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As we quickly approach Resurrection Sunday, we are again reminded of our Savior’s entry into Jerusalem prior to His crucifixion. In John 12, immediately following His entry into Jerusalem, He declares a principle concerning His death on the cross and applies it to the life of a Christian. 

Beginning in verse 23, we read these words,

“And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. 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. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.”

In making this declaration, the Lord was telling those around Him of His impending crucifixion and death. In verse 27 of this same chapter, He states, “Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.”

The expression “He was born to die” is understood by the second part of verse 27. Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God, "which taketh away the sin of the world..." by His atoning death on the cross (John 1:29). He is figuratively the corn of wheat that died so that we might be saved. The "triumphal entry" was not the victory that the world was cheering--but the true triumph was what Christ revealed here.

In like manner, however, the Lord teaches us a valuable lesson about yielding to Christ in our Christian life. The most fruit-producing life is the one that dies to self and lives for Christ. 

Jesus Christ gave His life on the cross of Calvary, and His sacrificial death certainly has brought “…forth much fruit.”  The question for you and me is whether we are willing to die to self and follow Christ (vs. 26)?

In verse 26, we realize that Jesus spoke these words prior to the cross of Calvary. His atoning death would take place as recorded in John 19. He challenges us by telling us that if you are going to serve me, you will follow me down this path. What path is that? The path that would lead to His death, for He says “…and where I am, there shall also my servant be…” (vs. 26)

Let us be reminded of this simple truth as we approach Resurrection Sunday that, “…Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit…”