Lenten Season · Year B
Fifth Sunday in Lent
March 14, 2027
Overview & Insights
“Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24)
The principle that the “whole world has gone after” Jesus (v. 19) finds immediate illustration in some Greeks who were among the worshipers at the festival (v. 20). Their request to see Jesus was directed at Philip (cf. 1:43–44), ceremoniously passed along by him to Andrew, and by the two of them to Jesus (vv. 21–22). These two disciples have been seen together twice before: first as Jesus’ agents in initially gathering a group of followers (1:35–45), and later as the two whose faith Jesus tested before the feeding of the five thousand (6:5–9). Again they are a team, this time in presenting to their Teacher the longings of the Gentile world and receiving from him the revelation, indirect though it may be, of how the Gentile world soon will see him.
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Take it further: John 12:20-33
Commentary
John 12:20-33Jn 12:20-33 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary unpacks the Greeks' request and Jesus' hour of glorification.
John 12:20-33Jn 12:20-33 Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching commentary on being lifted up and the paradox of the cross.
The Hour Has Come SALT Project
An ecumenical reading tying Jesus' death to covenant and the beloved community.
Fifth Sunday of Lent, Cycle B Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
A Catholic reflection on glory through the cross.
For Your Sake Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church
An Anglican homily on the heavenly voice that comes for our sake.
John 12Jn 12 Enduring Word · David Guzik
A verse-by-verse evangelical commentary covering the whole chapter.
Classic commentaries on John 12Classic commentaries on Jn 12 BibleHub
Aggregates classic and modern commentators on one page.
Background & Word Study
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What does the grain of wheat teach?
As Greeks seek him, Jesus speaks of the grain that must die to bear fruit, and of his own lifting up on the cross that will draw all people to himself.
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