Daily Devotional | Beyond a Single Kernel

Although I grew up in a city, my mom always had a vegetable garden. Each spring she would purchase plants at the farmer’s market to transfer to our backyard. When my wife and I moved into our home, I continued the tradition. However, I loved planting seeds because the process of seeing seeds transform into living plants that produce vegetables has always fascinated me.

In John 12, some Greeks approached Philip with the request to see (or speak with) Jesus (vv. 20–21). Both Andrew and Philip shared this request with Jesus (v. 22). In turn, Jesus made a startling announcement: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (v. 23). This seems to have been prompted by the desire of these Greeks to see Jesus.

Previously in his Gospel, John had made it clear that Jesus’ time had not come (John 7:6, 8; 16:25). Jesus’ initial outreach was to the Jewish people, but something evidently had changed. Could it be that these non-Jews were seeking Jesus? That’s why Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds” (v. 24).

By using this illustration of the seed, Jesus was explaining the impact His death would have on all people, including these Greeks. A seed, once planted, will grow, transform, and produce fruit. Jesus would lay down His life on the cross, but through that sacrifice He would draw people from around the globe to Himself (vv. 32–33).

>> Jesus’ death on the cross paved the way for all to have a relationship with God. This is good news! Take time this Christmas season to praise Him and thank Him for His indescribable gift. If you haven’t yet put your faith in Christ, this is a good time to come to Him as God and Savior.

Pray with Us

Dear God, today I confess that You are the Creator of heaven and earth, and Jesus is Your Son. I repent of my sins and ask for the blood of Christ to cover them. Accept me as Your child and transform my heart as I seek to serve You.

BY Eric W. Moore

Eric Moore is Professor and Chair of the Applied Theology Field at Moody Theological Seminary. Eric is graduate of Michigan State University, Dallas Theological Seminary, the University of Michigan, and Western Seminary. He is the author of Pastoring the Small Church and a contributor to the One Volume Seminary (Moody Publishers). He has pastored Tree of Life Bible Fellowship church for over two decades. Eric and his wife, Marilyn, live in southeast Michigan and have three children.