SUNDAY, APRIL 3
Scripture: John 12:23-25

The question was, “We want to see Jesus!” Verses 23-25 state, “But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, 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.” Jesus answered the question He was asked, but in a very unusual way. He gave an answer for how He would be seen through those who believe. This was an answer for every generation. The core concept communicated was self-denial. Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, is the issue of “Will I choose to deny myself for a greater good?” Those who say no – those who love their life – will never find ultimate life in God. It is only in the laying down of our life for others that we truly find it. Jesus gave an answer that covered every generation. For those of us who want to bring forth Jesus so that He can be seen through our lives, the key is embracing the cross. We dare not deceive people by claiming deliverance, freedom and healing as being poured out, when in fact it is being manufactured. Integrity of heart forms the foundation of the character of Christ and without that character we will never continually see the real Jesus. God is moving dramatically and preparing people to harvest nations. It is the character of Christ that sustains the work of Christ. Jesus laid out the key of it in verse 25—to lose our life in His will is to find ultimate life.