Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain

 

 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast.  Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus."  Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus.  But Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified.  Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.  He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.  If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also.  If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor."

 

- John 12:20-26 

 

In yesterday's reading, we will given the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, a day we commemorate as Palm Sunday.  We read that a great many of those from the ruling classes in Jerusalem knew that Jesus was there; and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead.  But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.  The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out:  "Hosanna!  'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!'  The King of Israel!"  Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written:  "Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt."  His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him.  Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness.  For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign.  The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, "You see that you are accomplishing nothing.  Look, the world has gone after Him!" 

 

  Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast.  Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus."  Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus.  But Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified."  My study Bible explains that these Greeks were Gentiles who believed in the God of Abraham, and have come to participate in the Passover feast.   That they were still called "Greeks" shows that they were not yet full proselytes (converts).  Since Jesus had taught His disciples not to go to the Gentiles (Matthew 10:5; 15:24), the disciples approach Him before bringing these inquirers.  When Jesus speaks of being glorified, He is referring to His death on the Cross.  (We recall that in yesterday's reading, above, the events of Palm Sunday, and the fulfillment of prophecy, only became clear to the recollection of the disciples "after Jesus was glorified.")  My study Bible says that Christ's obscure response here indicates two things.  First, the answer these Greeks are seeking will not be found in words, but rather in the Cross.  Second, the Cross will be the event that opens all manner of grace to the Gentiles.

"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.  He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.  If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also.  If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor."  My study Bible says that the image of the grain of wheat dying in order to bear fruit signifies that Christ's death will give life to the world.  At the memorial services for the departed faithful in many Orthodox churches, boiled wheat that is sweetened and spiced is served to affirm God's promise that those who have died in Christ will rise again to life.

Christ speaks of Himself and His death on the Cross figuratively, in the image of a grain of wheat that produces much grain only if it falls into the ground and dies.  As noted above, the Gospel tells us (from yesterday's reading) that the disciples only understood the events of Palm Sunday, and the fulfillment of prophecy in the people's cry and actions, after Jesus was glorified.  Again today, Jesus emphasizes that it is now time, that "the hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified." One must wonder if it is that these Greek-speakers, Gentiles, have come inquiring about Him.  After all, the Gospel will spread to the world, and to the nations, in the Greek language -- the international language of its time.  Greek was the language of commerce for this reason.  Philip is from Bethsaida which at this time was expanding and would within only a few years would be elevated in status within the Roman Empire.  He also bears a Greek name.  In John's Gospel, his role is also significant.  First a disciple of John the Baptist, Philip is found by Jesus and introduces Him to Nathanael (also known as Bartholomew)  in John 1:43-51.  Jesus tests Philip at the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:4-6).   Here, he's the connection to the Greek community, and at the Last Supper it will be Philip who says to Jesus, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us" (John 14:8-9).  The burial place of Philip has been recently discovered in what was an ancient Greek-speaking city (see this translation of an interview with the Italian archaeologist who made the discovery).  It is known that Philip traveled widely spreading the Gospel, and died a martyr at this site.  Why is all of this important?  Because Christ's message would be spread throughout the world in the Greek language and through Greek speakers, one gets the feeling that perhaps these "Greeks" who approach Him are a clear sign to Christ that it is the hour of His glorification.  His landmark teaching regarding the grain of wheat is predicated upon His glorification on the Cross, that this event will produce much fruit -- and that is inextricably linked with the spread of the gospel beyond Israel and to all nations.  It is His sacrifice on the Cross that will teach us about what we give for our faith and that also produces spiritual fruit; in this Christ's Cross leads the way, even as it is the act of sacrifice on His part that will send His gospel out to all the world, and continues to do so.  For it is this act that will transcend all boundaries and shake the values of a world predicated only on materialist values of coercion, manipulation, and appearances alone as truth.  Jesus' Cross, and His sacrifice, continues to expand its influence, to reverberate with meanings and values that echo in the subconscious of the world to be discovered by faith and experience of the struggle for faith.  He will exchange one life for another, and in so doing, offer that greater and eternal life to us in His promise of abundance, and He continues to do so.  His sacrifice made possible the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the remembrance of all things for His followers (John 16:7).  Martin Luther King often cited the powerful necessity of sacrifice, understanding it as essential to his own ministry to produce fruit.  He said, "Nothing worthwhile is gained without sacrifice," an understanding of the truth that makes us free.  In a world dazzled by technological and other material power it is tempting to put faith exclusively in appearances, and  discard  Christ's sacrifice as the ultimate testimony by the Witness to our faith.  But sheer belief in material appearance works as a delusion, producing corruption, conflict, and faith in manipulation,  keeping people from hidden truths our Lord wants us to seek and find.  As He so often affirms, His sacrifice is His glorification which produces much fruit.  Let us remember His words.