John 12:23-28: My Life's Purpose is Not Me

There was a period in each of our childrens' lives where their favorite sentence was one word: "Why?" Many times, in exasperation, our favorite reply was also one word: "Because." Later, when we were a little more clever and a lot more tired, it expanded to two words: "Why not?"

Obviously these were not satisfactory answers are just obfuscation to buy us a few moments respite before "Why?" resumed. Honestly, we labored to answer with as much honesty and thoroughness as we could, but they stretched our imagination and creativity.

Why? Why not? Really fundamental questions. It was Gottfried Leibniz who queried, "Why is there something rather than nothing?" Why? Why not? Or to bring it to a more personal level, "Why me rather than not me?" Would the universe care or even notice if there were one fewer sentient being alive, or would it simply carry on as before? Really, I'd like to know if I make a difference.

Even Christians ask these questions. Theology doesn't remove the issue, just transfers the locus to God. Follow me here: If God does whatever he purposes, and none can prevent his purposes from being accomplished (cf. Isaiah 55:11), then why bother with me? Does God really care what I do (if he can bypass me) and, if so, what next?

These issues can seem theoretical. But knowing the "Why?" helps making choices. Which job? Which friends? Which hobbies? Which thoughts? Which risks?

Jesus spoke about his purpose in several places in the four biographies in the Bible. Sometimes he spoke about what it was: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10) Other times he spoke about what it was not: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." (Matthew 5:17)

Jesus understood his purpose. This allowed Jesus to select among the courses of action available to him. This allowed Jesus to line up his life with God's bigger purpose.

So, over the next few blog articles, I'm going to look at Jesus' purpose, as he described it. Then I'm going to figure out how to imitate him, as best I can.

The first thing I learned is: My Life's Purpose is Not Me. Here is what Jesus said:

“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” - John 12:27-28

Jesus is arriving at an appointment scheduled in God's plan. He held within his power the ability to steer a course away from pain, betrayal and shame (see Matthew 26:53). The full consequences of both alternatives were before him and he felt them both keenly. His soul was troubled by the decision.

In the end, though, what moved Jesus? What was the target for his life's trajectory? His purpose was to risk his own life to build the reputation (the 'glory') of God. "Father, glorify your name." His life was not about his self; it was about the Father. His life was spent making God look good and furthering God's purpose.

What do we usually do here when it comes to purpose? Be the best you can be. Pursue what you love. Make an impact on the world. Be happy. Survive Monday. These purposes revolve around self. Left in default mode, my purposes reset to my self. My interests. My passions. My fulfillment. My enjoyment. My impact.

But Jesus' purposes revolved around God the Father. He consciously rejects the "save me" and accepts the "your name" That choice had consequences and he knew it. "He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die." (vs. 33). But consequences of any other choice he could make it were worse: "Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life." (vs. 25)

The second thing I learned is: My Life's Is Best Risked On God's Goodness. If you look closely, Jesus defined what he meant by "this hour" back in verse 23: Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Jesus often used the phrase "Son of Man" when speaking about himself. Read it again. Wait, you say, "Aren't we talking about building up the Father's glory? But Jesus is saying he [Jesus] will be glorified. What's up?" Good question. When Jesus fulfilled his purpose by setting aside any personal agenda, Jesus showcased God. Then God the Father chose to spotlight Jesus! Paul says it this way: ...he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place...to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:8-11) Jesus gave it all away, trusting God would give it back. So must I. That's a risk I must be willing to take.

The third (and final) thing I learned is: My Life Is Best Invested With God. "Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." (vs. 24) The seed that clings to life, yields one plant. The seed that dies, produces many. There is no other life path which offers the scale of guaranteed return as a life risked for him. Reverend George Mackay, missionary in northern Taiwan, famously said, "Rather burn out than rust out."

Time to stop playing it safe. My step today, as on many other days, is to take my life, my family, my bank account, my job, my goals and my reputation and offer them to God. If I am honest, it is gut wrenching. But my life is not about protecting these for me, but spending them for God.