How much fruit does a kernel of wheat produce when it dies and germinates?
When a kernel of wheat falls into the ground, dies, and germinates, it brings forth much fruit—a whole head of grain that may contain 100 to 120 kernels. The single kernel no longer abides alone; it multiplies into new life and a full harvest, illustrating resurrection.
Les explains that this is a tremendous lesson in theology. If the kernel of wheat lays by itself, it has to die before it can bring forth life. Unless that kernel germinates and springs forth the stem of grain and brings out the number of heads on that stem, that kernel stays alone. But if it dies, germinates, and brings forth new life, the result is a whole head of maybe 100 or 120 kernels of grain. Jesus was alluding to His own death and burial, and that when He would die and be resurrected, Gentiles could come into the picture and He could be the object of their faith as a result of His death, burial, and resurrection, and really not until.
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
How does a buried kernel of wheat die and then produce many kernels?
When a kernel of wheat is buried, the moisture, sunshine, and nature cause it to die and rot, and out of that death comes a new green shoot that eventually makes many kernels.
Why does the kernel of wheat have to fall into the ground and die?
A kernel of wheat that lays by itself has to die before it can bring forth life; if it dies it brings forth much fruit, but if it stays alone it abides alone.