In Proverbs it says, “He who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.” Most of us would immediately say, “I don’t isolate myself, I’m good.” Today, I want you and me to wrestle with the fact that wise judgment leads us in the complete opposite direction. That direction is death to self and giving our life away to others.
In John 12 we have the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, just days before He will be crucified. This is immediately followed by a story of some Greeks who come to Philip and say, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip grabs Andrew and together they tell Jesus.
From the context and the story there is no indication that the Greeks were able to meet Jesus at that time. Jesus answers Philip and Andrew directly and at first glance it appears Jesus completely ignores the request. However, I believe Jesus is actually telling all of us what needs to happen for us to see Him clearly. In John 12:24 He says, “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.” If we want our lives to be fruitful we must die to self.
Jesus then goes on to further clarify, “He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let Him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. . .” Here is the invitation of Jesus, “Follow Me in death and you will see Me and be with Me forever!”
And then we see the humanity of Jesus in facing death. He went through the same struggle we do. He says in verse 27 “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour?’ But for this purpose, I came to this hour.”
We, like Jesus, were given the purpose of death to self, of laying down our lives for others. We get to identify with Jesus! However, the goal isn’t suffering for suffering sake. It is intimate relationship with Jesus and others!
Paul expresses his passion in Philippians 3:10 to know the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings and the power of the resurrection. The promises of God are faithful and true. When we die to self we get to enjoy an amazing depth of community and relationship, both in this life and in the one to come.
Join me this week in setting our hearts to obey the Holy Spirit and let’s ask Him together, “Where do I need to die to myself?”
