"those who hate..."

We're leading worship next week, and I've been thinking that we need something a little more challenging. I've facilitated the adult discussion times on Sunday this summer, and it's been good to have several weeks of easier topics to talk about and agree on (though I've struggled a bit to keep it engaging). But I feel the need for some of the words of Jesus' that shake us a little. Last week we talked about fruitfulness, and then there's the harvest going on, so maybe this would be good:

Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. (Jn 12.24-26)

After some reflection I thought I might mix up those lines and add some commentary. And maybe have different people take turns reading lines from different places among the assembled group. Something like this:

Very truly, I tell you,
whoever serves me must follow me
a grain of wheat that falls

Those who love their life
their place in society
will lose it

But those who hate
the expectations
the applause
the rewards of the world
if they will die with me
they will bear much fruit
they will live

They will not be alone
because where I am
that's where my servant will be also