A simple seed planted in the earth, the seed dying so to speak in that the shell is broken and the life inside the seed germinates and bursts forth to sprout and grow. Jesus used this analogy to explain the death he was about to die. And he applied the same to those who would be his followers. For those who would so follow, it would mean death to their own lives, but new life in and through his life. In and through his death, when he would be lifted up on the cross, all people would be drawn to him.
This is a rule of life in Jesus: death and resurrection. There is no other way. This is the way of our Lord which resulted in the judgment of the world and casting out the prince of this world, the devil. The way of the cross in his death. There is no other way.
Of course that has no appeal to the world. We all want something that gives life, or keeps life coming to us on our terms and in accord with what we think is life. We must learn that true life is found only in death in and through Jesus. Out of that comes life, yes indeed our true life, and the true life of everyone and of all things.
And so we want to pursue this course together in Jesus. As we consider his great sacrifice unto death for us, that we might receive his life. For us and through us in Jesus to the world.
A suggested reading for today: John 12:20-36
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