"Unless the kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."( John 12:24) After Lazarus was raised from the dead, the word spread and his popularity increased such that a great crowd went out to meet him as he entered Jerusalem before the Passover (12:17-18) Some Greeks who came for the feast wanted to personally meet with Jesus and send word through Philip (12:21) but Jesus didn't seem excited by the new found popularity. Unlike the celebrity 'servants of God' of today, he didn't receive the dignitaries on stage and give them time to felicitate him for his achievements. Instead he spoke to the crowd about his imminent death which would result in many more being like him in his stead ! 'When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.'( 12:36) His enemies thought it would be over with his death but to their horror, they found many more like him take his place after the day of Pentecost! "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." This has been the history of the Church because 'the blood of the saint is the seed of the Church'. During his time on earth, Jesus did many notable things but his only mission in life was to take upon himself the sin of the world. It is not about being popular but in getting many to be like Christ, starting with us! 'Be imitators of God ... just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God '( Ephesians 5:1)
Sam Matthews. K
13. Unlike others!
Updated: Aug 23, 2021
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