The Paradox of Servitude

Assuring Hope
Jesus, the Promised Servant-leader

John 12:20-26 (The Message)

A Grain of Wheat Must Die

 ^20-21There were some Greeks in town who had come up to worship at the Feast. They approached Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee: "Sir, we want to see Jesus. Can you help us?"  ^22-23Philip went and told Andrew. Andrew and Philip together told Jesus. Jesus answered, "Time's up. The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
 ^24-25"Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal.
 ²⁶"If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me. Then you'll be where I am, ready to serve at a moment's notice. The Father will honor and reward anyone who serves me.

For Reflection One must lose one's self before he can find him/her self.  One must die in order to live. You can probably think of other biblically based recommendations for Christian discipleship. Death of self has no sting when we are resurrected into a transformed Christ-like self.  Can you believe that?  Can you accept the Divine Mystery that defines our transformations?

Pray
give us reckless love, faith and hope.  Help us to accept the death of our old selves.  Help us to accept the holy transformation which enables us to walk with Christ.