John’s Gospel is often perceived as the ‘spiritual gospel,’ emphasizing Jesus’s divinity while seemingly neglecting human affairs. This perspective leads to a theological approach where we impose our beliefs on the text and interpret them within that framework. This approach is evident in the traditional interpretation of today’s passage, which often focuses solely on Jesus predicting his own death, dismissing the rest as unimportant. However, if we remove this lens, we discover that John is conveying a vital message about the human condition.

The scene begins with a band of Greeks wanting to see Jesus. When Jesus learns of their arrival, he declares, “The time has come for the Son of Man to be recognized” (In the Inclusive Bible translation used above, “Now the hour has come for the Chosen One to be glorified.”) This phrase may sound awkward to modern audiences, but a more familiar English rendering might be, “Now I am recognized!” This response implies that the visitors’ recognition of Jesus is significant. Despite their importance, John does not mention their names, suggesting that their significance lies not in their individual identities but in what they represent as a collective. John only notes that they were among those who had traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. This implies that the Greeks were not native to Jerusalem but likely came from elsewhere in the Roman provinces. Moreover, while they were among those celebrating Passover, John does not identify them as Jews, indicating that they were foreign Gentiles, considered outsiders by Jewish standards at the time. This “otherness” is emphasized in the next verse, as instead of approaching Jesus directly, the visitors seek permission from Philip, who then defers to Andrew. The significance of Jesus’s recognition by these foreign Gentiles lies in the following verses, but it is crucial that we set aside traditional theological interpretations and focus on the Greek text to understand what John is conveying.

Verse 32 is typically translated to evoke Jesus’s resurrection and ascension. However, a more nuanced translation would read, “If I am lifted up from the land, I will draw all to myself” (In the Inclusive Translation, “And when I am lifted up from this earth, A I will draw all people to myself”). The term land, γῆς,  translates to ‘earth,’ but is commonly used to indicate a territory like a country or region. Jesus is not foretelling his resurrection and ascension but stating that if his message extends beyond Palestine to other territories other lands, it will draw in all those suffering under Imperial rule, symbolically represented by the Greek visitors. This interpretation is supported by a more nuanced reading of verse 31, specifically the term translated as ‘the world’; κόσμος. Although frequently used to refer to the physical world, κόσμος is equally translated as ‘a system of order.’ Therefore, we may render the verse as, ‘In light of this, this system of order is judged and its ruler cast aside.’

In light of this new approach, we see that the arrival of the Greeks is a watershed where Jesus becomes a rallying point for those on the margins of society to unify against Rome and establish a new, better world for all.

Solidarity in the Face of Oppression

1. Find a quiet and comfortable place where you can sit or lie down without distractions. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, allowing yourself to relax and center your thoughts.
2. Reflect on the concept of solidarity, which is the idea of standing together with others in a spirit of compassion and unity. Consider a time when you felt a strong sense of solidarity with someone or a group of people. What was the situation? How did it feel to be in solidarity with them?
3. Now, think about the passage from John’s gospel and its message of inclusivity and solidarity in the face of imperial rule. Imagine yourself in the place of the Greeks, outsiders seeking recognition and understanding. How does this perspective change your understanding of the passage and its relevance to your own life?
4. As you continue to reflect, consider the ways in which you can practice solidarity in your own life, particularly in situations where you see oppression or injustice. How can you stand with others in a spirit of unity and compassion? What actions can you take to support those who are marginalized or oppressed?
5. Take a few moments to silently pray or meditate on these thoughts, asking for guidance and strength to live out the principles of solidarity in your daily life. Consider how you can be a source of hope and support to those who need it most.
6. When you feel ready, slowly open your eyes and return to the present moment. Take a few more deep breaths and carry the spirit of solidarity with you as you go about your day.

Community Peacemaker Teams (www.CPT.org)

Community Peacemaker Teams places teams at the invitation of local peacemaking communities that are confronting situations of lethal conflict. These teams **support and amplify the voices of local peacemakers** who risk injury and death by waging nonviolent direct action to confront systems of violence and oppression.

Community Peacemaker Teams understands **violence to be rooted in systemic structures of oppression**. We are committed to undoing oppressions, starting within our own lives and in the practices of our organization.

Community Peacemaker Teams **enlists spiritual communities and individuals in an organized, nonviolent alternative to war.** Community Peacemaker Teams’ initial roots among Mennonites, Church of the Brethren, and Quakers have spread into a broad multi-faith network that supports spiritually-centered peacemaking, creative public witness, nonviolent direct action, and protection of human rights.