Scripture Focus: John 12
In this episode of Taking the Tov Way, we dive into John 12 and unpack one of the most challenging teachings of Jesus: “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)
We explore what it really means to “hate” your life in this world and how this radical call to surrender is the very heart of the Gospel. We compare and contrast the self-seeking Pharisees to the self-sacrifice of Mary. Through the example of Mary, who poured out her costly perfume as an act of love and preparation for Jesus’ burial, we see a picture of total devotion, brokenness, and true worship.
This episode challenges us to ask: What parts of our lives are we still clinging to? What needs to be surrendered so we can carry the aroma of Christ? We reflect on how being a living sacrifice is the only true way to worship God and how dying to self is the only way to experience the abundant life Jesus promises.
You’ll be reminded that the good life—the Tov life—isn’t found in comfort, popularity, or worldly success, but in giving all of yourself to the One who gave everything for you.
Scripture References:
Absolutely! Based on the content of your John 12 episode titled “I Hate My Life”, here’s a list of the key scriptures you referenced or built the episode around:
Scriptures Used in the Episode:
1. John 12:1–8 – Mary anoints Jesus with perfume; a picture of worship, sacrifice, and preparation for burial.
2. John 12:23–26 – “The hour has come…unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground…” / “The one who loves his life loses it…”
3. 2 Corinthians 2:14–16 – We are the fragrance of Christ to those being saved and those perishing.
4. Ephesians 5:1–2 – Be imitators of God… walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering.
5. Romans 12:1–2 – Present your bodies as a living sacrifice… Do not conform to the pattern of this world… be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
6. Luke 9:23–24 – “If anyone wants to follow Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me…”
7. John 12:46 – “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in Me may not remain in darkness.”
8. John 1:4–5 – In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness…
9. 2 Corinthians 4:7–10 – Treasure in jars of clay… always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in us.
10. John 11
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