Beyond Sunday: Dying to Multiply

[Editor's note: Beyond Sunday is a Monday Bible study to start off your week.] 

Focus Verse of the Week

Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, 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. (john 12:23,24)

Classic Commentary

Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed.

The humble seeking of these Gentiles formed a striking contrast to the persistent rejection of the Jews. And the occasion forcibly suggested that the gospel invitation, which had hitherto been confined to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, should be extended to the vast throng of waiting Gentiles. But, according to the counsel of God, this extension was not to take place until Jesus had been glorified by his death, resurrection, and enthronement. The demand for extension, therefore, suggested the advisability of a speedy glorification, which accorded with the plans of God.

As the germ of life in the grain of wheat can only pass into other grains by departing from the original grain and leaving it dead, so the life which was in Christ Jesus could only pass into his disciples by his death.

(Adapted from the fourfold gospel, john 12:24)

A Thought to Keep

The death of Jesus was not only symbolic, but a practical necessity for salvation.