What is the result when the kernel of wheat dies and germinates?
When the kernel of wheat dies and germinates, it brings forth much fruit. It sends up a stem of grain with heads containing perhaps 100 or 120 kernels. It no longer abides alone but produces new life, picturing death, burial, and resurrection so Gentiles may believe.
Les explains that unless a kernel of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it abideth alone. But if it dies, it germinates, springs forth the stem of grain, and brings out the number of heads on that stem, producing a whole head of maybe 100 or 120 kernels. Les says this is a tremendous lesson in theology. Jesus alluded to His own death and burial, and to His resurrection, so that Gentiles could come into the picture and He could be the object of their faith as a result of His death, burial, and resurrection—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.
What does the kernel of wheat that dies mean in John 12:24?
In John 12:24, Jesus' illustration of a kernel of wheat falling into the ground and dying refers to His own death, burial, and resurrection.