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John 12:23
Verse
Context
Jesus Predicts His Death
22Philip relayed this appeal to Andrew, and both of them went and told Jesus.23But Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.24Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The hour is come, that the Son of man, etc. - The time is just at hand in which the Gospel shall be preached to all nations, the middle wall of partition broken down, and Jews and Gentiles united in one fold. But this could not be till after his death and resurrection, as the succeeding verse teaches. The disciples were the first fruits of the Jews; these Greeks, the first fruits of the Gentiles.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Jesus answered them, The hour is come that the Son of man should be glorified--that is, They would see Jesus, would they? Yet a little moment, and they shall see Him so as now they dream not of. The middle wall of partition that keeps them out from the commonwealth of Israel is on the eve of breaking down, "and I, if I be lifted up from the earth, shall draw all men unto Me"; I see them "flying as a cloud, and as doves to their cotes"--a glorious event that will be for the Son of man, by which this is to be brought about. It is His death He thus sublimely and delicately alluded to. Lost in the scenes of triumph which this desire of the Greeks to see Him called up before His view, He gives no direct answer to their petition for an interview, but sees the cross which was to bring them gilded with glory.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Verily, verily, I say unto you,.... This is a certain truth in nature, Christ was about to assert; and what he signifies by it would be a certain fact, and which he mentions, that his death might not be a stumbling block to his disciples, or any objection to his glorification; but was rather to be considered as a means of it, and necessary in order to it: except a corn of wheat fall into the ground; or is sown in the earth; for sowing with the Jews is expressed by the falling of the seed into the earth; See Gill on Mat 13:4; and is a very fit phrase to set forth the death of Christ by, who fell a sacrifice to justice by the hands of men: and die; or is corrupted, and putrefies; and which is done in three days time in moist land, but is longer in dry ground ere it perishes (z): and a corn of wheat is almost the only seed, that being cast into the earth, does die; and therefore is very aptly used by Christ: it abideth alone; a mere single corn as it is: but if it die; if it wastes, consumes, and rots, as it does, being cast into the earth, in the time before mentioned: it bringeth forth much fruit; it shoots out, and rises above ground, and appears in blade, and stalk, and ear, and produces many corns or grains of wheat; all which our Lord intends should be accommodated to himself, and to his death, and the fruits of it. He compares himself to a corn of wheat; to wheat, for the choiceness and excellency of it above all other grain, he being the chiefest among ten thousand, angels or men; and for the purity and cleanness of it, he being, even in his human nature, pure, and free from sin; and for its fruitfulness, he being fruitful in himself, and the cause of all fruitfulness in his people; and for its usefulness for food, he being the bread of life, and the finest of the wheat: and whereas the wheat must be threshed, and ground, and sifted, and kneaded, and baked, before it is fit for food; all this may express the sufferings and death of Christ, in order to be proper food for the faith of his people: and Christ here compares himself to a single corn of wheat, because he was of little account among men, and but little or nothing was expected by them from him; and chiefly because he was alone in the salvation of his people. The death of Christ is signified by the falling of the corn of wheat into the ground, and dying, and shows that Christ's death was not accidental, but designed; it was determined in the counsels and purposes of God, and intended for his glory and the redemption of men; even as wheat falls out of the hands of the sower, not casually, but on purpose, that it may die and spring up again, and produce an increase: and also, that the death of Christ was voluntary, both on his Father's part, and on his own; and was real, and not in appearance only, and yet was but for a short time; as the corn of wheat that dies, soon revives again, and is quickly above ground, so Christ, though he really died, did not long continue under the power of death, but rose again the third day, and now lives for ever. Moreover, Christ intimates by this simile, that if he had not died, he should have been alone; not without his Father, and the blessed Spirit; nor without the holy and elect angels, but without any of the sons of men, who all fell and died in Adam; and had not Christ died, none of them would have lived; none of them could have been justified; nor could their sins have been expiated; nor would any of them have been regenerated: Christ must have been without them in heaven; wherefore he chose rather to die for them, that they might be for ever with him, than be alone in the human nature. And he further observes hereby, that his death would be productive of much fruit; which may be understood both of a large harvest of souls, that should be saved, among Jews, and Gentiles, and especially the latter; and of the blessings of grace, as redemption, justification, peace, pardon, and eternal life, that should follow upon it. (z) Rabbenu Samson & Bartenora in Misn. Celaim, c. 2. sect. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:23 Jesus often said that the time (literally the hour) had not yet come (2:4; 7:30; 8:20), but now it had. The coming of the Greeks also marked the beginning of the key moment in Jesus’ ministry—the time of his glorification. This occurred when Jesus’ sacrificial work on the cross was completed (19:30), he rose from the dead (20:1-31), he gave the Spirit (20:22), and he returned to his place of glory in heaven (17:5, 11). The connection with the Greeks who had come to Jerusalem (12:20) was significant: Jesus’ ministry among the Jews alone was finished and he now belonged to the wider world.
