Whoever Serves

John 12:20-33, NIRV

Jesus Tells About His Coming Death

²⁰ There were some Greeks among the people who went up to worship during the feast. ²¹ They came to ask Philip for a favor. Philip was from Bethsaida in Galilee. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” ²² Philip went to tell Andrew. Then Andrew and Philip told Jesus.

²³ Jesus replied, “The time has come for the Son of Man to receive glory. ²⁴ What I’m about to tell you is true. Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only one seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. ²⁵ Anyone who loves their life will lose it. But anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it and have eternal life. ²⁶ Anyone who serves me must follow me. And where I am, my servant will also be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

²⁷ “My soul is troubled. What should I say? ‘Father, keep me from having to go through with this’? No. This is the very reason I have come to this point in my life. ²⁸ Father, bring glory to your name!”

Then a voice came from heaven. It said, “I have brought glory to my name. I will bring glory to it again.” ²⁹ The crowd there heard the voice. Some said it was thunder. Others said an angel had spoken to Jesus.

³⁰ Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. ³¹ Now it is time for the world to be judged. Now the prince of this world will be thrown out. ³² And I am going to be lifted up from the earth. When I am, I will bring all people to myself.” ³³ He said this to show them how he was going to die.

Verses marked NIRV are from the New International Reader's Version (NIRV) Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Objects:

• Easter basket
• Plastic egg large enough to hold a thermometer.

Message:

This morning, we continue in the Season of Lent, and each Sunday we continue to journey closer to Easter. But we are also in another season of the year. It’s spring! Have you seen anyone in your neighborhood planting seeds in the yard? (Allow children to respond.)

When a seed is buried in the ground, it goes through a process like death and then transforms. For example, from one seed of wheat, more than twenty kernels of wheat can grow. From one tiny little seed, a huge crop can grow!

I wonder if you have ever thought about what happens once seed is planted in the dirt. Why do we wait until spring to plant those seeds? Did you know that some seeds should be planted in the winter? Seeds for things such as cabbage, kale, mint, and oregano need to be planted deeply into the ground where the temperature is very cold. These plants need to experience the cold chill of winter to grow to their full potential.

Other seeds should be planted in the spring. Those plants don’t need the winter’s cold soil to reach their full potential. Seeds planted in the spring need rich warm soil to grow. Spring usually has longer days than nights, which gives seeds more sunlight and warmth. Have you noticed recently that it doesn’t get dark as early as it did a month ago? (Allow children to respond.)

Temperature plays a big part in how a seed may grow. The way a seed is planted and taken care of also helps produce a bigger, better harvest. Today’s scripture passage finds Jesus comparing life to a seed. Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only one seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Jesus teaches us that people, like seeds, need the help of proper care, including spending life with other people, and not alone. As a follower of Jesus, we must be willing to be with other people. It is important to have relationships with other people. It’s in those relationships that we can help others and offer love and hope to the world. That is what this church has to offer! Our church offers a place for all of us to get together and worship God.

Remember each week during Lent, I have with me this large Easter basket. So far, there are five eggs \ inside. Does anyone remember what is in the egg from last week? (Allow a child who was present to answer.) That’s right, a video game cartridge. Remember the most famous verse in the Bible, John 3:16, and the verses that follow, about receiving the most wonderful gift of eternal life.

Each week during Lent, I will bring with me a plastic Easter egg with something inside to help us remember our Bible lesson throughout the week. Let’s see what is in the egg today. (Create some excitement as you open the plastic egg.)

Inside this egg is a thermometer. Why do you think there is a thermometer inside this egg when we have been talking about planting seeds? (Allow children to answer.) Remember, we talked about the proper temperature that the soil should be when planting. We also talked about how our lives are like seeds. We must take care of them. A thermometer tells us when we have a fever and when we might be sick.

This week, our Lenten Coin Calendar reminds us of those who are sick and dealing with health issues. Have you and your family been putting coins in your jar? I bet it’s getting full by now!

This thermometer also can remind us of planting a seed in the soil. The ground must be the correct temperature. More important than that is we must plant the seed! If we never plant the seed, it will never grow. Once planted and cared for properly, the seed will provide a harvest. Let’s plant seeds of love, kindness, and joy. When we do that, we create a world that will grow in the love of Christ!

Prayer:

God of love: Help me to share the seeds of love, kindness, and joy that you have provided. Don’t let me keep them to myself. Give me the opportunity to grow heaven here on earth. Amen.