The Grain of Wheat

As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, people welcomed him with shouts of Joy and laid down palms. Expecting Jesus to give a rousing speech on his plan to kick out the Romans, the people must have been perplexed when all he gave them was this strange message: “The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if anyone serves me, the Father will honor him” (Jn 12:23-26). Jesus reminds us that in this fallen world, comfort must give way to greatness. This is true for small everyday things, and for the greatest of things. Jesus affirms just this when he states a few verses later, “Now is the judgment of the world; now will the prince of the world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted from the earth, will draw all men to myself” (Jn 12: 31-32). Through his death, Christ bears the fruit of resurrection, and frees us from our captivity to sin, death and demons. Christ wishes for us to participate in his victory, but that means we must also participate in the crucifixion. Any promise of victory without the cross is a lie.