And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. John 12:23-25

Dear children, we have been studying from the gospel of John for Junior Worship devotions since last year. In this gospel, we read of a specific time period which Jesus calls “mine hour” (cf. John 2:4), and this “hour” is said to have come in the abovementioned passage. What exactly does “the hour” refer to? How does it affect us? We will answer these questions in our study today.

This “hour” refers specifically to the time of Jesus’ death on the cross. He came to suffer the pain of crucifixion, and to die for the sins of the world. He teaches about His death by using an agriculture illustration: “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” (John 12:24). In other words, if a seed continues being a seed and does not germinate in the ground, it will not grow into a tree and bear fruit. Likewise, if Jesus did not come to die and rise from the dead, there will be no salvation for mankind.

As Jesus went through “the hour”, He suffered tremendous physical pain and shame. He was made to walk through Jerusalem, carrying the wooden cross for His crucifixion. Nails were driven through His hands and feet into the wooden cross, and it was lifted up for people to see. To be crucified is a painful and humiliating way to die. This method of execution is the cruellest in the history of mankind. In the mindset of men, suffering and death are never glorious, not to mention death by crucifixion. But Jesus gladly went through it for you and me. The Bible says that He “became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).

Jesus went through “the hour” because of His great love for us. He died for us that we may have life in Him! The blood which He shed on the cross of Calvary washes away our sins. His resurrection assures us of the glorious hope that we have in Him as our Lord and Saviour.

Children, as you have learned the truth about Jesus’ hour, the time has come for you to examine yourselves. Do you love Jesus just as He loves you? If yes, you should show your love for Him by being submissive to your parents, and sharing your precious toys and treasured books with your siblings.

You must tell yourself, “I cannot be a selfish person anymore! I will spend more time reading my Bible and talking to Jesus (praying) rather than watching TV and playing with my PSP (PlayStation Portable). I must live a life worthy of the pain and suffering that Jesus bore for me, and give Him a daily 'hour' of my life from now on!”