Planted in the Soil

Scripture: John 12:20-36  (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

20 Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration 21 paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, “Sir, we want to meet Jesus.” 22 Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus. 23 Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. 24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. (John 12:20-24 NLT)

Here Jesus states an eternal principle of God’s Kingdom. This was true of Jesus as our Savior and Lord. He had to die, to be the kernel of wheat planted in the soil, in order to produce the plentiful harvest of new life and new lives. This is true of everyone who will produce something of eternal value. Jesus was planted in the soil of this earth and the life of God raised him up. His life can now be imparted to those who put their faith and trust in him as Savior and Lord.

As followers of Jesus, we also become kernels of wheat planted in the soil of our families, our schools, our workplaces, our communities. As we bury ourselves, our talents, our energies, our lives in the world we’re part of, we produce new life in others. Our influence, our stories, and our service are exchanged for new life in others. Salt (“You are the salt of the earth” – Jesus) is only effective when it is mixed into food. That’s when the seasoning, preserving effect happens. Yeast (“The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast mixed in flour” – Jesus) is only effective when it is mixed into the flour. That’s when the expanding, lifting effect happens. Beware of doctrines that divide, separate, and isolate. The miracle of new life is in the mixing and the planting!

While we’re on the subject: With Jesus as our example of servant leadership, here are a couple of other “Bewares”: Beware of those who promise success without sacrifice, who exercise authority without submission, who use power without accountability. Beware of those who promote self-interest rather than the greater good.

Beware of an emphasis on protecting our “rights” at the expense of promoting and preserving the rights of others. Like Jesus before us, we’re here to serve and sacrifice for others!

Prayer:

Father, Please give my friends and me a heart to serve. May we be planted in the soil of our world so we can be part of the harvest of new life and new lives. In Jesus’ Name.