Question: Why did Jesus not address the Greeks who came to Him purposely? V.20-22. Instead He talked about the dying of a kernel of wheat or His death? V.23-24. I believe v.26 was target to all the disciples and the Greeks. 12:26 If anyone wants to serve me, he must follow me, and where I am, my servant will be too. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
Repeated idea: v.24 the kernel has to die to bear abundant grain. V.25 the one who hates his life in this world guards it for eternal life. V.26 if anyone wants to serve Jesus, he must follow Him...If anyone serves me. In other words “dying” is equivalent to “hating life in this world” and “following” Jesus’ example/”serving” Him.
(BKC) The wheat analogy (v. 24) illustrates a general paradoxical principle: death is the way to life. In Jesus’ case, His death led to glory and life not only for Himself but also for others. In the case of a disciple of Jesus, the principle is similar... To “hate his life” means to be so committed to Christ that he has no self-centeredness, no concern for himself. On the other hand the man who loves his life will lose it. Anything in life can become an idol including goals, interests, and loves (cf. Luke 12:16–21; 18:18–30). A believer should undergo a spiritual death to self (Rom. 6:1–14; 2 Cor. 5:14–15; Gal. 6:14)...His true disciples (those who serve Him) follow Him in humiliation and later in honor or glory (Rom. 8:17, 36–39; 2 Tim. 2:11–13).
Reflection: Self-love, or self-centeredness may be popular in psychology, but is totally opposite to what Jesus taught us. Whoever loves his life destroys it. Am I loving myself too much? Do I concern about myself so much that no one can put me down? On the other hand, what cost am I willing to pay to others to gain Christ? Will I give my time? Will I give my life? The motivation is great. Who hates his life in this world guards it for eternal life v.25. If anyone serves Jesus, the Father will honor him v.26b.
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