When Philip and Andrew inform Jesus that the Greeks are looking for him, he declares that it is now time for him to be glorified (v. 23). As Jesus speaks, he clarifies how he will be glorified. He uses the example of a grain of wheat that falls and dies to explain. He compares his death and resurrection to a grain of wheat that must fall to the ground and die to bear fruit. Without the death of the grain, there would be no harvest. Similarly, without Jesus' death, there would be no salvation. However, his death makes salvation possible for the whole world.

When Jesus talks about hating life in this world, he is not referring to hating the goodness of God that we can experience in this world. So, what exactly does he mean? The person who values their life above all else and strives to protect and maximize it in this world may ultimately lose their life. On the other hand, the person who prioritizes eternal life over worldly life and is willing to let go of their current life, like a grain of wheat falling into the ground to produce fruit in the resurrection, will safeguard their eternal life. We sacrifice our lives to protect them for the sake of eternal life.

We should not underestimate how difficult it is to sacrifice one's life. Jesus himself was troubled and explained that he would not ask God to save him from the upcoming painful death, as his purpose in life was to reach that hour and die for others. Jesus prays for the Father to glorify His name as He faces death. He does not ask to be spared from making the sacrifice but instead prays for the Father to be glorified in the way He conducts Himself and endures the sacrifice. In verse 28, the Father responds to Jesus' prayer by affirming that He has glorified His name and will do so again. John then reports on how the crowd reacted to the Father's voice in verse 29. Jesus explains in verse 30 that the audible sound was meant for the benefit of the crowd and not for Himself.

The cross of Christ serves as a judgment for the world by revealing how the world should be a selfless place where people prioritize others over themselves. In addition, it also serves as a judgment because it denounces worldly behavior and puts an end to Satan's hold over the world, demonstrating that Satan's rebellion will not triumph over the Almighty. The people want to ask questions, but instead of providing an answer or engaging in theological debate, Jesus advises them to repent and believe with the knowledge they already have and warns them that time is running out. Afterward, John notes that Jesus left and went into hiding. This is the final opportunity for the crowd. The daylight is disappearing, and darkness is approaching. His message was not accepted, and the people did not follow his call to repent and believe.

John makes a bold statement by connecting two passages, Isaiah 53:1 and 6:10, and saying that Isaiah saw Jesus and wrote about him in those chapters. He claims that Isaiah saw both the suffering servant mentioned in chapter 53 and the exalted king mentioned in chapter 6 and wrote about Jesus in those passages. Despite all that he did, people still didn't believe in Jesus. Their lack of belief was actually a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

Although Jesus convinced many, including some authorities, they refrained from confessing their belief in him as the Christ due to fear of the Pharisees. To confess in this context would mean publicly declaring faith in Jesus and being willing to face persecution alongside him. Their decision was driven by a selfish desire for human recognition rather than a desire for God's approval and blessings. Their inclination towards pleasing people and maintaining a good reputation took precedence over honoring God.

At the end of verse 36, John mentioned that Jesus had hidden himself. However, Jesus appeared briefly to make a final statement in verses 44-50. Jesus came to be a Savior, not a judge. Whoever listens to his teachings but does not follow them (v.47) will be judged by his teachings on the last day (v.48). Those who do not accept Jesus will also be judged by his teachings on the last day of resurrection (12:48). Jesus speaks following the Father's instructions.