The Hour Has Come: Will You Follow Jesus?

Life is full of defining moments—crossroads where we must choose between comfort and commitment, ease and endurance. In John 12, Jesus reaches one of these pivotal moments, declaring, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (John 12:23). This hour, the culmination of His earthly ministry, is the moment of His suffering, sacrifice, and ultimate victory. His journey to the cross calls us not just to believe in Him, but to follow Him—even into suffering.

Many people see faith as a pathway to blessing, expecting God to fulfill every worldly desire. Yet Jesus presents a different perspective. He explains that just as a grain of wheat must fall to the ground and die to produce fruit, so too must His followers die to themselves to truly live (John 12:24). The Christian life is not about clinging to comfort but about surrendering to a greater purpose.

Jesus clarifies this radical calling: “The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life” (John 12:25). This is not a call to despise life itself but to relinquish our grip on temporary pleasures, ambitions, and worldly desires in exchange for the eternal purpose God has for us.

To be a servant of Jesus is to follow Him into suffering. “If anyone serves me, he must follow me. Where I am, there my servant also will be” (John 12:26). Jesus’ path led to the cross, and He makes it clear that those who follow Him must also be willing to endure hardship for the sake of the gospel.

Suffering for Christ does not necessarily mean physical persecution; it can manifest in daily sacrifices—standing firm in faith when the world opposes it, choosing integrity over compromise, or giving generously when it costs us something. True discipleship requires more than an initial belief; it demands ongoing, faithful commitment.

Jesus knew the weight of His impending suffering. “Now my soul is troubled. What should I say—Father, save me from this hour? But that is why I came to this hour” (John 12:27). He did not shrink back, and neither should we. Instead of avoiding hardship, He embraced His purpose, trusting in the Father’s plan. In doing so, He overcame sin, death, and the ruler of this world (John 12:31-32).

For believers, this truth is both a challenge and a comfort. We do not suffer without hope. Our temporary struggles are incomparable to the eternal glory awaiting us (2 Corinthians 4:17). The victory of Christ’s resurrection assures us that our suffering is not in vain. As we lay down our lives for His sake, we gain something far greater—life everlasting in His presence.

Jesus urged the people to respond while they still had the opportunity: “While you have the light, believe in the light so that you may become children of light” (John 12:36). His words remind us that the time to commit to Him is now. Faith is not just about intellectual assent; it’s about walking in the truth, allowing His light to guide our steps, and living fully surrendered to His will.

Are you ready to follow Jesus beyond salvation and into servanthood? Have you moved from belief to full surrender? Take time to reflect:

• What worldly desires or comforts are holding you back from fully following Christ?
• Are you willing to suffer for His sake, even when it’s uncomfortable?
• How can you live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing His kingdom over temporary gains?

Following Jesus is not an easy road, but it is the only one that leads to true life. As we prepare our hearts to remember His sacrifice, may we also commit to walking in His footsteps, embracing both the cost and the reward of faithful discipleship.

This blog is based on a message preached by Lead Pastor Dr. Brian Stone as part of the His Hour series on Sunday, March 23. You can watch the full message here.