Tuesday of Holy Week

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

John 12:20-26, NIV

Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.

Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

Reflection - Pastor Caroline Bashore, First UCC, Royersford and Linfield UCC

Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

Jesus speaks of His own death, but also of the truth of discipleship. Death—of self, of comfort, of control—is necessary for new life to grow. The cross is near, and Jesus knows that His suffering will not be in vain. His death will bear fruit beyond what the world can imagine. 

But this is not just about Jesus. It is about us, too. 

As disciples, we are called to follow His path of surrender. We cling to many things—our pride, our desires, our fears. Yet Jesus reminds us that life in God’s kingdom means letting go. If we hold on too tightly to our own way, we remain a single seed, isolated and unfruitful. But if we trust enough to release what binds us, God can bring something abundant and beautiful from it.

Holy Week invites us to prepare—not just for Jesus’ death, but for the transformation it brings. What needs to die in us so that new life can take root? What are we holding onto that keeps us from fully following Christ? 

The cross is coming, but so is resurrection. Trust the promise. Let go. And watch what God will grow.

Prayer: Jesus our teacher and Savior, prepare our hearts for the cross… and the resurrection to come. Amen