Greek converts to Judaism had gathered in Jerusalem; they had come for the Passover from the Hellenistic world. When the crowds welcomed Jesus with cheers as King, the Greeks too were impressed. So they resolved to know him better. The desire of nations was epitomized in this request. Finding that Philip spoke Greek, he agreed to speak with his friend Andrew on their behalf. The two disciples approached Jesus, deeply moved because they saw the first fruits of those who would come to Jesus from the Gentiles. They may have felt that to escape to the lands of the Greeks would be a way out of danger besetting them among the fanatical Jews.
Jesus perceived their thoughts, just as he gathered the longings of the nations in the request made by the Greeks. He sent out a vital call, which was not clearly understood, yet is a victory call, and was to become the motto of John’s gospel, "Now is the Son of Man glorified". The hour had come for him to be magnified, and the moment expected by heaven and earth was drawing near.
Yet wonder of wonders; victories at war, the seizure of political power were not the signs of Jesus’ glory. John does not record the transfiguration on a high mountain, for he does not deem this as essential glory. He does mention, however the linking of Christ’s glorification with his death. There, on the cross, we see the core of his divinity, which is love.
Jesus called himself a grain of wheat, the heavenly seed falling to the ground, to empty himself and demonstrate righteousness and glory. Jesus was ever glorious. His death sanctifies us, the corrupt people, so that we may be worthy to share in his majesty. The arrival of the Greeks evoked an exultant call, as it showed that he calls people from all nations. He will renew in them his original glory. That glory will penetrate creation only through the cross.