Introduction

Welcome, beloved, to this sanctuary, where grace abounds and hope flourishes. This is a place where we gather, not because we are perfect, but because we need the perfect love of Christ. We are here because we are drawn by the relentless love of our Savior, a love that heals, restores, and transforms. So, let us gather in the spirit of humility, acknowledging our need for God's grace, and in the spirit of joy, celebrating the abundant life He offers.

Today, we find ourselves standing at the threshold of the Holy Week, a sacred time in our Christian calendar. A time that calls us to remember, to reflect, and to respond to the greatest love story ever told - the story of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. This is a story that is as old as time itself, yet as fresh as the morning dew. It is a story that has the power to awaken our hearts, stir our souls, and transform our lives.

Predictions and Parables

In the Gospel of John, we encounter a group of Greeks who express their desire to see Jesus. This desire is a reminder of the universal appeal of Christ's message. His teachings, His miracles, His love, and His grace are not confined to a specific group of people. They are for everyone, regardless of their nationality, race, or social status. The Greeks' request signifies the beginning of the fulfillment of Jesus' prediction that when He is lifted up from the earth, He will draw all people to Himself.

The story then takes a turn as Jesus responds to their request with a parable. He uses the metaphor of a kernel of wheat to illustrate a profound spiritual truth. Just as a single seed must die to produce many seeds, Jesus must die to bring many into the kingdom of God. This is a prediction of His impending death on the cross, a sacrifice He willingly makes out of His great love for humanity.

The parable of the kernel of wheat also carries a personal challenge for each of us. Jesus is calling us to a life of self-sacrifice, a life where we die to our selfish desires and live for Him. This is not an easy call. It goes against our human nature. But it is the path to true life, to abundant life in Christ. It is the path to becoming fruitful in the kingdom of God.

Jesus continues His teaching by emphasizing the importance of service. He declares that whoever serves Him must follow Him. This is a call to discipleship, a call to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, to live as He lived, to love as He loved, and to serve as He served. It is a call to align our lives with His mission and His values. It is a call to make His priorities our priorities. And it comes with a promise. Jesus assures us that the Father will honor those who serve Him.

Preparation for Passion

As we move forward, let's turn our attention to the Promise of a New Covenant ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO