This Week’s GOSPEL PASSAGE: John 12:20-33
Questions to Ponder [adapted from Ashes to Fire Adult Bible Study Guide]
As you read or listened to the words of Christ in this passage, could you imagine what it would have been like to be one of the disciples hearing Jesus’ words?
- What would you have thought, what would you have said, what would you have done, if you had been there? Would that have been an earthly response or a heavenly response?
- What range of emotions does this text and others show that Jesus demonstrated on his journey to the cross? What do Jesus’ emotions tell us about him?
- How are Jesus’ words in verse 26 reminiscent of the Good Shepherd (Psalm 23)?
Record your thoughts in your Ashes to Fire journal.
Life Application [adapted from Ashes to Fire Adult Bible Study Guide]
- Jesus states at the end of this passage that he “will draw all men to himself.” (v. 32) How do you as an individual, and your local church, help to point people to Christ?
- We can be a witness for Christ in many ways. Make it a point to be a blessing to someone this week. Think about someone who could use encouragement, a kind word, or phone call.
For additional Scripture reading and study:
Faithfully Yours Forever 
You know, it strikes me God was the same here as the God of the flood. This time the people were saved and the One with the passionate commitment was taken. I wonder if Jesus’ plea for the cup to pass from Him was because Jesus wanted more time to get the people to listen and help them understand.
As we approach Passover and Easter or Resurrection Sunday, I have been learning about the four cups of the Passover meal. As we share a Passover meal together, we are to remember being cleansed from our sins, being freed from the bondage created by a sinful nature, being reedeemed through the love of Christ, and being protected and cared for and by merciful God. I also have learned of a fifth cup which represents God’s wrath. If it were not for the redemptive work of Christ upon the cross, we would be facing God’s wrath rather than His gracious provision and forgivenenss. I think Jesus knew of the suffering He would have to endure to redeem us, saving us from the wrath of God. In His humanity He hoped that cup could passover, but in obedience to the Father and for our benefit He took the cup.