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 PROMINENT PLAYERS - Philip and Andrew must have been the
co-chairs of Jesus’ mission committee. They figure prominently in Jesus’ first
week (1:29, 35, 39, 2:1) and in the last week. Philip and Andrew are Greek names and their
town, Bethsaida, was a Greek-influenced cosmo town. So Greek seekers approach two
Greek-named disciples who in turn, inform Jesus and who in turn, makes a powerful,
boundary-breaking statement: The hour has come for the son of man to be glorified . . . I
will draw all people to myself."
SEED THEOLOGY - We think sequentially of our existence: life then death. But in
this lesson, Jesus reverses the order-death comes before life; it is a seed that is buried
first before growth. The source of our hope is Jesus’ death. And through our service
(a form of dying to self) others also gain life and are enriched. [1]
GREEKS- the arrival of Greeks in this lesson marks the start of a new section.
Who are these Hellênes (Greeks)? They are not the Hellênistai (Greek-speaking
Jews); they are more probably Greek proselytes or "God-fearers." Theologically,
they are non-Jewish representatives of the Gentile world and thus prefigure the
church’s future mission to the Gentiles. [2]
 What
experiences have you had with others cultures?
Recall both the humor and the prejudice reflected in "My Big Fat Greek
Wedding," a story that reveals the reactions that occur when two very different
cultures are suddenly brought together by marriage.
There are several theories about the significance of Jesus’ death on the
cross-Jesus as Sacrifice, Jesus as Ransom Payment, Jesus as Moral Exemplar. What theory of
atonement might this lesson suggest about Jesus?
 "THEM" - You might begin by
zooming in a scene from a film that depicts two very different parties who are brought
together for a common cause-marriage, funeral, sports, etc.
Suggest how we can find ourselves / congregations in the same plot-preferring our
fashion, music, worship, ages to "Greek" culture. But what happens to any person
or group that chooses that path?
Shift to lesson-Greeks come to Jesus. Describe all of the risks, all of the potential
changes such people might bring with them.
Conclude with Jesus’ word to Greeks and Jews alike-"I will draw all people to
myself."
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[1] New Proclamation (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2002), page 196.
[2] The New Interpreter’s Bible IX (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1995), page 710.
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