²³ And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified and exalted. ²⁴ I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone [just one grain, never more]. But if it dies, it produces much grain and yields a harvest. ²⁵ The one who loves his life [eventually] loses it [through death], but the one who hates his life in this world [and is concerned with pleasing God] will keep it for life eternal. ²⁶ If anyone serves Me, he must [continue to faithfully] follow Me [without hesitation, holding steadfastly to Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]; and wherever I am [in heaven’s glory], there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

Jesus Foretells His Death

²⁷ “Now My soul is troubled and deeply distressed; what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour [of trial and agony]’? But it is for this [very] purpose that I have come to this hour [this time and place]. ²⁸ [Rather, I will say,] ‘Father, glorify (honor, extol) Your name!’” Then a ^[a]voice came from heaven saying, “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” ²⁹ The crowd of people who stood nearby and heard the voice said that it had thundered; others said, “An angel has spoken to Him!” ³⁰ Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. ³¹ Now judgment is upon this world [the sentence is being passed]. Now the ruler of this world (Satan) will be cast out. ³² And I, if and when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw all people to Myself [Gentiles, as well as Jews].” ³³ He said this to indicate the kind of death by which He was to die.