Who Do You Love? A Call to Radical Discipleship

Scripture: John 12:20–26

Day 1: The Cost of Discipleship

Scripture: John 12:24
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”

Reflection:
In this passage, Jesus uses the metaphor of a grain of wheat to illustrate the necessity of His death for the salvation of many. Just as a seed must die to produce a harvest, Jesus’ sacrificial death brings forth new life for believers. This principle of dying to self is central to true discipleship. We are called to lay down our own desires and ambitions to follow Christ fully. Reflect on areas in your life where you need to “die” to self in order to bear fruit for God’s kingdom.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to understand the true cost of following You. Teach me to lay down my life, my desires, and my ambitions, so that I may bear fruit for Your kingdom. Give me the strength to follow the example of Christ, who gave everything for me. Amen.

Day 2: Loving Christ Above All

Scripture: John 12:25
“Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”

Reflection:
Jesus challenges us to evaluate our priorities. Loving our life in this world more than Christ leads to spiritual loss. To “hate” our life in this context means to prioritize Christ above all else, even above our own comfort and desires. This radical call to discipleship requires us to examine what we truly value. Are we willing to let go of worldly attachments to gain eternal life with Christ?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to love You more than anything else in this world. Show me the areas where I am holding on too tightly to my own life. Grant me the courage to release these things and to follow You wholeheartedly, trusting in Your promise of eternal life. Amen.

Day 3: Following Christ’s Example

Scripture: John 12:26
“If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.”

Reflection:
Following Christ means walking in His footsteps, embracing His path of humility, service, and sacrifice. Jesus promises that those who serve Him will be honored by the Father. This honor is not worldly recognition but the eternal reward of being in God’s presence. Consider how you can serve Christ in your daily life, reflecting His love and humility to those around you.

Prayer:
Gracious God, I desire to serve You and follow Your Son’s example. Help me to walk in humility and love, serving others as Christ served. May my life be a reflection of Your grace and truth, and may I find joy in the promise of Your eternal honor. Amen.

Day 4: The Universal Call to Salvation

Scripture: John 12:20-21
“Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.'”

Reflection:
The presence of Greeks seeking Jesus signifies the universal scope of His mission. Salvation is not limited to a specific ethnic group but is available to all who seek Him. This inclusivity challenges us to share the gospel with everyone, regardless of their background. Reflect on how you can be a witness to the diverse people in your life, inviting them to see Jesus.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation that is available to all. Open my eyes to see those around me who are seeking You. Give me the boldness to share the gospel and the love of Christ with everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. Amen.

Day 5: The Promise of Eternal Life

Scripture: John 12:26b
“If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.”

Reflection:
The promise of honor from the Father is a profound assurance for those who serve Christ. This honor is the gift of eternal life and the joy of being in God’s presence. As we serve Christ, we are reminded that our ultimate reward is not found in this world but in the life to come. Let this promise encourage you to persevere in faith and service, knowing that God sees and honors your devotion.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the promise of eternal life and the honor that comes from serving You. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on this eternal reward, especially when the path of discipleship is challenging. Strengthen my faith and resolve to serve You with all my heart. Amen.