The message was brought by Preacher Bob.
John 12:20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: 21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. 22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. 27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. 28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. 31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. 32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.
This is one of Jesus’ last teachings, and it is notable. The Jews from provinces and regions of Israel and from foreign lands came to Jerusalem for the Passover. The Greeks also came. These Gentiles were an advanced civilization of architecture that still stands today. They came not only to observe and study Jesus but to see him. They wanted to meet him. They went to Philip. When Jesus heard Philip, he knew it was time.
Jesus began to teach them. From one seed there will be many stalks, and on them, a multitude of precious grain. Enough to feed an entire family. For that seed to be used it must lose itself. There must come a dying. A lot is gained by its dying.
It was not by accident, but design, that Pilate gave the order. Rome was ruler, and the Romans knew that to be “lifted up” meant crucifixion. The voice that spoke at the baptism of Jesus spoke here. Jesus didn’t hold onto his life. Instead of saving himself from it, he said “Father, glorify thy name.”
The seed of salvation is in Jesus. The seed was planted and on Easter Sunday the wheat became the seed of life and salvation for us. His body was the seed. It was planted, died, and buried. Then the resurrection took place. By tasting of the fruit of this seed, we have everlasting life.
If we hold onto our life and try to save it, we will lose ourselves. We should lose ourselves to Jesus Christ allowing him to sow the seed for is glory. The more we die out to the world, the more we’ll grow and prosper with a greater harvest.
We’re saved because someone planted the seed in our heart. We are to go forth and plant the seed. Die out and let the planting of our seed bring eternal life to those who are dying. Let’s get busy. Let’s plant it. So, what about your seed?
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 