Today's Scripture:

John 12:20-36 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.” Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 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. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 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. “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”

Read: Reflect on a story in your life that pertains to this scripture.
Jesus predicted His own death on the cross, and His "lifting up" so God would be glorified, and we would be forgiven of all sins. The passage emphasized that only the sacrificial death of the Son of Man could produce eternal life for all who believed.

Reflect: What is this scripture telling you during this season?
September 2007 held a life-changing health diagnosis for me. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (“Juvenile diabetes”) at the age of 54. My pancreas had stopped working, and I spent three days in ICU because my body was shutting down...DKA (Diabetic ketoacidosis). Two weeks later, I had a follow up appointment with a cardiologist. He told me as he read my chart from the hospital stay that, “I am looking at the numbers of a dead person.” It was a wakeup call for me! In John 12:25 of the Message “In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is: destroys that life. But, if you let go, reckless in your love, you will have it forever, real and eternal.” I have always been a lover of Jesus, but before diabetes I was very much a Type A personality, a control freak, a fixer, and a people pleaser! After my diagnosis, my life drastically changed with shots, checking my blood, and monitoring my diet so that my blood sugars wouldn’t go too high or too low. At first, it felt like a rollercoaster ride, but not a fun one! I had completely lost control of this body and the life I had. It was time to let go and embrace a new way of living; both inside and out. Through my journey with diabetes, the Lord has taught me so many lessons: *Diabetes is “something I have, not who I am”. I am a child of God who is loved and cherished by HIM. *I must “Let Go and let God”. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” *To “love well”, even when it is difficult. Jesus loved the unlovable! *To live and serve Him with “open hands, not closed fists”. *To "feel the fear and do it any way!" To see every opportunity as an adventure, a learning experience, and to share God’s unconditional love. Do I fail? Absolutely! But God forgives me when I name it to HIM. If I haven’t learned from my mistakes, He is gracious to gift me with more learning experiences! In closing, I am thankful for this life God has given me since 2007. I have experienced much love, compassion, sorrow, adventure, joy, loss, and peace. Yet, when I leave this earth, I will be with my Savior worshipping, dancing, and glorifying HIM!

Respond: How is this scripture calling you to respond?
In John 12:24, "I tell you the truth, 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." It reminds me to live with hands open and to listen where God is calling me to love well in Bible study, Worship, and community. I pray I will continue to plant seeds for the Kingdom.

About Dorothy Hobbs:
I have been married to my best friend, Steve, for 44 years. We are blessed with two grown children, Heath and Haley. We have one, fun, redheaded, six-year-old grandson, Emery!
We joined Grace in 1987. I began as Director of Recreational Ministry in 1985. I have held many staff and volunteer jobs over the years. In the last few years, I have found great joy in hosting and facilitating the evening Young Mom's Bible Study at our home. I mentor a couple of High School students who I met on the mission trip in 2021. I served as an elder the last three years on the Ministry Support Team. I am now serving as an elder on the School Committee.