By: Juliet Constantine
“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” (John 12:24-26 NKJV)
Jesus’ preferred method of teaching His listeners is through parables with the sole intention to help them understand. It would seem that most of Jesus’ listeners were farmers, or that His work was centered in a society whose economy was heavily dependent on farming. So He used the lingo of the day that all could understand.
In speaking of His death, He said that He would be glorified. Now this was a puzzle to His listeners because we all know that when someone receives glory, it’s a celebratory time of showing honor and respect. Jesus was enjoying His glory moment, at that very time, because the people had just crowned Him King. Jesus, so kind and understanding, sought to help the people understand. He then explained:
“It is a fact that a grain of wheat must fall to the ground and die before it can grow and produce much more wheat. If it never dies, it will never be more than a single seed. Whoever loves the life they have now will lose it. But whoever is willing to give up their life in this world will keep it. They will have eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me. My servants must be with me everywhere I am. My Father will give honor to anyone who serves me.” (John 12:24-26 ERV)
The silent and sobering truth is that, as in the plant kingdom, death always precedes growth; so it is in God’s Kingdom. Jesus meant that for us to make the grade, our life must be secondary to His cause. Where we fail to sacrifice for His cause, we will be like that seed that was never placed in the earth to germinate and bring forth more fruit.
Many find it difficult to sacrifice for the cause of Christ. The Rich Young Ruler thought Jesus asked too much of him. It was inconceivable for him to choose to live as Jesus did. He could not give up his life of ease for the service of Christ. Today, we all, in one form or another, may be choosing things over the service of Jesus Christ. It may be some besetting sin that we refuse to relinquish. It could be a full surrender and commitment to God’s work; our jobs. Only you know exactly what you are putting above the work of Christ. He wants all of you – not just a half-hearted service. He wants to be our first choice. Dying in order for growth to occur is a good thing. In giving up things for Christ you will reap far more than you gave up. It’s a step of faith. You maybe uncertain of what the future holds. But remember, whatever God has asked us to give up, He has something even better. Unless the seed is planted, it stands alone. Death must occur before growth is realized.
Oh my Father, You are Holy and You know what’s best. Please help me to take that step of faith, trusting you to work it all out. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)
