.

(John 12:25) “He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.

Remember: The Father sent His Son into “this world” to save “the world.” In John 3:17, Jesus taught, “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” To save “the world” and themselves, believers in Jesus must be willing to lose their life or turn away from a sinful way of life in “this world.” They need to turn away from the sinful ways of “this world,” away from the love of money, and away from the temporary pleasures God’s law forbids. If they love a “this world way of life,” they will lose their life in “the world” and in “the world to come.” Those who come to hate a “this world” way of life and want to turn from it, and those who hate living in the very midst of “this world” of dedicated unbelievers, can turn to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of the world and themselves—that they and the world might be saved by Him. Only Jesus can free someone from slavery to sin, the devil, and death. Speaking about their faith in Jesus, those who lived in the Samaritan town that Jesus visited told the woman Jesus met at the well, “we know that this is truly the Savior of the world” (see John 4:1-43). To keep our lives for eternal life, we must love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ enough to live and do as He showed and taught.

(John 12:26) “If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.”

If the Greeks were present and hearing Jesus’ words, they would have learned with Philip and Andrew that believers must do more than just “see Jesus” or want to “see Jesus,” as someone might want “to see” Simon the Magician (see Acts 8:9-24). Some go to Church every week just “to see” their friends, or to present their desires and wants before the Lord Jesus in prayer. Jesus’ words show what Jesus requires of true believers in Him, and true believers in Jesus want to do what He asks. In this verse, Jesus Christ stated three responsibilities that He expected His disciples to fulfill.

First, a true believer in Jesus will love Jesus and want to serve Jesus because they love Jesus, even if serving Jesus will cost them their lives, their friends, and the sinful pleasures of this world. A true believer will want to read the Bible (if they have one or can borrow one) and pray to learn how they can love and serve Jesus more effectively. They will ask the Holy Spirit to lead them and empower them to do what Jesus wants them to do specifically. They will want to serve Jesus in Jesus’ way of serving. Second, a true believer will want to follow Jesus. Jesus obeyed His Father and lived totally devoted to His Father and to doing His Father’s will. The Father and the Son loved each other, and they loved the children of God that Jesus came to serve. Believers in Jesus want to represent Jesus and Jesus’ way by their words and example because they love God and others as Jesus loves them and others. They want to know the will of Jesus and obey the Law of love as revealed in the Bible so they can follow Jesus in every way. Third, they want to be with Jesus. They follow Jesus believing that if they follow Him, then they will be with Him wherever He goes forever.

When believers in Jesus serve and follow Jesus as described in the Bible, they can look forward to being honored by God. Think of the many honors “this world” offers to those who achieve some measure of success in different endeavors “this world” finds acceptable or worth honoring. Some seek “this world’s” puny honors to the exclusion of faith in and obedience to the God of the Bible: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Because they love “this world” and “this worldly” honors, they have lost all that is important in the world and the world beyond. They do not want to be with Jesus in the world or in the world to come. They know His way of life is inconsistent with their way of life. Yet, there can be no greater honor than the honor that God, our Creator, our Sustainer, and our Redeemer can give. Jesus has promised every believer, no matter what their past life in “this world,” that if they serve Him, then the Creator God of the universe will honor them. Those who love, follow, and serve Jesus will inherit eternal life and receive everlasting honor from His Father and our Father. Imagine! Having been a sinner, receiving honor from God as a servant of Jesus!

 

Believers Must Both Serve and Follow Jesus

October 25, 2020

John 12:20-26

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour (John 12:26—KJV).

If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him (John 12:26—NASB).

Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor (John 12:26—NRSV).

Jesus made wonderful promises to believers in Him. He also commanded believers who wanted to serve Him to follow Him. Some people try to serve Jesus their way instead of Jesus’ way. Many deeds are done by people who say they are serving Jesus, when it seems apparent to others that they are not following or obeying Jesus. What might this mean? Some may do deeds they think will please God and others while disbelieving what Jesus taught about himself, His Father, the Son of God, the Scriptures, and how He expects His followers to live each day in relation to God and others. For example, some may do charitable works but not love Jesus and others. In John 14:15, Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Jesus never said, “If you believe in me, you can disobey the commandments you do not like.” Rather, Jesus gave even more challenging commandments to those who believe in Him. In John 13:34, Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” Some do works in Jesus’ Name who refuse to follow Jesus by obeying His commandments to love others as He loves others. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit indwells and helps Jesus’ followers love God and others as He intends; then, they trust that they will always be where Jesus is. When we serve and follow Jesus, no matter how dishonorable our sinful past, our Heavenly Father will honor us, if not in this life, in the life to come.

