The Moment the Paradox of Glory Was Revealed
In John 12:20–26, a very important turning point in redemptive history appears. When the Greeks came to seek Jesus, outwardly it appeared to be a “moment of success” where Jesus' name was finally expanding beyond the boundaries of the Jewish nation.
But Jesus said, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” (John 12:23) And He went on to declare, “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24)
The Glory of the World vs. The Glory of Jesus
The world calls “rising higher” glory. But Jesus called “descending lower” glory. The world says ruling by power is victory. But Jesus taught that giving oneself up is victory.
Jesus, the Grain of Wheat
Jesus Himself became that single grain of wheat.
He laid down the glory of the heavenly throne and chose the Cross, not a royal seat.
Life flowed out from that holy brokenness, and that moment of death was precisely when the glory of the Kingdom of God was fully revealed.
A Question God Gives Us at the End of 2025
As we conclude the year 2025, I hope the Holy Spirit will quietly shine His light upon us.
“Am I still remaining as a single grain, or am I falling to the ground and dying?”
We long for “blessing” and “glory”... yet we want to avoid “my cross” which is necessary for that grace to flow.
However... Only when I die is the Jesus within me revealed. Only when my pride is broken do the brothers and sisters beside me live. Only when my stubbornness is shattered is the fruit of the Spirit borne in the community. When I die on the cross, God's life begins in that very spot.
The death of the grain is not a tragedy.
The death of the grain is not a tragedy. It is God's method of creating life. And it is God's wisdom that opens the path of the Gospel toward the nations.
The reason Jesus proclaimed the hour of death before the visit of the Greeks is that through His death, the way for the nations to return to the Lord was opened.
The Path We Must Choose as We Approach Christmas
At this time facing Christmas, passing through the final moments of 2025, I hope we gaze into the depths of the Cross of Jesus Christ.
I urge you to choose the path of the grain that quietly decays in unseen places.
The “sacrifice, lowliness, and surrender” that seem small will become a sprout of God's Kingdom for someone.
Toward the 2026 God Has Prepared
And please believe firmly.
In that very spot where I have died, God will sprout amazing life in the new land of 2026.
Your life walking the path of the Cross becomes the brightest glory offered to God.
Dr. Jaeyun Lee
