Why did Jesus have to die and rise again?
Scripture teaches that Jesus had to die, be buried, and rise again so that, like a kernel of wheat falling into the ground and dying, He would not abide alone but bring forth much fruit. Through that death He came forth in resurrection power to impart life to those who believe.
Les explains that John 12 is just before the crucifixion, as preparations for the last Passover begin. Some Greeks/Gentiles wanted to see Jesus, but He did not invite them; instead He told Andrew and Philip that the hour had come for the Son of Man to be glorified. He used the kernel of wheat: except it fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone; but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. Les says this pictures His own death, burial, and resurrection—He had to die, and through that death come forth in resurrection power and impart life to those who believe. Romans 10:9 adds that salvation is by faith and faith alone: confess with the mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in the heart that God raised Him from the dead.
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.
More Questions
What did Jesus mean when He said a kernel of wheat must fall into the ground and die in John 12:24?
In John 12:24, Jesus' illustration of a kernel of wheat falling into the ground and dying was about His own death, burial, and resurrection; He had to die, and through that death He would come forth in resurrection power and impart that life to those who believe.