A Cross or a Crowd?

 Jeremiah 5-6; John 12

“Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast…‘Sir…we would like to see Jesus.’…Jesus replied…‘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…Father, glorify your name!’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.’ The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered…”

John 12:20-24, 28, 29

At the height of his popularity with people from other countries who were eager to speak with him, Jesus focused on the inner dialogue he had with his Father. Jesus was communicating with the Father, even as he was communicating with curious and insistent crowds. Rather than cater to the crowds, Jesus communicated his call to the cross - and our call to die to self so that others might find life.

Could pleasing and cross-dying go in opposite directions?

Which direction are we going?

Who are we trying to please today?

“Father God, your fellowship with me through your Spirit is the most important conversation and reference point I will have today. Give me courage to not follow the crowd, but rather to take up my cross and follow you, for your glory.”