Corn of Wheat

John 12:20-26 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and tell Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it die, it bring forth much fruit. He that loves his life shall lose it; and he that hate his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. 

‘Certain Greeks’ these were Gentile proselytes to the Jewish religion (1Kin. 8:41-42; Matt. 23:1-39). They came to worship in the outer court of the Gentiles. They would not be allowed to eat of the feast unless they were proselytes (Ex. 12:48).

Philip, one of the twelve apostles (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13). His call took place in chapter 1:43-50); he was the brother of Nathaniel and is mentioned three other times (6:5-7; 12:20-22; 14:8-13).

Andrew, one of the twelve apostles (Matt. 10:2; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13). He was a fisherman and the brother to Peter (Mat. 4:18; John 1:41-44). He was a disciple of John (1:40) at first and is mentioned three other times (Mark 13:3-4; John 6:8; 12:20-22).

The 24th New Testament prophecy in John that is fulfilled: The hour is come for Jesus’ sufferings and the glory that will come when the middle wall of partition is broken down between the Jews and Gentiles so they can be united in one body (Mat. 27:51; 1Cor. 12:13; Rom. 1:16; 10:9-14; Eph. 2:12-18; 3:6; Gal. 3:28).

Jesus compares Himself to a grain of wheat: His death to a grain sown and decomposed in the ground; His resurrection to the blade that springs up out of the dead grain; and His manifestation and glorification to the abundant fruit of the many grains produced to sustain life. He should have died to be glorified and fruitful. He could not establish a glorious body of believers unless He was glorified (7:37-39; Acts 2:33; Eph. 1:1-23).

The many elements of mystery surround the death and resurrection of any seed. We believe a dead grain multiplies itself and we are nourished by its multiplication, but we cannot understand how it is done. We cannot tell how one grain becomes multiplied into many – how the earth, air, water, and sunshine cooperate together to create new life. We believe it, not because we understand it, but because it produces results. If we cannot explain and fully understand these earthly things why do we have to understand the infinite purposes and works of God in redeeming men through the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ before we believe?