My NRSV edition heads this passage "Some Greeks Wish to See Jesus," and Burridge titles his commentary "We Want To See Jesus." The first three verses bear out these designations, but Jesus' response to Philip and Andrew is a total non sequitur. He launches into a summary of what he has said before. The only difference is that, for the first time, he prefaces his discourse with "The hour has come..."
The logic of this transition escapes me. However, Burridge writes
I think that logic is a bit of a strained jump. No, it's a BIG strained jump. Either that, or we're missing something from the original writings. Or maybe we're not meant to figure it out. As one of my friends often says, "It is what it is."The interest of Gentiles helps Jesus realize the moment has come. After his ministry in Galilee, Judaea, Samaria and Jerusalem, now 'the world' is seeking him. He told his mother and the Samaritan woman that his 'hour is not yet' but 'coming' (2:4; 4:21-3) and he has often evaded capture because 'his hour had not yet come' (7:30, 8:20). But now 'the hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified' (12:23). The whole story has been leading towards this--and we might expect it to be glorious. (pp. 156-157)
The Greeks coming 'to see Jesus' means that now is the 'hour to be glorified', the time to put the words into action. (p. 157)
It is what it is. This describes a situation I'm currently dealing with and really can't share at this time. But after having verse 25 more or less jump out and hit me over the head, so to speak, I'm realizing that I need to stop projecting, stop trying to hang on and let go.
Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.Easier said than done.
Already I can tell that this is going to be a sleepless night.
Peace,
Jeffri
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