The Daily Devotional
Sunday, April 6, 2025
Setting Our Face Toward the Cross
Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:23–24)
Introduction
As the 5th Sunday of Lent dawns, we find ourselves in the final stretch of the Lenten journey—a time marked by deeper introspection, increased devotion, and anticipation of the events of Holy Week. In John 12, we hear Jesus speaking about His impending death. He does not shy away but embraces what is to come, revealing the paradox of glory found through sacrifice.
Reflection
Jesus speaks of a grain of wheat falling into the earth, dying, and bearing fruit—a profound image of death leading to life. As we reflect, we must consider not just Christ’s death and resurrection, but the personal call to die to self so we may also bear fruit in Him.
I once heard the story of a missionary named Jim Elliot, who gave his life in the jungles of Ecuador while trying to bring the Gospel to the Waodani people. He had written in his journal, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Though his death seemed tragic and premature, it planted seeds. Years later, that same tribe came to know Christ, not only because of his sacrifice, but because his family continued the work in love and forgiveness.
Like the grain of wheat, Jim Elliot's life bore fruit because he followed Jesus' example, even unto death. We may not be called to such dramatic sacrifice, but we are each called to lay down something—pride, comfort, control—that Christ may live more fully in us.
Application
As we approach Holy Week, what must we let go of? What needs to die in us so that new life can flourish? Lent calls us to release what hinders our walk with God—perhaps it’s bitterness, fear, selfishness, or spiritual complacency. Take time today to name those things before God.
Consider also how your sacrifice might bear fruit in others. Is there a relationship that needs healing? A gift you’ve been withholding from the Church? A calling you’ve resisted? Surrender is never easy—but resurrection is on the other side.
Conclusion
This final week before Holy Week is a sacred threshold. Jesus has set His face toward Jerusalem—and so must we. The cross is not only where He died; it is where we are invited to lay down our lives as well. The promise? In Him, death is never the end. In Him, even the buried grain bears fruit.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as the shadow of the cross grows longer, turn our hearts toward You. Help us to see beyond sacrifice to the glory of resurrection. Teach us to follow Jesus, even when the path is hard, and show us what we must lay down in order to rise with Him. Let our lives be fertile soil, bearing fruit for Your Kingdom. Prepare us, O Lord, for Holy Week—not just with our minds, but with our hearts. In the name of the One who died and rose again, Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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