 

Thinking Further

Believers Must Both Serve and Follow Jesus

October 25, 2020

John 12:20-26

Name ______________________________

 

1. Who came to the Passover Festival and asked to see Jesus? Who did they ask? Who went to ask Jesus?

 

 

2. What did Jesus say when He learned of their request? What do you think He meant?

 

 

3. What did Jesus say happens to a grain of wheat when it dies? What do you think He meant?

 

 

4. What must a servant of Jesus do? What did Jesus say was the result?

 

 

5. What did Jesus promise those who served Him? What does this mean to you?

 

 

Discussion and Thinking Further

1. Who came to the Passover Festival and asked to see Jesus?

Who did they ask? Who went to ask Jesus? Some Greeks asked to see Jesus. They went to Philip. Then, Philip went to Andrew. Andrew and Philip went to see Jesus. The text does not indicate that when Andrew and Philip went to tell Jesus about the request of these Greeks that they took the Greeks with them. So, these Greeks may or may not have talked to Jesus. They may or may not have heard what Jesus said in John 12:23 and the following verses.

 

2. What did Jesus say when He learned of their request? What do

you think He meant? Jesus said, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” He may have meant that Andrew and Philip would need to answer the questions of the Greeks, and because His hour had come that in the future the disciples would carry on His work.

 

3. What did Jesus say happens to a grain of wheat when it dies?

What do you think He meant? If it dies, it can bear much fruit. One grain of wheat can bear many grains of wheat. Jesus meant that He was going to die, and that His death and resurrection would lead to many followers going forth throughout the world spreading the good news about Him; furthermore, He would be with and the Holy Spirit would dwell within each of them. More people would be reached than He could reach alone as one solitary human being.

 

4. What must a servant of Jesus do? What did Jesus say was the

result? A servant of His must follow/obey Him. The one who follows Him will be where He is.

 

5. What did Jesus promise those who served Him? What does

this mean to you? Those who serve Him will be honored by God the Father. It means to me that when I serve Jesus my service to Jesus and others as He leads me according to the Scriptures and as the Holy Spirit empowers and enables me is noticed by God the Father as important to God and helpful to others.

 

Word Search

Believers Must Both Serve and Follow Jesus

October 25, 2020

John 12:20-26

Name ___________________________________

 

O A D I A S H T E B D J G S Y

L E P Q F T V C L O T W M Q T

U S U S E J Y E Z I K D H E A

A N D R E W I K Y G S E I N Z

C G X U T L N H S A N E P E W

F R D O G R U E Y H W L B G S

H A E Z N P V H P M F I R L P

O I H B G O I F O Q K L M O H

U N X R L R V H A N R A B R I

R T M F B T E Y S T O G Q I L

D U V X I G F E B R H R Y F I

I C P U O Q M T K D O E H I P

V S R K M L I U X S J W R E Q

M F N L S R K P N K Q L K D F

D U B A W O L L O F N F U X J

 

Worship

Greeks

Philip

Bethsaida

Galilee

Andrew

Hour

Glorified

Grain

Dies

Fruit

Loves

Follows

Father

Honor

 

 

True and False Test

Believers Must Both Serve and Follow Jesus

October 25, 2020

John 12:20-26

Name __________________________________

 

Circle the True or False answers. Correct the False statements by restating them.

 

1. Only Jews went up to worship during the Passover celebration in

Jerusalem. True or False

 

2. The Jews considered Greeks to be Gentiles, and the Gentiles had a

special place at the temple where they could worship the LORD.

True or False

 

3. Some Greeks may have sought out Philip to talk to him because Philip is a Greek name. For example, Philip of Macedon was the father of Alexander the Great. True or False

 

4. Andrew and Philip were from Bethsaida in Judea. True or False

 

5. Jesus told Andrew and Philip to tell those who wanted to see Him to come back on the Sabbath. True or False

 

6. An hour came when the Son of Man was glorified. True or False

 

7. A grain of wheat cannot bear much fruit unless it dies. True or False

 

8. After Jesus died and rose again, His disciples began to bear much fruit. True or False

 

9. If someone truly serves Jesus, they do not need to follow Him.

True or False

 

10. Because all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God, the Father can never honor them. True or False

 

 

True and False Test Answers

1. False
2. True
3. True
4. False
5. False
6. True
7. True
8. True
9. False
10. False

 

Prayer

Father, help us to be truly loving and forgiving people. Give us the wisdom to use the gifts You have given us in humility and for Your glory and honor. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.