As we come closer to the feast of Easter, today’s reading from John’s Gospel shows Jesus calmly preparing to face his death. He tells his disciples that ‘the hour has come.’ He will give his life on the Cross and his death and resurrection will open the way to eternal life for us.
Jesus says that in his death, he will be glorified and he will glorify his Father. It may seem a strange saying. How can such a brutal and shameful death be glorious? On the Cross, God’s love for us is fully revealed. God gives his only Son for us. Jesus does not try to escape the Cross, but gives his life freely, in obedience to his Father. As he says, ‘it was for this very reason that I have come to this hour.’ Both Father and Son are glorified in Jesus’ sacrifice of himself – the wheat grain that falls to the ground and dies, yielding a rich harvest.
Jesus makes it clear to his disciples that anyone who follows him must also be prepared to sacrifice themselves; ‘Wherever I am, my servant will be there too.’ Jesus gives himself, freely and completely, to save us. He challenges us to follow his example and give ourselves for him.