John 12:23
Jesus Predicts His Death
22Philip relayed this appeal to Andrew, and both of them went and told Jesus.23But Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.24Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Believe in the Light Lest Darkness Come Upon You
By David Wilkerson8.1K56:19BeliefDEU 1:8DEU 1:32JHN 12:1JHN 12:23HEB 3:8HEB 3:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the supernatural power of God. He highlights the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 and the 4,000 as examples of God's miraculous provision. The preacher urges the congregation to have faith and confidence in God's ability to perform supernatural acts in their lives. He reminds them that their salvation itself is a miracle and encourages them to repent, walk in faith, and give thanks to God.
Die, Wait, and Get Alone
By Leonard Ravenhill6.0K1:12:13Dying To SelfMAT 4:4JHN 12:23JHN 15:7JHN 17:22TI 2:152TI 4:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that believing in Jesus is not enough, there is something more that God needs to do in us. The preacher refers to the Gospel of John and explains that there is one Gospel told by four different people. He compares the Gospels to the different parts of the Tabernacle, with John being the holy place and John 17 being the holy of holies. The primary purpose of Jesus coming into the world was not just to save sinners from hell, but to bring glory to the Son of man. The preacher also encourages the audience to seek God's vision and be willing to give their all for Him.
Cost of Discipleship - Part 7
By Paris Reidhead5.3K27:34Cost Of DiscipleshipMAT 16:24MAT 22:36JHN 12:23COL 3:17In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of negative feedback guidance in missile technology as an analogy for following Jesus. He emphasizes the importance of committing oneself to follow and obey Jesus as Lord and Savior. The speaker also shares a personal experience from 1955 when he had multiple opportunities for service in Christian ministry. The key text for the sermon is Matthew 22:36-40, where Jesus states the greatest commandments are to love God with all one's soul and mind, and to love one's neighbor as oneself.
Marching to Glory
By Warren Wiersbe4.0K36:50JHN 12:12JHN 12:23JHN 12:32JHN 12:34In this sermon, the preacher discusses the three views of the glory of God. He emphasizes that the glory of God can bring deliverance and solve problems in our lives. The preacher focuses on the glory of the king, Jesus, as he rode into Jerusalem fulfilling Old Testament Scripture and promises. The people hailed Jesus as the king of Israel, but the Pharisees were threatened by his popularity. The preacher also mentions the record-breaking ticker tape parades in New York City and relates them to the glory and honor given to Jesus as the king.
Have You Had a Personal Calvary
By Keith Daniel3.2K1:33:14Dying To SelfFruitfulness in ChristPersonal SurrenderJHN 12:23Keith Daniel emphasizes the necessity of having a personal Calvary experience to achieve a vital relationship with God and to be effectively used for His purposes. He shares personal anecdotes and biblical principles, illustrating that true fruitfulness in a Christian's life comes from dying to self and fully surrendering to God's will. Daniel challenges the congregation to seek God earnestly and to lay their lives on the altar, highlighting that only through such surrender can they expect God to answer their prayers and bring about transformation in their lives and the lives of others.
