Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
John 12:17-23 (NIV)
17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word.18 Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign,went out to meet him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!” 20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. 23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
This statement from the Jewish leaders does not mean that everyone in the world was putting their faith in Jesus. If it did, then the Jewish leaders would have believed, too, and not sent Jesus to the cross! It is showing that the good news that Jesus has brought forgiveness, salvation, and reconciliation with the Father is for anyone and everyone, though some might not want it! Where can you help support and share the Gospel of Jesus with those around the world? As Christians, God wants us to always think beyond ourselves and our own communities. Could you support foreign missionaries prayerfully and financially? Our church is connected to many people and organizations that share the Gospel around the country and the world. Take a moment to visit our website, shepherd-hills.com, under the “Mission” tab or visit the Compassion Ministry boards in the fellowship hall and start praying about how God can use you to share the good news of salvation with the “whole world.”