| A Single Grain – Jennifer Woodley
‘If a single grain dies, it bears much fruit.’ John 12:24 (NRSV)
A single grain of wheat will only ever be just that unless it is buried deep into the soil. Here a mystery unfolds. Lying in the rich humus, the grain will die and then over time miraculously sprout becoming a plant that is laden with much fruit. Jesus likened this wheat grain to himself in regards to his death and resurrection.
However, this parable concerns all believers. Our Christian lives will not be anything significant until we are prepared to die to our selfish ways. The Christian life is not intended to be a life of selfish indulgence, but a dynamic pilgrimage of self-giving.
The fertile soil of surrender is the ground in which fruitful works sprout. Christ’s life was rich with works that reeked of his selfless nature. His was a truly fruitful life. He was the single grain that bore plentiful fruit which nourished others over and over again.
Consider the fruitful possibilities we are robbing ourselves, others and God of when we fail to die to self. No death means no life. What’s holding us back from dying to our selfish ways?
‘Father forgive me for selfish ways. Thank you for the excellent example of Jesus. Show me where I am absorbed in my life draining behaviors. Help me to die to myself, so that others may live. Amen.’
Jennifer lives on the Darling Downs, near Toowoomba, Queensland with her family. She enjoys encouraging others on their Christian journey. Contact | 
