John 12:24-26 Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it stays alone: but if it die… I. DEATH THE MOST DREADFUL OF EVENTS HAS OFTEN BEEN MADE A BLESSING. 1. The death of the believer has been the life of the sinner. After turning their backs on a sermon men have been convinced by a dying bed. 2. The death of a parent has proved the life of the child. The expiring change has never been forgotten. 3. The death of a minister has been the life of the hearer. Little regarded when living, his word has come with power when gone. 4. The death of a martyr has been the life of the beholder. "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church." 5. But where are we now? The death of Jesus is the life of the world. II. THE DEATH OF JESUS CONFERS THE LARGEST BLESSING. By His death Christ fills heaven with praise, the Church with blessings, the world with followers. 1. A grain of corn multiplies by yielding other grains like itself. If barley is sown, barley comes up; if wheat, wheat; if Christ, Christians. He was not of the world — they are not of the world; He went about doing good — they serve their generation by the will of God; He was meek and lowly of heart — they are learning of Him. 2. A grain of corn is capable of yielding a large crop — one may stock a country. Christ was asked, "Are there few that be saved?" He told the questioner to strive himself to enter into the straight gate; a wiser course for us than speculation. But were the question asked properly we might reply, No, He is leading "many sons to glory" — a multitude which no man can number. III. EVERYTHING THAT ENLIVENS US AND CONFORMS US TO HIM OWES ITS EFFICACY TO HIS DEATH. 1. The convincing and renewing influences of the Spirit. 2. Deliverance from spiritual enemies. 3. The lively hope by which we draw nigh to God. 4. Holiness. (W. Jay.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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