Follow Me

“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.--John 12:23-26

Some people come wanting to see Jesus, and this is his answer.  I always read this and scratch my head.  I imagine Jesus, wrestling with what is to come.  His humanity must be wrestling right?  He is in three more days or so left with his disciples.  He is about to go to his death.  He is about to be beaten and betrayed and spit on.  And he knows it. He sees it coming.  So, when people ask to see him—to be healed, counseled, taught, helped, worshipped, this is his answer.

He says, “Its about to be all over.  Its all about to change.  I am about to fulfill my purpose, to be held up in glory.”

“Don’t forget, that in order to be reborn, one has to die.  We cannot fulfill our purpose, we have to die. To self, to this world.  We have to die.  Just like a seed, or grain of wheat, or a Phoenix.”

“People are the same way.  If you cling to your life here, you will love everything. You will lose your soul, yourself.  You will lose it all.  But, if instead you hate this world, and hold fast to me—to God, then you will keep it forever!”

“If you serve me—you must follow me.  Even to death.  But don’t worry, I’ll be there with you. You’ll be with me, and my father forever.”

I imagine him saying, “Don’t forget, I’ve told you so many times.  I’m worry! I’m going to die, and come back three days later.  I know you don’t understand, but you will.  I promise.”

Good Friday is coming.  Jesus is walking to the cross.  And we will mourn and be sad and heart broken.  But there is redemption.  There is now life coming.  There are new promises.  Are you ready to follow Jesus?  Not just a little, but to the cross.  To your death?  Are you ready to give up everything to follow?

Today, examine your life.  What do you love more than Jesus?  Maybe its time to let it go.  To leave it be.  Maybe its time to pick up your cross and follow.

Are you ready to die?  To be reborn?  To live forever?  I am trying.  I am praying.  One foot in front of the other Lord.  I’m coming.

Because of Christ—

Pastor Emily