JESUS THE KERNEL OF WHEAT

John 12:12-50
Key Verses: 12:23,24

“Jesus replied, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, 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.’”

1. Read verses 12-19. How did Jesus enter Jerusalem? What does “Hosanna” mean? (Ps 118:25,26) What scripture did he dramatize and fulfill? (See Zec 9:9,10) What does this passage teach us about the nature of Jesus’ kingship and kingdom? What was the response?

2. Read verses 20-24. What does the coming of the Greeks symbolize? Who brought them to Jesus? What message did Jesus send to them? What is the principle of the kernel of wheat?

3. Read verses 25-26. How do these verses explain the “kernel of wheat”? What two kinds of lives are described here? What is the reward given those who follow Jesus?

4. Read verses 27-28a. How is Jesus himself like a kernel of wheat? What does this tell us about Jesus’ personal struggle? What was Jesus’ heart’s desire? How did God confirm his decision? (28b-30)

5. Read verses 31-33. What did Jesus teach about the manner of his death? What does it mean to drive out the prince of this world? To draw all men to himself?

6. Read verses 34-36. What is the response of the crowd? What invitation does Jesus give? What does it mean to walk in the light? Why is it imperative to do so?

7. Read verses 37-50. How is the unbelief of the Jewish leaders explained? Why is Isaiah quoted? What are the consequences of unbelief? Why must we welcome and obey King Jesus?