The Call of God - Fellowship
By Zac Poonen2.7K1:01:35FellowshipMAT 16:24JHN 4:4JHN 12:23ROM 8:171CO 15:36HEB 2:141JN 4:4In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the initial close bond that often forms when people come together in a church or fellowship. He emphasizes the importance of believing in the sovereignty of God and humbling oneself before Him. The speaker highlights the power of God to control people's thoughts and actions, citing Proverbs 21:1 as evidence. He encourages listeners to meditate on God's vastness and authority over the universe, recognizing that even in the midst of personal problems, God is able to help and solve any issue. The sermon also emphasizes the significance of Jesus' death on the cross in delivering believers from the grip of Satan and freeing them from slavery.
(Demonology) the Devil Against Christ
By Willie Mullan1.9K58:41DemonologyLUK 22:52JHN 7:30JHN 12:23JHN 17:1ACT 4:23In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the Acts of the Apostles chapter four, where Peter and John are brought before the Jewish council and are released. The early church then gathers together and prays to God with one accord. The speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering the battle of Calvary and not underestimating the power of the enemy. The sermon also references John's Gospel chapter seven and Matthew chapter 16, highlighting the significance of the battle of Calvary and the authority of Jesus over the storms of life.
Los Angeles Conference #3
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K41:32ConferenceJHN 7:39JHN 11:4JHN 12:16JHN 12:23JHN 17:1JHN 17:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the theme of hopelessness and impossibility in various situations. He refers to the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand, where the disciples believed it was impossible to provide enough bread for such a large crowd. The speaker also mentions the story of the man at the pool of Bethesda, who had been hopeless and unable to be healed for 38 years until Jesus intervened. The sermon highlights the importance of having our lives aligned with Jesus and the hope and transformation that comes from that alignment. The speaker concludes by referencing Ephesians 3:21 and emphasizing that Jesus came to bring hope and realization to our broken lives.
Stretch Out Your Hands to God's Will
By Carter Conlon1.7K47:18God's WillISA 1:18JER 3:22LAM 3:40EZK 18:30DAN 9:4MAT 16:24JHN 12:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the troubled state of the world and the need for repentance. He refers to Daniel's prayer as an example of turning to God and seeking forgiveness for our sins. The preacher acknowledges that this message may seem condemning, but he assures the listeners that there is hope and encouragement at the end. He urges the audience to have the moral courage of Daniel and to recognize their own part in the spiritual decline of society.
The Worth of Jesus
By Dick Brogden1.1K32:24JesusJHN 12:23In this sermon transcript, Dimitri, a prisoner, defies his jailers by singing praises to Jesus for 17 years. Despite facing ridicule, abuse, and threats, Dimitri remains steadfast in his faith. The church he forms in his home grows despite persecution, leading to him and his family losing their jobs and facing expulsion from school. However, Dimitri refuses to give in and continues to sing his heart song every morning. Through a vision from God, he finds strength to resist signing a false confession and remains faithful to his beliefs.
Unto Fulness #3 - the Way to Fulness
By Stephen Kaung9141:13:58JHN 12:23JHN 12:25PHP 2:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of love and how it drives believers towards God. When we believe in Jesus, not only does He love us, but He also implants His love within us. This implanted love creates a longing for God and a dissatisfaction with anything less than Him. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision of the fullness of Christ and being joined into that vision as our life's purpose.
