The Kernel
The glorification of the Son of God was through death on the cross. How have you been called to be the kernel of wheat?
In the 12th chapter of the Book of John, the Apostle quotes Jesus Christ, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” Jesus further compares this glorification to “a kernel of wheat falling to the ground” and dying. Why? Because it is required. The kernel of wheat cannot fulfill its purpose of bearing fruit without this process of death. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, could not accomplish the Father’s purpose without dying as well.
God did not send His Son into the world to condemn us, but to save us. The Creator did not need to do anything to condemn the human race. We had done that all on our own. But to save us, Jesus Christ, the son of God and the only possible perfect sacrifice, was required. So the Son of Man, the Messiah, had to die to bring salvation and be glorified. If God required His own Son to die, would He require any less from us?
Question: Have you died anywhere? Have you really gone through the agonizing death of something that would break you the way Christ was broken on the cross? Has anything been taken from you in a way that you feel torn asunder, even possibly separated from God?
Jesus Christ did not go to the cross, so you wouldn’t have to. Jesus went to the cross because it would not have mattered if you had. He was the only one who could overcome sin and death. But because He went to the cross, you must “daily” pick up your “cross” and carry it for Him. Do you pick up your cross daily? Serious question. Do you pick up the cross daily? If you do, how do you?
How do you carry the cross daily? Don’t just get all pissed off at me and stop reading. This may be your one chance to consider the truth. God does not call us to a life of prosperity and riches here on earth. He does not call us to live in luxury and extravagance. God calls us to sacrifice. He calls us to die! It is through death, through sacrifice, that life is brought forth!
Consider this: the kernel of wheat spoken about in John 12 is not solely an illustration of the Son of Man, Jesus Christ. It is a reference to the life of those who follow Christ. “Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” Hating one’s life in this world means exactly what it sounds like it means. Be the kernel of wheat. Jesus is speaking to all of us. The call to sacrifice is for all of us, and the promise of eternal life is for all of us too.