What Jesus Did! 'The World Comes Knocking' — John 12:20-23

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, "Sir, we want to meet Jesus." Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus.

Jesus replied, "Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory."

— John 12:20-23 NLT

Key Thought

The enemies of Jesus proclaim it. [1] The non-Jewish Greek seekers demonstrate it. Jesus has won. People are now coming from other parts of the world looking for Jesus as Savior. The only thing Jesus' enemies can think of doing is to crucify him. His crucifixion will make him a martyr and open the door to the world's greatest miracle and eternity's greatest turning point - Jesus' resurrection. Jesus has been saying all throughout the Gospel of John up to this point that his time has not yet come. With the Greek seekers approaching him and his enemies recognizing his victory, Jesus knows that his time has come. He will enter his glory by doing what the Father asks - he will faithfully offer his life as a sacrifice for sins by dying on the cross. It will be a brutal and painful glory for Jesus, but it will guarantee glory for all who come to him.

[1] John 12:19.

Today's Prayer

Lord God Almighty, I confess that I am stunned when I realize the cost of your plan to save me. Thank you for this incredible gift placed so firmly in the world in which I live. I praise you and give you all glory for your plan, your sacrifice, and your grace shared with me in your gift of Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of John 12:20-23 NLT — "Sir, we want to meet Jesus." —— "Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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