John 12:12-50 | What's a lesson for the original audience?

Jesus' teaching is an essential component of the lesson for the original audience. There is a statement that Jesus speaks and a contrast that John is sure to highlight. Among Jesus' teaching He says this,

"25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life."
-John 12:25

Jesus knew what was coming for Him. It was also no secret that He knew what was coming for them. There would be those who love their own lives and seek to preserve it. Those who would seek to preserve it would be those that are willing to set Christ aside that they would keep it. If Christ hindered their status, He would go. If Christ literally cost them their life, He would go. If following Christ meant distance from family or friends, they would go. They loved their lives.

Just a little after Jesus speaks this, we have an account of the many rulers that believed Him. But they were afraid of the Pharisees and failed to confess Jesus. John tells us why.

43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
-John 12:43

They were not concerned with an eternal prize. They were not concerned with eternal consequences. They were concerned with their own lives, and it cost them dearly. The fact that John's writing records Jesus teaching about being the light in the darkness right after this is very intentional. Jesus had not come to judge. His word would bring the judgment. He is the light. If anyone abides in Him, they cannot abide in darkness. Jesus gives a clear goal: everlasting life. But this is for those who are willing to lose their lives for His sake.

What lesson are you seeing for the original audience?