Scripture

And Jesus answered them saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.” John 12:23-25

Observation

What Jesus pictured here is an illustration of His necessary sacrifice on the cross. Unless the grain is buried in the ground, it cannot become a blade producing many more seeds. Jesus had to die to pay the penalty for our sin, but also to show His power to defeat death. His resurrection proves He has eternal life. Because Jesus is God, Jesus can give this same eternal life to all who believe in Him and give them a life of peace and joy.

Application

We must be so committed to Christ that we “hate” our lives by comparison. This does not mean that we long to die or are careless or destructive with the life God has given us, but that we are willing to deny the tyrannical rule of our own self-centeredness. By laying aside our striving for advantage, security, and pleasure, we can serve God lovingly and freely. Releasing control of our lives and transferring control to Christ bring eternal life and genuine joy.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, take total control of my life. I accept your sacrifice for my sin and accept you as my Lord and Savior, giving you my life to use for the advance of Your kingdom in this world in what ever area You have prepared for me. Thank you that You love me so much that I can depend on You for all that is necessary to live a life of peace and joy. Amen.

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