12:24 What does Jesus mean by what He says here?
12:24 What does Jesus mean by what He says here?
Jesus is predicting His death here (CP V23). Jesus compares Himself to a grain of wheat. As a grain of wheat is sown in the ground it dies to bring forth a rich harvest. So too the death of Jesus will bring salvation to many (CP V32; Jn 3:14).
The principle by which Jesus illustrates His death in Jn 12:24 also applies to Christians dying to self. Unless Christians die to self they cannot bring forth any fruit (CP Jn 12:25-26).
This means that Christians are not only to believe the gospel, but must also be committed sacrificially to follow Jesus to the end of life (CP Mt 10:37-39; 16:24-26; Lu 14:26-35). See also comments on Mt 10:37-38, 10:39; Lu 14:26; Jn 12:25 and author's studies
The Cost of Discipleship: Forsaking All for Jesus, and Conditions of Entry into Heaven in his book Advanced Studies in the Christian Faith (Volume 1), and Christian - Beware of Failing God's Grace and Forfeiting Your Salvation in his book Advanced Studies in the Christian Faith (Volume 2).