John 12

“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” (24). Jesus, who had just demonstrated through Lazarus that he had power over life and death, warned his disciples that he was headed to the cross. Jesus knew that the ultimate battle could not be won by force, but only by his own voluntary sacrifice. Although religious leaders schemed to kill him (11:53), his death had divine purpose. “For this very reason I came to this hour” (27).

“Whoever serves me must follow me” (26). Being Jesus’ disciples means we live as he did: obedience, self-surrender, sacrifice for the sake of joy.