The Hour Is Come
By Major Ian Thomas8871:11:38Christian LifeJHN 12:23ROM 3:19HEB 10:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of allowing Jesus Christ to be the source of victory in the Christian life. He encourages listeners to rest in faith and let Christ be Himself in their redeemed humanity. The speaker also highlights the significance of thanking God not only for Christ's death but also for His life. The sermon concludes with a reference to the concept of a grain of wheat falling to the ground and dying, symbolizing the reproduction of life in the ear of corn, illustrating the transformation that occurs when one recognizes their guilt as a sinner and is condemned by the law.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Stretch Out Your Hands
By Carter Conlon60647:18JHN 12:23This sermon emphasizes the importance of stretching out our hands to the will of God, focusing on seeking God's will and allowing His power to work through us. It highlights the need to ask for God's anointing to speak His word and to have the courage to embrace His truth, rather than seeking personal comfort or salvation. The message calls for a deep reflection on glorifying God's name in our lives, acknowledging our part in spiritual decline, and seeking God's mercy and guidance to rebuild His testimony in our generation.
Mark 11
By John Nelson Darby0Faith and FruitfulnessJesus as KingPSA 8:2PSA 118:26DAN 7:14MAT 21:5MAT 21:13MRK 11:22LUK 13:8JHN 1:12JHN 12:23ROM 5:8John Nelson Darby expounds on Mark 11, emphasizing Jesus' dual identity as the Son of David and the Son of Man, highlighting His rightful claim to kingship and authority over all. He illustrates how Jesus' entry into Jerusalem fulfilled prophecy and demonstrated His acceptance as the Messiah, despite the impending rejection by the people. The sermon also discusses the significance of faith in God, the importance of bearing fruit in our lives, and the judgment on Israel for its unfruitfulness. Darby concludes by reflecting on the authority of Jesus in the temple and the failure of the religious leaders to recognize His divine mission. Ultimately, he underscores the grace of God that remains available to all who believe, despite human failure.
I Choose"¦that Others Might Live
By K.P. Yohannan0Fruitfulness in ChristSelf-SacrificeJHN 12:23K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the profound truth that true life and fruitfulness in the Kingdom of God come through dying to oneself, as illustrated by Jesus' teaching on the grain of wheat. He explains that just as a seed must fall to the ground and die to produce a harvest, believers must daily choose to surrender their rights and desires for the sake of others. Yohannan challenges the notion of self-preservation, urging Christians to embrace the cross and serve selflessly, as exemplified by the Apostle Paul. He reminds us that the measure of our willingness to die to ourselves directly correlates to the life we can bring to others. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a radical choice: to lay down our lives so that others might live.
John 11 and 12.
By T. Austin-Sparks0ResurrectionGlory Of GodPSA 133:1JHN 11:25JHN 11:40JHN 12:23ROM 6:41CO 15:542CO 5:17EPH 1:12PHP 3:21REV 21:11T. Austin-Sparks explores the profound themes of glory and resurrection in John 11 and 12, emphasizing that the glory of God is revealed through the satisfaction of His nature, particularly in the context of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. He illustrates how death represents the enemy of God's purpose and glory, and how Lazarus symbolizes both Israel's condition and the broader human plight. The sermon highlights that true glory comes from recognizing our need for resurrection through Christ, who embodies the hope of new life. Sparks concludes that the ultimate expression of God's glory is found in the resurrection, which transforms individual lives and creates a collective worship experience among believers.
The Entry Into Jerusalem
By C.I. Scofield0MAT 10:5JHN 3:16JHN 12:23ACT 16:31HEB 7:25C.I. Scofield delves into the analysis of John 12:12-26, highlighting the triumphal entry, the confused opinions of the people, the desire of the Greeks, and Christ's profound answer. The lesson unfolds in a beautiful order resembling the tabernacle service, symbolizing the divine plan of redemption. Christ's response to the Greeks reveals the deeper truth of His impending glorification through death, emphasizing the necessity of His sacrifice for both Jews and Gentiles to receive eternal life.
