Part 2 - The Parable of the Corn of Wheat

What approach does the lesson take in addressing the false concept of salvation?

St. John 12:20-24 is used to teach the procreation, reproduction, and glorification of Jesus Christ.

St. John 12:20-24

20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:

21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.

23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

Overview and Context of the Scripture

After Jesus rose Lazarus from the dead, many believed on Him – even the Gentiles. In the scripture, some Gentiles came to worship and Jesus responded by saying; The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

Why did Jesus say this?

Jesus was speaking from the concept that salvation would bring about procreation, reproduction, and glorification. Jesus was aware the Body of Christ was soon to be revealed. This Body would have all manner of people – Jew and Gentile - and all would be a part of His body.

Activity 2.1

What scriptures prove that the church is the body of Christ?

What approach did Jesus take to teach this?

Jesus uses a parable of a seed and explains how seeds multiply. He explains that a seed must die in order to multiply.

Even as the seed procreated, reproduced and multiplied - so has Christ. Jesus went down as one body, and then became the true vine with many branches.

• Jesus is now many members, but one body.

BODY

1. The physical structure of a living thing (including flesh, bones and organs)

2. A group of people.

• The Body of Christ refers to the group of people that make up the physical structure of the man Jesus Christ.

What should this knowledge achieve?

It should clarify the redemption plan.

We should now see salvation as a transformation into who Christ is, rather than a mere covering for sins. Being transformed into the body of Christ means we are as free from sin as Christ is.