A Simple Lesson from a Wise Teacher

“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” (John 12:24).

Jesus was a very wise teacher. He did not use fine illustrations which the common people would not understand. Rather, He took those whose meaning would be plain to them. He pointed to the lilies, to the birds, to leaves, to vines, to the hen and her chicks, and other familiar things.

The illustration here from nature is very simple. The farmer who would keep his wheat in the dry and safe granary – because if it were sown in the field, it would rot and die – would make a very foolish mistake. The only proper thing to do with the grain which the farmer wishes to preserve and take care of in the best way is to sow it in the ground. It is true that this seems to be wasting it, losing it, and throwing it away. But this is the way in which it is made to increase. It has to die first in order to live. This is the law of life.

Our Lord meant here that the only way for Him to be glorified was by giving His life. He could have saved himself from His cross; His sacrifice was voluntary. But suppose He had saved Himself… what would have been the result? He would have missed the suffering; however, souls would not have been saved, and no church would now be praising His name. But in dying, He made blessing for the world. From the one precious seed that fell into the ground on Calvary has sprung a glorious harvest, whose full fruit will not be known until all the redeemed ones are gathered home!

I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments on this article! Feel free to leave your reflections and ask your questions below.

God bless you and your family, this day and always.

All for our King’s glory,
Christian

photo by Kara Gebhardt  |  Lightstock.com

This post is another installment of Miller’s Monday Musings, a weekly series that is published every Monday on my website. The series features selected writings that have been adapted from the works of James Russell Miller (1840-1912), a much-beloved Christian author and pastor who is well-remembered for his practical thoughts on Christian home and family life. Learn more about this weekly series by clicking here.