One For Many

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Scripture
 
John 12:23 Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.

Observation

It was Greeks who had found Philip and asked if they could see Jesus. The significance in this moment is that Jesus speaks a truth to them regarding their adoption into God’s family. We are not sure that they understood what he was saying but it was another glimpse of the dividing walls which would be brought down through Jesus’ death. The glorification of Jesus would happen as a result of his death and resurrection. This was the week of his passion and so much would be changed before resurrection Sunday.

Jesus spoke of the single grain of wheat which would fall to the ground and die. Surely they understood this story for this was a very agrarian society. There was an understanding that the death of the kernel of grain would result in more life. Then Jesus applied this to his own life. He would be the one who would give up his life for so many others. What they didn’t understand was that in his death and resurrection, all, even the Greeks, would find their salvation. The servant who would give up his life would provide the opportunity for slave and free, Jew and Greek, male and female to become a part of the fruit. Now the door would be opened for all to follow Jesus and to serve together with him. The Father would honor the Greeks, just as much as the Jews, if they would faithfully serve the Lord.

Jesus, the one provided a pathway for the many — for all to have fellowship with the Father.

Application

This is the last week of the Lenten journey and the closer we get to the cross, the clearer the mission of Jesus becomes. Jesus is willing to give up his life for everyone! He sees the bigger picture and knows that giving up his life will produce much fruit. We are then challenged to enter into that life of servanthood as well. We are to live in self-sacrifice for the sake of others. We, too, are to consider what we have as a sacrifice for many. The talents and abilities that have been given us by God are to be used in kingdom service.

The Lenten journey takes us to the cross with Christ. We may have many responsibilities in life but the greatest is humble service to our Lord. Our vision must reach beyond ourselves as we partner with Christ on this journey to bring others to the kingdom. What are we willing to sacrifice for the sake of others? We are also one, but our lives may be used for many.

Jesus is calling us into self-sacrificial service. We must be willing to give ourselves up to serve and to follow Jesus. This is not always pleasant, but Jesus is calling, the one for the many, to follow him.

Prayer

Lord, thank you that you created possibilities for me to draw near to you. As a result, please help me to faithfully serve and follow you. Amen.

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