I Chose You to Bear Fruit
By John Piper0MAT 11:27JHN 4:35JHN 10:3JHN 12:23JHN 13:34JHN 15:5JHN 15:8JHN 15:16EPH 4:12John Piper preaches on the significance of being chosen by Jesus to bear fruit, emphasizing that our fruitfulness must stem from the cross and our willingness to die to self. Jesus' choice of us signifies His commitment to help us succeed in our ministry, as His honor is at stake. The call to ministry is a result of Christ's choice of us, and we are encouraged to be bold in our work knowing that His honor is on the line. The ultimate aim of our ministry is to bear fruit by loving others and leading them to Christ, all for the glory of God.
The Need for Brokenness
By Chip Brogden0PSA 34:18PSA 51:17MRK 14:3MRK 15:38LUK 17:5LUK 22:19JHN 12:23Chip Brogden preaches about the importance of brokenness in the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the need for believers to be humble, broken, and willing to surrender themselves completely to God, allowing Him to work through their weaknesses and imperfections. Chip Brogden uses various examples from the Bible, such as the breaking of bread, the grain of wheat, the alabaster box, and the tearing of the temple veil, to illustrate the principle of brokenness and the necessity of the Cross in the life of a Christian.
Trinitarianism or Theology Proper
By Greg Herrick0EXO 3:14MAT 28:19LUK 22:22JHN 1:1JHN 12:23ACT 2:22ACT 5:3ROM 9:19EPH 1:11Greg Herrick delves into Trinitarianism, exploring the study of the triune God, covering rational arguments for God's existence, the attributes and names of God, the trinity, and the plan of God. The sermon discusses various arguments such as the cosmological argument, teleological argument, ontological argument, and the argument from morality, highlighting potential defeaters and counterarguments. It also touches on the attributes of God, the significance of His names, and the doctrine of the trinity, emphasizing the unity of God in three persons. Lastly, it explores the plan of God, distinguishing between His eternal purpose and decrees, and the mystery of human choice within His sovereign will.
Dying to Live
By Aaron Hills0MRK 8:34JHN 12:23ROM 12:1GAL 2:20PHP 2:3Aaron Hills delivers a powerful Baccalaureate Sermon before the Graduating Class of Texas Holiness University in 1905, focusing on the theme of self-sacrifice as exemplified by Jesus Christ. He highlights the necessity and glory of sacrifice in both involuntary and voluntary forms, emphasizing the divine purpose and results of sacrificial love. Hills draws attention to the dark side of sacrifice, where suffering and pain are inevitable, and the brighter side of voluntary sacrifice, where individuals willingly give of themselves for the benefit of others. He eloquently portrays Jesus as the ultimate example of self-sacrifice, showcasing how His death led to the ultimate triumph and redemption of humanity.
Behold We Are Going Up to Jerusalem
By Richard E. Bieber0ISA 53:5LUK 18:31JHN 12:23ROM 6:20HEB 12:2Richard E. Bieber preaches about the pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry when He declared His journey to Jerusalem to die on the cross, emphasizing the disciples' need to understand the significance of the Cross. He challenges believers to not just enjoy the benefits of the Cross but to personally embrace the sacrifice and surrender their lives at Calvary. Bieber urges Christians to follow Jesus to the Cross, emphasizing the necessity of laying down one's life, serving others, and finding unity and power in the journey towards Jerusalem.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The hour is come, that the Son of man, etc. - The time is just at hand in which the Gospel shall be preached to all nations, the middle wall of partition broken down, and Jews and Gentiles united in one fold. But this could not be till after his death and resurrection, as the succeeding verse teaches. The disciples were the first fruits of the Jews; these Greeks, the first fruits of the Gentiles.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Jesus answered them, The hour is come that the Son of man should be glorified--that is, They would see Jesus, would they? Yet a little moment, and they shall see Him so as now they dream not of. The middle wall of partition that keeps them out from the commonwealth of Israel is on the eve of breaking down, "and I, if I be lifted up from the earth, shall draw all men unto Me"; I see them "flying as a cloud, and as doves to their cotes"--a glorious event that will be for the Son of man, by which this is to be brought about. It is His death He thus sublimely and delicately alluded to. Lost in the scenes of triumph which this desire of the Greeks to see Him called up before His view, He gives no direct answer to their petition for an interview, but sees the cross which was to bring them gilded with glory.