“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” – John 12:23-24
These statements from Jesus are in response to a seemingly innocent request by some Greeks through his disciples for a meeting with him. The request came as time drew near for him to go through the shame, pain, and suffering of the cross. His responses (John 12:20-27) seem to indicate that he did not see this meeting as helpful to the cause.
Jesus was a man with a mission, always sensitive to the timing for his mission and what might get him off course. This shows some of what it takes to be faithful to God – a bulldog-like tenacious attitude and focus. Is that your attitude to what the Lord has shown or put on your heart to do for others, in your church, or community as a disciple of Christ? Are you holding back when it is time to obey?
Jesus asserts what we know from experience and science: a grain of wheat not sown as a seed bears no fruit. If it is sown, the original seed dies but out of that comes much fruit. Today, there are billions of Christians the world over because Jesus faithfully gave his life in pain and death, the ultimate seed, for us. Further, he was clear that “those who love their life lose it,” and “whoever serves me must follow me” (v26). What do we love so much about our lives that holds us back from giving ourselves in faithful service to God? What fruit are we not bearing as a result? John Wesley urged Methodists to “spend and be spent” in serving others and sharing the good news and love of Christ. It takes that as well to be faithful and, again, Jesus is our ultimate example.
Our Father, please show us where we have been slack, Lead us in the paths of faithful obedience to your call. And grant us grace to follow the example of Jesus. Amen.
Michael Larbi is the pastor of Providence UMC and Shocco UMC