Think, Act, Be Day 54 – John 12:20-29

Blog

Pastor’s Blog

Think, Act, Be Day 54 – John 12:20-29

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.

In autumn, falling leaves remind us of the hope for loved ones who have died in Jesus. They are like seeds planted in the ground now bearing fruit as new bodies in the spring time of eternity. We see this when we accompany loved ones who have died to the cemetery. We lower a body in the ground the way a farmer plants seeds for a fruitful tree. When we bury a loved one in Christ, we announce to the world that she is already present with the Lord. A life living and dying in Jesus bears much fruit in this life and in the life to come. Thanks be to God.

20 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 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. 25 Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.

27 “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”

John 12:20-29