A kernel of wheat
by Dianne Eckermann
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Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds (John 12:24).
This is not the only time during this Lenten season we hear Jesus talking about what will happen to him: his death and even an indicator of how he will die at the end of the passage.
Here in verse 33, he uses a rather beautiful image of a single seed of wheat becoming more than one seed after it falls to the ground, germinates, grows and produces so much more. One seed is a sacrifice for ongoing life. Similarly, Jesus sacrifices his life for so many so that through him, each of us has life, like a field of wheat growing and ripening in the sunlight.
During our lives in this world, we will have times of disappointment when our hopes and dreams do not go as planned. We could respond by only surviving, like a single kernel of wheat. But knowing that Jesus knew that his life and death had a purpose, we can live life fully sharing in the love of Jesus.
In verse 26, Jesus goes on to say: ‘Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be’. Living with Jesus is about being a part of his death and resurrection. It can be easy to focus on the resurrection and the joy of Easter. But without Jesus’ death, the resurrection not only could not occur, but it would also be meaningless, just as a full ear of wheat could not grow without the sacrifice of a seed. Through serving and following Jesus, we invite him into our lives. God is with us as we live our lives to the full through him.
Jesus, we thank you that your life, suffering, death and resurrection was all for us so we can grow in your presence. Guide us each day as we share your love through our service to those around us. Amen.
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