What happens to a seed before it can germinate and produce new life?
Before a seed can germinate, it must be removed from its container and placed in the ground where it can receive moisture and sunlight. Then, before it can sprout new life, the seed must die, as illustrated by the kernel of wheat that brings forth much fruit only after it dies.
Les explains that before a seed can germinate, it has to be taken out of its container and placed into the ground where it can receive moisture and sunlight. Then, before that seed can sprout new life, it has to die—it dies for all practical purposes. This illustrates Jesus' words that unless a kernel of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it abides alone; but if it dies, it brings forth much fruit. This was spoken just before the crucifixion, when the hour had come for the Son of Man to be glorified through His death, burial, and resurrection.