Thoughts on the Gospel of John (112) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.
John 12:24.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (112)
In John's gospel the Lord begins a statement with "Most assuredly" 25 times, which each time is of great significance. Here He speaks of the grain of wheat that falls into the ground, a normal process that happens countless times annually. The unusual thing here is that He Himself is the grain of wheat.

1. The Man Jesus Christ underwent death, although He is the only Person who did not need to die.
2. When people die, that is not their end: they will all be resurrected one day, but which of them could ever bring forth much fruit through his death?
What an infinite value lies in the death and resurrection of Jesus! Had He not died, heaven would remain empty. But He died so that people could have a share in His life. That is the point here: fruit of the same kind. The prophet Isaiah had foretold centuries earlier: "When you make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed" (ch. 53:10).

Whoever believes that Jesus died as his substitute has eternal life. He has the same life as his Saviour. The believer's body will even be transformed to conform to His glorious body (Philippians 3:21) as the fulfilment of the verse: "As is the heavenly man (i. e. Christ), so also are those who are heavenly" (i.e. believers) (1 Corinthians 15:48).

"He who goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him!" (Psalm 126:6).

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 15:25-16:6 · Psalms 88:11-18