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Road Signs to the Cross: A Journey to See Jesus

Road Signs to the Cross: A Journey to See Jesus

Last updated on: October 23, 2026 at 9:29 pm by Jim Erwin

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Road Signs to the Cross: A Journey to See Jesus 2026-10-23T21:29:41-05:00 Jim Erwin

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A winding country road and wooden sign point toward a cross on a hill at sunrise.

John 12:20–33

In John 12:20–33, Jesus connects His coming death with fruitful life, faithful service, and the glory of God. These seven road signs to the cross invite us to seek Jesus, surrender to God’s purpose, and follow Him.

Have you ever taken a long road trip and found yourself completely dependent on the road signs? They warn you, guide you, and tell you where you’re headed. Miss a sign, and you could get lost.

In John 12, some Greeks come to the disciples with a simple, sincere request: “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” (John 12:21, CSB)

It’s a question many people still have today. In a world full of noise and distraction, they’re looking for direction. They want to see Jesus, to know if there is real hope and real life.

These Greeks have come to Jerusalem to worship at the Passover festival. Philip brings their request to Andrew, and together they tell Jesus (John 12:20–22). Jesus responds by announcing that His hour has come. He speaks of a grain of wheat that must die to bear fruit and of servants who must follow Him. To see Jesus clearly, we must understand the cross and the life of discipleship He calls us to embrace.

The road signs in this sermon are a way to follow that teaching: a journey toward the cross and the new life Jesus promises.

Today, let’s walk this road together. Let’s follow the signs Jesus gives us as we journey to the cross, and beyond, to the life He promises.

Stop: Recognize Your Need to See Jesus (John 12:20–21)

“Now some Greeks were among those who went up to worship at the festival. So they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, ‘Sir, we want to see Jesus.’” (John 12:20–21, CSB)

The journey to Jesus begins when we stop and recognize our spiritual need.

Imagine driving and seeing a “Scenic Route Ahead.” You have to make the decision to stop your routine and take that path.

Stop and ask yourself: Am I truly seeking Jesus, or just going through the motions?

Yield: Surrender to God’s Purpose (John 12:24)

“Truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces much fruit.” (John 12:24, CSB)

Yielding is about surrender. Jesus uses the image of a seed — it must die to bring life. A yield sign requires you to let others go first. Spiritually, we yield to God’s control.

What areas of your life are you still holding onto? Yield them to God’s purpose.

Detour: Trust God’s Unseen Path (John 12:25)

“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, CSB)

When Jesus speaks of someone who “hates his life in this world,” He is calling us to value faithfulness to Him above preserving our own comfort, plans, or safety. He is not encouraging self-hatred or treating life as worthless. The question is whether we will follow Him even when obedience costs us.

Often, God’s road feels like a detour from our plans, but His ways are higher. A detour may feel frustrating, but it often leads to hidden beauty you would otherwise miss.

Trust that God is leading you on the right road, even when it feels like a detour.

Caution: Count the Cost of Following Jesus (John 12:26)

“If anyone serves me, he must follow me. Where I am, there my servant also will be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.” (John 12:26, CSB)

Following Jesus isn’t a casual stroll. There are hazards on this road. A caution sign warns of upcoming dangers — Jesus is honest about the challenges of discipleship.

Count the cost, and press on with courage, knowing the Father will honor your faithfulness.

U-Turn: Turn from Self to Service (John 12:26)

Jesus’ call to follow Him in John 12:26 also gives our service its direction: we serve by going where He leads.
Service is a spiritual U-turn. Instead of pursuing self-centered goals, we turn toward Christ. When you miss a turn, the GPS says: “Make a U-turn.” God invites us to turn back to Him. Make the U-turn today. Serve others. Serve Christ.

Dead End: The Cross is Not the End but the Beginning (John 12:32–33)

“As for me, if I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all people to myself.” He said this to indicate what kind of death he was about to die. (John 12:32–33, CSB)

The cross seemed like a dead end. But in God’s plan, it is the doorway to eternal life. A dead-end sign might seem final, but for Jesus, it led to resurrection.

When life feels like a dead end, remember: the cross is the gateway to new life.

Welcome: Enter the Joy of New Life (John 12:23, 27–30)

“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” (John 12:23, CSB)

Jesus announces a turning point. Earlier in John’s Gospel, His hour had not yet come (John 2:4; 7:30). Now He moves toward the cross. His glory will be revealed through His suffering, death, and resurrection.

Jesus does not treat that suffering lightly. His soul is troubled, yet He prays for the Father’s name to be glorified. The Father answers that He has glorified it and will glorify it again (John 12:27–28).

“This voice came, not for me, but for you.” (John 12:30, CSB)

The “Welcome” sign is our picture of the hope this passage opens before us. The Father’s voice directs those listening to recognize what God is doing through Jesus. The cross that looks like a dead end becomes the way to salvation and new life.

No matter your past, turn toward Christ today. His grace invites you to follow Him beyond fear and self-preservation into a life of faithful service.

Following the Road This Week

Choose one step of obedience today. What do you need to surrender, and whom can you serve? Let the road signs lead you into action as you follow Jesus.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for marking the way with signs of Your love and truth. Help us to stop and seek You, to yield our lives to Your purpose, to trust Your detours, and to make the U-turns we need. Remind us that even in dead ends, You bring life. And as we journey toward Your cross, fill us with the joy of Your welcome. Lead us, Lord, and help us to see You clearly. Amen.

Questions About John 12:20–33

What does the grain of wheat mean in John 12:24?

The seed must fall into the ground and die to produce a harvest. Jesus uses this image to explain the fruitfulness of His coming death and to introduce His call to self-giving discipleship (John 12:24–26).

What does Jesus mean by being “lifted up” in John 12:32?

John 12:33 identifies this as a reference to the manner of Jesus’ death: crucifixion. His promise to draw people to Himself places the cross at the center of His saving mission.

How can I apply John 12:20–33 to my life?

John 12:26 joins service to following Jesus. Ask where faithfulness to Christ requires you to put another person’s needs ahead of your own comfort, then act on that opportunity.

Related Sermons

The Risen Servant King — Explore the new life, healing, and freedom Jesus brings through His resurrection.
The Obedient Servant in Suffering — Reflect on obedience to God through hardship and suffering.
The Global Mission of the Servant — Consider Christ’s mission and our calling to share His salvation with the world.

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