Glorified: Discussion Guide

Discussion Guide
3.13.22

In Person Series

John 12
Glorified

Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.”
John 12:23

OPEN
Think of a time when you had been waiting and anticipating something that always seemed a long way off
and then…suddenly it was time! What comes to mind? What stands out to you about that moment? How
would you describe it?

NEXT
As John has unfolded his story of what happened with Jesus, he has returned again and again to a familiar
phrase. Jesus mentions it before what John calls his “first sign” (John 2:4). Jesus says something similar in
John 7:6 and 7:8. John then mentions it again in John 7:30 and then again in 8:20. For the first 11 chapters
(often referred to as the “book of Signs”) both Jesus and John have pointed toward a time (an “hour”) that
was somewhere on the horizon…a not yet realized moment. And then suddenly in John 12:23…”the hour has
come.” Interestingly what seems to signal that the time has come is the approach of some “Greeks” who
would like to see Jesus. Why? What is it about that moment that ushers in the anticipated “hour”?

Look at what John the Baptist says in John 1:29. Consider John 3:16. Think about the “I am” statement that
Jesus mentions in John 8:12. Or the “other sheep” that Jesus mentions in John 10:16. There are many more
examples. What are the implications of this? How do you connect the dots?

Read what Jesus says after he tells those listening that “the hour has come.” Look at John 12:24-26. Do you
get the impression that Jesus is talking only about himself and the sacrifice he is about to make? What does
this call followers of Jesus toward? What are the practical implications of that in our day? What does this
mean for you personally?

What Jesus says next in John 12:27-28 is sobering. The code word for what is about to happen (the
crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus) has been the word “glorified.” (John 7:39, 12:16) Here the harsh reality
of what that will require begins to set in. And here again, the assumption is that this applies not just to Jesus
but to those who will follow him. We WILL find ourselves faced with decisions that require much of us. Have
you already experienced something like that? Do you see something like that on your horizon? Something
that might find you asking “Father, save me from this hour?” Where did Jesus find his resolve? Where do
you?

In John 12:31 Jesus says “…now the prince of darkness will be driven out.” Then just a few verses later he
says, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before
darkness overtakes you.” Where do you see evidence of both realities? Where do you see the prince of
darkness being driven from the world? Where do you see the darkness overtaking? How does that relate to
the calling we have received as followers of Jesus to approach this…our “hour” the way he stepped into his
“hour”? What does this moment require of us?

CLOSING
Pray for the resolve necessary to face the hour that is upon us and the calling we have received.
And thank God that he has already shown us the way and has defeated the greatest enemy.