Every spring we have lots of plants to share with others. We have a large vegetable/flower garden and this time of year lots of “volunteers” pop up, providing plants to give to fellow gardeners. These “volunteers” are the result of seeds that fell into the garden last fall and then germinated as the soil warmed up this spring. We have lots of poppies, sunflowers, bachelor buttons, etc.  We also have lots of extra raspberries and strawberries to share since they also reproduce prolifically.  

      When God created plants and animals, He gave them the ability to reproduce. In Gen. 1:11, we read: “Then God said, ‘Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit after their kind, with seed in them on the earth’; and it was so.”   But, in order for the seeds to reproduce the life germ that is within them, they must “fall into the ground and die.”  As Jesus was telling His disciples that His “hour” had come (to die and be glorified…Jn. 12:23), He said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (Jn. 12:24).  I once read that a single grain of wheat, if planted and the subsequent crops planted, would multiply sufficiently in eight years to feed the whole world for a year!  Those of us who raise zucchini squash understand well the vast amount of fruit that can come from one little seed!

     The principle of reproduction that Jesus taught was that in order to reproduce and bear fruit, death must first take place. A grain of wheat, if not planted, would remain, but alone.  Jesus was the “only begotten Son” (Jn. 3:16). In order to become “the firstborn among many brethren” (Ro. 8:29), Jesus had to die and be buried. But He was raised and has subsequently implanted His life in all who believe, for “as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (Jn. 1:12). “And, if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ…” (Ro. 8:17).  So, Jesus’ death on the cross is portrayed as the dying of the grain of wheat. His death, though seemingly the end, was the means by which His life could be imparted to “many brethren.” The “principle of reproduction” is a principle of “multiplication.” Today, there are millions of Christians in the world because Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sin and rose again. “For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive” (I Cor. 15:21). Jesus is the “first fruits of those who are asleep” (v. 20). 

     John 12:24 also speaks to the Christian’s experience of dying to self-centered desires, to sin and to worldly ambitions. This “dying” allows for a life of fruitfulness for God’s glory. We were chosen by Christ to “go and bear fruit” (Jn. 15:16). In His infinite wisdom, God made it possible for believers to reproduce and to bear fruit by giving us the Holy Spirit through whom the Father and Son also reside.  As we “abide in Christ” (Jn. 15:5), “walk by the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16),  “trusting in the LORD with all our heart, and not leaning on our own understanding” (Prov. 3:5), we will experience the “abundant life” Jesus promised (Jn. 10:10) and will be fruitful and will spread the love of Christ to others.  We have been united with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection, so “in Christ” have died to the old sinful flesh and are thus enabled to “walk in newness of life” (Ro. 6:4). 

     So, out of death comes life. That is the “principle of reproduction.”  When Jesus called His apostles, He said,  “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men”  (Mt. 4:19). He also said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me” (Mk. 8:34).  Again, we see the “principle of reproduction” that life comes out of death.  We are not “soul winners.” Christ alone can save, so He must be the One working in and through us for fruit to be produced. Only the Vine (Jesus Christ) can produce fruit. It is our role as branches  to “bear” (support) it (Jn. 15:1-8).  But,  just as God created plants to be able to reproduce “of their kind,” so He has enabled each believer to reproduce by placing the life of Christ within us (Gal. 2:20).   As Dawson Trotman, founder of the Navigators Christian Ministry said “We are born to reproduce.”  That’s God’s purpose for each believer–not just for preachers and missionaries!  Each believer has the responsibility and privilege of introducing others to eternal life in Jesus Christ.  

      When God created Adam and Eve He commanded them to “be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth” (Gen. 1:28).  He repeated that command to Noah and his family as they got off the Ark (Gen. 9:1). We have done a pretty good job of accomplishing the filling of the earth with people!  But, God also commanded each of us who are Jesus’ followers, having experienced spiritual birth, to “Go and make disciples” (Mt. 28:19) and to “go and bear fruit” (Jn. 15:16).  We are “born again” to reproduce, to fill the earth with believers (Acts 1:8). How are we doing? How are you doing? 

Forever His,

Pastor Dave