The Seed Must Die to Bring Life

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” – John 12:24

Spring is here and much planning and preparation is already underway for Katie’s Garden. As the days grow longer and the soil warms, many of us are preparing our gardens and flower beds, turning over the earth, cleaning out the winter growth, planting seeds, and anticipating the beauty and fresh vegetables that will come in due time. There’s something almost miraculous about the way a tiny seed, once buried in the ground, transforms into a plant that bears fruit, vegetables, or flowers.

Yet Jesus used this very image to reveal a deeper truth about His mission and the nature of life itself. In John 12:24, He speaks of a seed that must die before it can bear fruit. At first glance, this might seem strange—how can death bring life? But as we take a moment to think about Jesus’ words, we see that they point us to the heart of the Easter story.

Jesus spoke these words just days before His crucifixion. He knew what lay ahead: betrayal, suffering, and death on a cross. Yet He also knew that His death was not the end but the beginning of something greater—His resurrection and the salvation of the world.

Like a seed buried in the soil, Jesus was buried in the tomb. From the world’s perspective, His death seemed like defeat, but in reality, it was the greatest victory. Through His sacrifice, He defeated sin and death, opening the way for all who believe in Him to have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Easter morning is the joyful fulfillment of this promise. Just as a seed bursts forth from the earth, Jesus emerged from the grave, alive and victorious. His resurrection assures us that, in Him, we too have new life—not only in eternity but here and now.

Every year, as we witness nature’s renewal in spring, we are reminded of the ultimate renewal that comes through Christ’s resurrection. Death does not have the final say. The grave is not the end. In Jesus, we have hope, forgiveness, and eternal life.

So, as you plant your flowers or garden this season, let each seed be a reminder of the Gospel. Just as a seed is buried but rises to new life, so too has Christ risen. Just as a plant bears fruit, so too are we called to grow and bear fruit for His kingdom. So, share the Good News with someone, for…

He is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Pastor Al

Our mission: “Bringing People to Christ by Bringing Christ to People”