Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"
Only a few days before Christ's crucifixion, some Greeks came to the temple in Jerusalem and said, "We would see Jesus." This encouraged Him (He needed encouragement!). His own people were rejecting the gospel, but here was evidence that people from all lands around the world would eventually accept.
Jesus stepped outside the Jewish portion of the temple court to visit with these Greeks. And then He expressed the principle of His kingdom: "Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life" (John 12:24, 25).
In effect, Jesus was declining the temptation to leave Israel to rot and to go with these Greeks to Athens and there do a mighty, glorious work. No, He says, I must stay here and fall into the ground like a grain of wheat and die; only then can I save the world. And when He spoke of the wheat "dying," He meant the real thing, not just a temporary sleep. He must ascend the throne of His kingdom via the cross. Self-sacrifice is the law of His kingdom. "If anyone serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also" (vs. 26).
Where is Jesus today? Not making a fortune in the stock market or electronic research, but ministering to the poor and needy and those hungry and thirsty for the gospel. Many young people today are rushing into electronics or some other lucrative careers; only a few think seriously of missionary service. Often, youth who are fortunate enough to get some higher education seldom wish to serve their fellowmen, but seek the highest paying careers possible. To all, the Lord Jesus reminds us: "Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone." You end your lucrative career with nothing but dust and ashes, bankrupt for eternity.
Where's the Good News? Today is not too late to take up our cross and follow Him.
--Robert J. Wieland
From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: January 11, 2000.
Copyright © 2014 by "Dial Daily Bread."
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