2014.11.16 礼拝

2014.11.16 礼拝

Message – John 12:12-26 “ To Live as a Grain of Wheat”
Now in Japan, a grain of wheat could produce about 50 seeds while during Jesus’ time, it could produce just about 3 to 5 seeds. A grain could be eaten or planted. (1) The crowd wanted to make Jesus (the grain) a king. However, Jesus had to die, as prophesied, to save people. (2) We should not use our God given gifts for our own benefit but for others – ‘to die for others’ – eternal life.

Last week’s message was about Maria using invaluable oil on Jesus.
1. Maria’s action showed her love of Jesus. This is also a challenge for us.
2. Put challenge into practice. Plan a target which would be feasible rather than impossible, for example reading so many chapters or verses of the Bible.

John 12:24 – I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
Jesus was talking about himself as well as others (Christians).

1. A grain of wheat would have been a valuable part of food and to plant a grain out of 3 or 5 seeds it produces, must have been a real sacrifice. We are challenged to give up ourselves, i.e. to establish correct priority. As long as we hold on to our precious things, we could not be blessed. A successful person in business does not necessarily mean he has it all made – he may have sacrificed his time with his family in pursuing his own satisfaction.

John 12:25 – The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
Put God first and submit to his rule. since he is always with us.

John 12:26 – Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be.
And God will always be with us.

Matthew 6:24 – No man can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
Because “Love” should be exclusive.

2. We should take time to set our targets for priorities but should not be extreme. We should not be disappointed or give up even if we cannot achieve the target a hundred percent.