While teaching his disciples about the significance of his death on the cross, Jesus employed an agricultural illustration. He stated, “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 12:25). During our school days, we might have studied the structure of the seed. The seed contains life (germ) within it, but it cannot sprout unless it allows itself to die, becoming invisible beneath the ground, undergoing transformation, and ultimately bringing forth new life in the form of a shoot. There is no life without the death of the seed. Jesus applied this principle to our faith in him, saying that whoever loses their life will gain it.

We often strive to preserve our lives at all costs, creating numerous comfort zones to avoid soul-searching. Soul-searching means encountering soul-troubles. The question is, ‘Are you willing to endure soul trouble to bring forth life, or do you seek refuge in your comfort zone when faced with soul-trouble?’ In our modern world, we cultivate many distractions as our comfort zones, attempting to shield ourselves from soul trouble. Paul understood this struggle and offered two crucial insights: Firstly, Jesus was crucified on the cross for me, offering deliverance from sin and condemnation. Secondly, I am crucified with Christ on the cross, enabling me to die with him so that I may live with him. While the adage ‘no pain, no gain’ may hold true in many aspects of life, our Christian faith asserts, ‘No crucifixion with Christ, no life in Jesus.’ Surrendering ourselves to die with Christ, we experience the true fullness of life.

May the Lord guide us to die with Jesus on his cross to lead a life with Jesus. God bless!