In John 12, we are approaching the cross. It is the final week before the Lord of glory would be lifted up on the cross. What must have occupied the heart of our blessed Lord? In this chapter and the chapters that follow, we are given a glimpse of what was occupying His heart.

Many visitors had come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover, not only Jews, but also some Gentiles. It was some of the latter, called “Greeks” in our Bibles, who had come to worship at the feast. This reminds us that the grace of God, and the knowledge of the true God were never limited to Israel.

These Greeks wanted to speak to the Lord Jesus. We do not read that the Lord ever granted them an interview, but we do read that the contemplation of Gentiles seeking Him opened up before the Lord’s view the blessed results of His work.

It is in this context that we have the “verily, verily” quoted above. He uses the well-known figure of a seed. If the seed does not go into the ground and die, it abides alone. But if it dies, it brings forth much fruit. The Lord knew, and would have us know, that if He simply continued to live as a Man on earth, He would have been alone as a Man accepted of God, a Man who lived in God’s favor. But if there were to be others sharing His place before His Father and His God with Him, He must die. You and I who believe are part of that “much fruit” that is the result of His death. This is one thing that occupied His blessed heart in that final week leading up to the cross. As a result of His sufferings and death, He would not be alone, but would have many brethren who would share His life, His nature, and His place before the Father. What grace!