John 12:23-26

In the gospel of John, Jesus says: "Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who is not attached to their life in this world will keep it for eternal life."

In this passage the gospel reports Jesus as saying: "Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." (v. 24) The literal meaning of this passage is that wheat must be planted, if it is to grow and produce a harvest. It seems likely, however, that the gospel is not teaching about agriculture, but is using this language figuratively. As the statement about planting wheat is followed by a statement about losing this life and gaining eternal life, we may assume that the two statements are related and should be interpreted together.

Yet the relationship is not obvious, for our life is not like a grain of wheat. Grain is only potential life, whereas we are actually alive. The form of the grain must be given up, if the wheat is to grow and produce a harvest. Must the form of our life also be given up, if we are to bring in the harvest of the kingdom of God?

Unlike the first three New Testament gospels, the gospel of John does not proclaim the kingdom of God, but promises eternal life and talks about hating life in this world.  This is a striking contrast with the portrayal in the synoptic gospels of Jesus, who is accused of enjoying life too much by eating and drinking with sinners. However, there is a sense throughout the New Testament that life "as we know it" is coming, and must come, to an end.  For God is creating what Isaiah 65:17 and the Revelation of John 21:01 refer to as a new heaven and a new earth.

Grace and peace...Bob