A Paradox – John 12:25-26

Among the many things Jesus said in this passage, “Anyone who loves their life will lose it; while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”

This is one of those paradoxes that are difficult to understand, but are very true. It is a truth that many people cannot accept, especially those who are not devoted to the Lord and His work.

It is a fact that any man who clings to his earthly possessions will never make God a top priority in his life. It is also a fact that those who are willing to risk rejection by their peers and family members for the sake of following Christ will find true life.

The reason that Jesus contrasted loving and hating is because of the spiritual fruit that can come from sacrificing one’s own desires in order to serve another person. These fruits include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control, and so on.

Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.

Jesus knew that his obedience to the Father would cost him everything. But he also understood that by dying for others, he could give them much fruit and bring them to eternal life. This is a pattern that we see throughout the New Testament, as Jesus has called his followers to sacrifice for their fellowman (Lk. 9:23).