Wednesday, August 10, 2016

John 12: 24-26

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,
it remains just a grain of wheat;
but if it dies, it produces much fruit.
Whoever loves his life loses it,
and whoever hates his life in this world
will preserve it for eternal life.
Whoever serves me must follow me,
and where I am, there also will my servant be.
The Father will honor whoever serves me.”

Every seed comes packaged with everything it needs to become the plant it was intended to be. It can never become that plant and bear fruit if it is never put into the ground. If it is germinated and cared for the plant will grow, blossom, and produce fruit. It accomplishes its purpose.

The Greeks thought Jesus was just another great philosopher like Socrates. Like Socrates, the Greeks knew Jesus was going to be put to death. They came offering asylum from those who wanted to kill him not knowing that Jesus purpose was to be made a sacrifice for all humanity. Unless Jesus fulfilled his purpose the entire vine of humanity would perish.

We each have a purpose and have been given the gifts necessary to achieve it. Most of us squander these gifts never realizing our full purpose. Those who use their gifts for personal gain will have their reward in this life. Those who use their gifts in the service of others will inherit God’s royal nature. If we want to be like Christ we have to give up our lives so others may live. This is what it means to be doulos, slave of God.