SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(John 12:24) "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." [25] He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal."
(Ephesians 4:9-10) "[9] (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?" 10] "He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things."
PROLOGUE
The Parable of the Grain of Wheat conveys a profound Easter resurrection message that highlights the transformative power of sacrifice. In this parable, we learn that just as a grain of wheat must fall to the ground and die to produce a plentiful harvest, our own sacrifices in dying to self can lead to a life enriched with God’s blessings.
The Lord frequently used parables to convey spiritual truths to his disciples. He often drew inspiration from everyday events and objects, such as fishing, farming, and cooking, to illustrate his teachings. By employing relatable examples, he connected with his disciples and helped them understand the deeper meaning behind his message.
Ephesians 4:9-10 underscores the importance of Jesus' descent into the depths of human experience, which was essential for His subsequent ascension into heaven. By confronting death and enduring human suffering, Jesus fully identified with humanity, demonstrating His profound empathy and commitment to God's creation. This act of humility positioned Him to effectively fulfill God's redemptive plan.
In conclusion, let me declare that His ascension signifies His exaltation and affirms His authority over all creation. Through this ascension, Jesus can be spiritually present with believers everywhere, offering guidance, comfort, and strength. The gift of the Holy Spirit empowers followers of Christ to live according to God's will and fulfill His mission on earth, establishing a transformative connection between the eternal God and humanity.
"CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WHEAT SEED."
Did you know that wheat seeds have tiny feelers resembling legs, allowing them to move and position themselves in the soil? When a seed is sown in loose soil, it can use these little legs to bury itself, and it is specially designed to work its way down instead of up.
The symbol of a grain of wheat dying in the earth to grow and bear a harvest is a powerful illustration of the Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection. Just as a seed must be buried in the earth to grow and produce fruit, so too must Jesus be laid in the tomb before rising again in triumph over death, hell, and the grave.
In John 12:24, Jesus used the analogy of a wheat seed to illustrate the principle of self-sacrifice. He explained that the seed must be buried in the ground and perish to yield a fruitful harvest.
The lesson from the wheat seed is that, as it goes into the earth to shed its outer physical part, it contains new life inside. However, for that new life to emerge, the outer part of the seed must die. This reveals that when we "die" to ourselves, we "rise" to new life in Jesus Christ.
Jesus accepted his destined end, understanding that the only way to conquer the power of sin and death was through the cross. He willingly sacrificed himself for the salvation of humanity, and his resurrection demonstrated that death had no authority over him.
The grain of wheat dying to produce new life is a beautiful and powerful symbol of the transformative power of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. Through his supreme sacrifice, we can discover new life and hope. This signifies that, although we will all face physical death, we can be assured that we will be raised to everlasting life with God, all made possible through Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.
The parable of the grain of wheat powerfully reminds us that we sometimes must endure difficult and painful experiences to grow and produce. Just as the grain of wheat must die to create new life, we, too, must be willing to let go of old habits and patterns that no longer serve us, embracing the transformative power of God's love and grace.
In summary, those who have embraced God’s way of life refuse to yield to their fleshly desires and instead strive to overcome them by walking in the Spirit through prayer and dedication. Their ultimate goal is to live a life that pleases God, reflecting His teachings and love for humanity. They make themselves available to God, allowing Him to work through them and leaving His signature for future generations.
"THE INWARD STRUGGLE TO CRUCIFY THE FLESH."
The wheat seed must die for new life to emerge from within. Our ongoing struggle to crucify the flesh is relentless, as we are constantly confronted with worldly temptations and desires that conflict with our Christian values and principles.
Understanding the concept of dying to self can be difficult, as it requires a fundamental shift in mindset. It demands recognizing that our human desires and ambitions might lead us away from God's path, and that true fulfillment and purpose can only be found by surrendering ourselves to His plan.
Living a life surrendered to Jesus is not always easy, but it represents a path of abundance and fulfillment found only in Him. As we allow Him to work within us and through us, we begin to experience the joy of living in His presence and the peace that arises from knowing we are walking in His will. This way of life is characterized by purpose, meaning, and deep fulfillment.
As we align more with God's will, we experience a deep sense of peace and joy that transcends all understanding. We also become more effective in our service to others, as we are no longer motivated by selfish desires but by God's love. Ultimately, dying oneself is the path to true life in this world and the world to come.
In summary, dying to oneself means letting go of everything that separates us from God and embracing His will for our lives. It is a transformative process that leads to new life in Jesus Christ, encouraging us to place our trust and faith in Him above all else, including our ambitions, preferences, and desires.
MY CONCLUSION
The message of the wheat seed underscores the significance of recognizing that God has a designated time for everything in our lives. It reminds us that our purpose will come to fruition at the right moment, and we need not rush or force things to occur.
The message of the Lord’s parable about a grain of wheat dying to generate life provides significant insights that can enhance our understanding of faith and spiritual growth. Here are five key points from this message that we can apply to our lives and ministry.
1. **Transformation Through Sacrifice**: Just as a grain of wheat must die to bring forth new life, our transformations often require us to make sacrifices. This principle encourages us to let go of our old ways, comforts, or attachments to pursue a higher purpose.
2. **Multiplication of Believers**: The death of the grain symbolizes the way one life can inspire and nurture many others. Similarly, when individuals embrace their faith and live it authentically, they can lead others to believe, creating a ripple effect that expands the community of believers.
3. **A Call to Discipleship**: This message is a compelling reminder of our call to discipleship. It urges us to embrace a path of selflessness, commitment, and service to others, embodying the teachings of faith in our daily lives.
4. **Eternal Rewards**: The parable of the grain of wheat illustrates that something must die for new life to emerge, emphasizing immediate transformations and the promise of eternal rewards that are out of this world.
5. **Having Hope in the Resurrection**: Lastly, the grain of wheat dying and returning to life symbolizes the core principle of hope in the resurrection. It encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that death is not the end but a transition to something greater.
In summary, as we gather with family and friends to celebrate Christ's resurrection and new beginnings, He offers each of us. May we strive to plant seeds of kindness, compassion, and service in our world, trusting that God will bring forth a rich harvest from our efforts.
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
