The Father HonorsThose Who Follow

Discipleship and Mission

Call to Discipleship

A Costly Call

John 12:20-26 The Message

A Grain of Wheat Must Die

20-21 There 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?”
22-23 Philip 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

Having heard of the Messiah, the Greek-speaking pagans came seeking the ordinary language of religion.  What they heard, however, was a metaphor of eternal life in the natural cycle of a grain of wheat. They were told to let go of their former spiritual lives in reckless abandonment.

The love you will find in following Christ will endure, and you will become more Christ-like. Your growth into grace is your reward.

Pray

Pray so that you will approach your life as Jesus has taught us.  Pray so that you will persist in your journey into grace.

Forward to a friend