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Verily, verily, I say unto you,.... This is a certain truth in nature, Christ was about to assert; and what he signifies by it would be a certain fact, and which he mentions, that his death might not be a stumbling block to his disciples, or any objection to his glorification; but was rather to be considered as a means of it, and necessary in order to it: except a corn of wheat fall into the ground; or is sown in the earth; for sowing with the Jews is expressed by the falling of the seed into the earth; See Gill on Mat 13:4; and is a very fit phrase to set forth the death of Christ by, who fell a sacrifice to justice by the hands of men: and die; or is corrupted, and putrefies; and which is done in three days time in moist land, but is longer in dry ground ere it perishes (z): and a corn of wheat is almost the only seed, that being cast into the earth, does die; and therefore is very aptly used by Christ: it abideth alone; a mere single corn as it is: but if it die; if it wastes, consumes, and rots, as it does, being cast into the earth, in the time before mentioned: it bringeth forth much fruit; it shoots out, and rises above ground, and appears in blade, and stalk, and ear, and produces many corns or grains of wheat; all which our Lord intends should be accommodated to himself, and to his death, and the fruits of it. He compares himself to a corn of wheat; to wheat, for the choiceness and excellency of it above all other grain, he being the chiefest among ten thousand, angels or men; and for the purity and cleanness of it, he being, even in his human nature, pure, and free from sin; and for its fruitfulness, he being fruitful in himself, and the cause of all fruitfulness in his people; and for its usefulness for food, he being the bread of life, and the finest of the wheat: and whereas the wheat must be threshed, and ground, and sifted, and kneaded, and baked, before it is fit for food; all this may express the sufferings and death of Christ, in order to be proper food for the faith of his people: and Christ here compares himself to a single corn of wheat, because he was of little account among men, and but little or nothing was expected by them from him; and chiefly because he was alone in the salvation of his people. The death of Christ is signified by the falling of the corn of wheat into the ground, and dying, and shows that Christ's death was not accidental, but designed; it was determined in the counsels and purposes of God, and intended for his glory and the redemption of men; even as wheat falls out of the hands of the sower, not casually, but on purpose, that it may die and spring up again, and produce an increase: and also, that the death of Christ was voluntary, both on his Father's part, and on his own; and was real, and not in appearance only, and yet was but for a short time; as the corn of wheat that dies, soon revives again, and is quickly above ground, so Christ, though he really died, did not long continue under the power of death, but rose again the third day, and now lives for ever. Moreover, Christ intimates by this simile, that if he had not died, he should have been alone; not without his Father, and the blessed Spirit; nor without the holy and elect angels, but without any of the sons of men, who all fell and died in Adam; and had not Christ died, none of them would have lived; none of them could have been justified; nor could their sins have been expiated; nor would any of them have been regenerated: Christ must have been without them in heaven; wherefore he chose rather to die for them, that they might be for ever with him, than be alone in the human nature. And he further observes hereby, that his death would be productive of much fruit; which may be understood both of a large harvest of souls, that should be saved, among Jews, and Gentiles, and especially the latter; and of the blessings of grace, as redemption, justification, peace, pardon, and eternal life, that should follow upon it. (z) Rabbenu Samson & Bartenora in Misn. Celaim, c. 2. sect. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:23 Jesus often said that the time (literally the hour) had not yet come (2:4; 7:30; 8:20), but now it had. The coming of the Greeks also marked the beginning of the key moment in Jesus’ ministry—the time of his glorification. This occurred when Jesus’ sacrificial work on the cross was completed (19:30), he rose from the dead (20:1-31), he gave the Spirit (20:22), and he returned to his place of glory in heaven (17:5, 11). The connection with the Greeks who had come to Jerusalem (12:20) was significant: Jesus’ ministry among the Jews alone was finished and he now belonged to the wider world.