IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

A Kernel of Wheat

Date: May. 12, 2024

Passage

John 12:20-36 (ESV)

20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 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. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. 34 So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”

When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 12:24

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.

Like a kernel of wheat, our lives hold enormous potential. No matter how much we hide or protect our true selves or cultivate an image of impressiveness on the outside, we remain a single seed. But, if we shed the protective layers and allow what is inside to blossom, we can truly live, grow, and bear fruit.

Jesus set the example of this courage. Jesus did not save himself, but he fully entrusted his life in God’s hands, living by faith. Jesus gave his life on the cross so that the cross of shame would become a symbol of salvation for all. Jesus’ life did not end in the grave or a memory but in resurrection glory. He is the light of the world.

No matter where you are in life, young or old, we must be in the process of becoming and blossoming. Fight against the comforts of our current shells and the fear of being exposed. We can do this when we trust in the love and power of God. We realize we are children of light.

Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to live a life of courage and bear fruits of your love. I trust in your life-giving power.

One Word: A child of light.

Daily Bread

A Kernel of Wheat

John 12:20-36

Key Verse: 12:24

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.

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