The CROSS - 4

The CROSS - 4

Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast.

Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus."

Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus.

But Jesus answered them, saying,

"The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified.

"Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies,

it remains alone;

but if it dies, it produces much grain.

"He who loves his life will lose it,

and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

"If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me;

and where I am, there My servant will be also.

If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

John 12:20-26

Greeks to whom ‘CHRIST crucified’ is foolishness, desired to see JESUS. It must have been mind-boggling for them to reconcile the divine wisdom of the LORD with the foolishness of the cross.

Dying to self is the first step to increase and multiplication.

Saying ‘Yes’ to the way of the cross is in a sense similar to a girl saying ‘Yes’ to a proposal by the man. She has to be willing to give up her life of freedom to submit to, support and partner with her husband to pursue his interest and plan in life.

And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision,

why do I still suffer persecution?

Then the offense of the cross has ceased.

Galatians 5:11

As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh,

these would compel you to be circumcised,

only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

Galatians 6:12

The cross offends those who try to justify themselves by keeping the law or do good works.

... But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom the world has been crucified to me,

and I to the world.

Galatians 6:14

I overcome the world only through the LORD JESUS CHRIST, Who died on the cross for me