SJTJ 211: Week 30 EXPLORE (John 12:20-36a - 1% More Like the Kingdom of God)

03/08/2025 57 min

Listen "SJTJ 211: Week 30 EXPLORE (John 12:20-36a - 1% More Like the Kingdom of God)"

Episode Synopsis

WEEK 30.7: Discussion questions below.NEW RESOURCE! Rhythms of Life spiritual formation course now available as digital download from our website or print version on AmazonDONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠.  Your support helps us create spiritual formation and discipleship resources that help people be formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others. Episode SummaryIn this Week 30 Explore episode, Nick and Jamie examine the pivotal moment when Greeks seek Jesus, triggering his declaration that "my hour has come." They explore Jesus's seed parable about dying to bear fruit, discuss the balance between dying to self versus unhealthy self-neglect, and unpack Jesus's troubled heart as a model of courage. The episode covers the cosmic significance of the cross in judging the world and casting out its ruler, while addressing how Christians can sometimes be shaped more by worldly values than Christ's teachings. They conclude with Jesus's call to walk in the light and be transformed into "children of light."Timestamps00:00 Introduction 02:12 Recap of Chapter 12 04:34 The Greeks Seek Jesus 07:55 Andrew's Role in Bringing People to Jesus 14:55 Jesus' Message and the Seed Parable 24:12 Dying to Self and Loving Others 29:08 Understanding 'Hating Our Life' in Context 30:36 Jesus' Call to Serve and Follow 31:53 Jesus' Troubled Heart and Courage 40:14 The Judgment and Casting Out of the World's Ruler 51:12 The Call to Walk in the Light 55:19 Blessed Are We: A Closing BlessingKey PointsGreeks as Global Mission Trigger: The arrival of Greeks seeking Jesus signals that his "hour has come" - his death will enable the global reach of the gospel beyond just Jewish peopleSeed Parable and Dying to Self: True abundant life requires dying to worldly values (wealth, fame, power) while maintaining healthy boundaries and self-care - not becoming a doormatJesus's Troubled Heart: Christ's fear and struggle before the cross shows that being overwhelmed or afraid isn't sinful - courage means acting despite fear, not absence of fearCosmic Victory Through Cross: The crucifixion judges worldly systems of oppression and casts out the "ruler of this world" while drawing all people to GodWalking in the Light: Believers are called to become "children of light" through actively living out Jesus's teachings, not just believing intellectuallyDiscussion QuestionsRead through John 12:1-19. Share what the passage reveals to you about God, about humanity, and about following Jesus. Then discuss some or all of the following questions:Andrew's Example: Andrew consistently brings overlooked people (Greeks, children, his brother) to Jesus. Who in your life might others overlook that you could introduce to Jesus's love through your actions?Dying to Self vs. Self-Care: How do you distinguish between healthy dying to self (releasing worldly values) and unhealthy self-neglect? Where might you need better boundaries in your service to others?Jesus's Troubled Heart: How does seeing Jesus afraid and overwhelmed change your understanding of struggle in the Christian life? What courage might God be calling you to despite your fears?Worldly vs. Christ-like Values: Nick and Jamie ask if an outside observer could tell whether you follow Jesus or worldly values. What evidence in your life points toward each?Local Kingdom Impact: Instead of trying to change the whole world, how could you make your immediate neighbourhood 1% more like God's kingdom through small acts of love?End your time by taking a minute to listen to the Holy Spirit and prayerfully choose an “I will…” intention. One small, practical step you’ll take this week to put your learning into practice.Connect With UsEmail: [email protected] Media: @GoTheWildWay on Instagram and FacebookWebsite: thewildway.ca