THE GRAIN OF WHEAT MUST DIE IN THE GROUND BEFORE IT CAN GROW AND PRODUCE MORE WHEAT
(A biblical refection on THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT [Year B], 22 March 2015)
Gospel Reading: John 12:20-33
First Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalms: Psalm 51:3-4,12-15; Second Reading: Hebrews 5:7-9
The Scripture Text
Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, Sir, we wish to see Jesus. Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew went with Phillip and they told Jesus. And Jesus answered them, The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified. 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. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If any one serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honor him.
Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour? No, for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify Thy name. Then a voice came from heaven, I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again. The crowd standing by heard it and said that it had thundered. 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 shall the ruler of this world be cast out; and I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself. He said this to show by what death He was to die. (John 12:20-33 RSV)
We exhibit a very narrow view if we think, just because people dont do things our way, theyre being done the wrong way. Hebrew and Chinese for example are written and read from right to left. Thats different but not wrong. When the former President Carter and his folks from Georgia came to the White House, they found it difficult to get accustomed to the strange accent of northern people, and vice versa. There are many innocent and humorous instances where we set ourselves up as the standard.
Jesus told us that His ways are not our ways. He did many things backwards to our thinking for He was the paradox man. A paradox is a contrary view, something that seems to be untrue but is really true in a different way. It would seem, for example, that the following statement would be true. I can be very happy if I live only for myself. Jesus says, False. If you live for yourself only, you will be unhappy and sorry. If you want to be happy, live for others and die to yourself. This is the lesson taught in todays Gospel. The grain of wheat must die in the ground before it can grow and produce more wheat.
Jesus may have disillusioned the intelligent Greeks who came to talk with Him in this Gospel. They were often too sure of themselves, possessing reputations for great wisdom. He said that those who are foolish for God are really the wisest of people. Gods chosen people, the privileged Jews, also heard Jesus say that the real chosen people are those who have their faith in Him. The proud and power-conscious Romans jeeringly snickered at the paradox, only when youre weak are you strong. The Lord appeared to contradict most things people stood for and believed in. He would be a poor public relations man, for He was not trying to please but lead.
We have to admit Hes not doing and saying things backwards; we are. If we think were doing something the right way but its not working and we feel discouraged, it would be well to turn around and look at Him. We may be going precisely in the wrong direction.
The standards of the world are very different than His. He is The Way. Some think Hes just in the way. The Christian will often be at odds with the world, as he tries to live the teachings of Jesus, for we appear often to have it all backwards. The Lord, however, not only pointed in the right direction but invited His followers with the bold pronouncement: I am the way, and the truth, and the life (John 14:6 RSV).
Short Prayer: Lord Jesus, by Your Spirit, enable us to overcome our fear of dying. Like a grain of wheat, enable us to die to ourselves, so that we can bear much fruit for You as we work to build Your Kingdom on earth. As You glorified Your Father by Your obedience to His will, may our willingness to obey Him also bring Him glory and honor. Amen.