Unless a Grain of Wheat Falls and Dies…”

John 12:24 (NIV): “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.”

Shalom!
May the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be exalted forever. You’re welcome as we explore one of the profound teachings of Jesus that speaks to both His mission and our calling as His followers.

Context of John 12:

In John 12, Jesus had just entered Jerusalem triumphantly. His fame had spread, and not only Jews but also Gentiles (Greeks) came seeking Him (John 12:20–21). This marked a pivotal moment—the beginning of His final week before the crucifixion. Recognizing this, Jesus spoke not about His fame, but about His death. He responded with a parable about a grain of wheat, illustrating a divine principle: life through death.

1. The Principle of Fruitfulness Through Death

John 12:24 (NIV):
“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.”

Jesus was referring to His impending death, which would result in a great spiritual harvest—the salvation of many. Just as a seed must be buried and die to bring forth life, so Jesus had to be crucified and buried to provide salvation to the world.

This principle also applies to us. Spiritual fruitfulness only comes after death to self—the surrender of our desires, pride, and worldly ambitions to Christ.

2. The Glory of Christ Came Through Humility and Suffering

Jesus’ path to glory was through the cross. He was not exalted because of fame or popularity, but because of His obedience to the Father—even unto death.

Philippians 2:8–9 (NIV):
“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.”

Even though the world despised Him, God honored Him above all.

Isaiah 53:3 (NIV):
“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain… and we held him in low esteem.”

Despite this rejection, Jesus bore our sins, and through His death, life was made available to all who believe in Him.

3. The Call to Self-Denial

Jesus didn’t just talk about His death—He called His followers to the same path.

John 12:25–26 (NIV):
“Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”

Loving our lives in this world—clinging to comfort, fame, or pleasure—leads to spiritual stagnation. True life in Christ requires letting go of the old self.

Romans 6:6 (NIV):
“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with.”

Galatians 2:20 (NIV):
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”

4. Why Many Believers Don’t Bear Spiritual Fruit

Many Christians struggle to grow because they resist dying to the world. Though they profess faith, they still cling to old habits, worldly appearances, and ungodly associations. They want salvation without sacrifice.

Jesus said in

Luke 9:23 (NIV):
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

Until we truly surrender—dying to sin, worldly approval, and self-rule—we remain like an unplanted seed: whole, but fruitless.

5. Signs of True Spiritual Growth

True salvation brings change. It bears visible fruit—holiness, love, peace, and passion for God’s kingdom.

Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV):
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Questions to reflect on:

• Has the Holy Spirit confirmed within you that you are a child of God? (Romans 8:16)
• Is sin becoming less attractive and holiness more natural?
• Are you spiritually feeding others through your testimony?
• Do you feel God drawing you deeper day by day?

If not, maybe the seed hasn’t truly “died.” Real repentance includes dying to self and choosing Christ above all.

6. God Glorifies the Broken and Humble

Once you die to self, God begins to grow you spiritually. What seemed like loss becomes gain. He begins to restore, strengthen, and raise you step by step.

1 Peter 5:6 (NIV):
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

Just as Jesus was glorified after His death, we too will share in His glory when we walk in humility and surrender.

Conclusion: Take Up Your Cross Today

Jesus isn’t calling us to shallow Christianity. He’s calling us to deep surrender—where we deny ourselves, carry our cross, and follow Him, no matter the cost.

Matthew 16:24–25 (NIV):
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”

This is the way of true fruitfulness. The world may not understand it. You may be mocked, rejected, or misunderstood. But in heaven, you will be seen as one who gave up everything for Christ—and that’s where true honor lies.

So let us not remain spiritually stagnant. Let us choose to die to self, so that we may live and bear fruit to the glory of God.

Shalom.

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