October 2

Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. — John 12:24 BSB

Jesus was a wise and practical teacher. He didn’t use complicated illustrations that the common people wouldn’t understand. Instead, He pointed to simple, everyday things: lilies, birds, vines, and hens with their chicks.

Here, Jesus uses a simple farming illustration. A farmer who tries to keep his grain safe in the granary, fearing that if he sows it, it will rot and die, would be making a foolish mistake. The only way to preserve and multiply the grain is to plant it in the ground. Yes, it will seem to die, but in doing so, it will produce new life and a bountiful harvest. This is the law of life.

Jesus was teaching that the only way for Him to be glorified was through His sacrifice. He could have saved Himself from the cross—His sacrifice was entirely voluntary—but what would have been the result? He might have avoided suffering, but no souls would have been saved, and no church would now be praising His name. In giving His life, He brought blessing to the world. From the one precious seed sown at Calvary, a glorious harvest of salvation has sprung forth, the full fruit of which will be revealed when all the redeemed are gathered in eternity.