A quick look through the book of Psalms will reveal a theme that repeats itself again and again - the steadfast love of God.
When we look at Jesus we see the reflection of what God is like. In his life, in facing death, and in death itself, Jesus remained faithful in his love towards those he came to save.
As we journey through Holy Week, you will see the steadfast love of God again and again, fully revealed in the face of Jesus.
Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. "Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—"Father, save me from this hour'? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again." The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him." Jesus answered, "This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."
John 12:23-32
“Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain,” Jesus said, “but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” That’s true. I never planted much wheat but I used to plant corn. I would drop two or three kernels into a hole in the ground and then cover them over again. With enough time, and rain, and sunshine, a little green sprout would come up, and then it would grow into a tall, thick stalk, until finally ears of corn would start to form. From those two or three kernels I might get five or six fat, ripe ears, practically bursting open with goodness.
This is Jesus’ plan, apparently. If he “falls into the earth and dies” a huge harvest will come — first dozens, then hundreds, then thousands of disciples.
What about you? Are you one of his?
Jim Somerville
Lord Jesus, help me bear the fruit of your life and death and resurrection. Never let it be said that you died for nothing, or that nothing ever grew from the “seed” of your sacrifice. Amen.
O that you and I might be,
Like Jesus,
Faithful and true.
God grant us grace
That we might become,
Like Christ,
Steadfast in our love too.