The Power of ONE Grain of Wheat

Devotional

Day 1: Laying Down Your Life to Bear Much Fruit

Jesus teaches that unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. This principle is not only about His own sacrifice but also a call for each believer to surrender their own life, desires, and privileges for the sake of following Him. True fruitfulness comes not from clinging to our own plans or comforts, but from yielding our lives to God’s purposes, trusting that He will bring forth a harvest through our obedience. The call is not to self-destruction, but to self-surrender—letting go of self-centered ambitions so that Christ’s life can be multiplied through us. [08:28]

John 12:24-26 (NKJV)
“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense God asking you to surrender your own desires or comforts for His purpose? What would it look like to lay that down today?

Day 2: The Power of One Life Surrendered

The testimony of the man freed from a legion of demons in the country of the Gadarenes shows how one life, fully given to Jesus, can impact thousands. Though he longed to follow Jesus physically, he obeyed the Lord’s call to return home and share what God had done for him. His obedience led to a ripple effect—when Jesus returned, multitudes gathered, drawn by the testimony of this one transformed man. God often chooses to reach many through the faithfulness of one who is willing to go where He sends, even when it means returning to difficult places or people. [30:40]

Mark 5:18-20 (NKJV)
“And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, ‘Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.’ And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.”

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear your story of what Jesus has done for you? Will you take a step to share it with them this week?

Day 3: Worshiping God in Spirit and Truth

Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well reveals that true worship is not about location, ritual, or outward form, but about the heart—worshiping the Father in spirit and in truth. God seeks worshipers who are transformed from within, whose lives overflow with the living water of the Holy Spirit. This kind of worship is accessible anywhere, at any time, and is the foundation for a life that glorifies God and draws others to Him. The woman’s testimony led her whole village to encounter Jesus, showing how authentic worship and witness go hand in hand. [39:31]

John 4:23-24 (NKJV)
“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Reflection: Where and how can you intentionally worship God in spirit and truth today, even in the ordinary places of your life?

Day 4: Obedience Opens Doors for the Gospel

Philip’s willingness to leave a thriving ministry in Samaria and go to a desert road at God’s command led to the salvation of the Ethiopian eunuch, who then carried the gospel to a new continent. God often calls His people to step out of comfort and into obedience, even when the assignment seems small or the destination unknown. When we say “yes” to God’s leading, He uses our obedience to reach those who are seeking Him, sometimes in ways that have far-reaching impact beyond what we can see. [53:04]

Acts 8:26-31, 35-39 (NKJV)
“Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, ‘Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ This is desert. So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go near and overtake this chariot.’ So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ And he said, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’… Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, ‘See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?’… So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.”

Reflection: Is there a prompting from God you’ve been hesitating to obey? What step of obedience can you take today, trusting God with the outcome?

Day 5: Your Life—A Living Sacrifice for God’s Glory

Every believer has one life, one “grain of wheat,” to offer. The call is to present ourselves as living sacrifices, not to earn God’s favor, but as a response to His grace and acceptance. When we surrender our lives—our bodies, minds, and futures—to God, He molds us and uses us to impact our families, communities, and even nations. The legacy of a surrendered life is not measured by worldly standards, but by the fruit that endures for eternity as God’s power works through us. [01:07:59]

Romans 12:1 (NKJV)
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can offer yourself as a living sacrifice to God today—in your home, work, or relationships?

Sermon Summary

Tonight, we gathered to reflect on the profound truth that God delights in using the testimony of just one surrendered life to impact the world. We began by considering Jesus’ words in John 12, where He describes Himself as a grain of wheat that must fall into the ground and die to produce much fruit. This is not only a picture of His own sacrificial death, but also a call to each of us: to lay down our lives, to surrender our own desires and privileges, and to follow Him wherever He leads. The world tells us to preserve our lives, to seek comfort and self-fulfillment, but Jesus calls us to something far greater—eternal fruitfulness through self-giving love.

We explored several biblical examples of how God works through the testimony of one. Jesus crossed the sea to deliver a single demon-possessed man in Gentile territory, and that man’s obedience led to thousands hearing about Christ. The Samaritan woman at the well, despite her brokenness and shame, encountered Jesus and became the catalyst for revival in her village. Philip, in the midst of a thriving ministry, was sent by the Spirit to a desert road for the sake of one Ethiopian official, and through that act, the gospel reached a new continent.

These stories remind us that God’s strategy is not always about the crowds, but about the value of one life fully yielded to Him. The ripple effect of a single obedient life can reach far beyond what we imagine. The call is not to strive for greatness or recognition, but to be faithful with the “seed” of our life—entrusting it to God, letting it die to self, and allowing Him to bring forth fruit in His way and time.

Each of us has one life, one “grain of wheat.” The question is: what will we do with it? Will we hold it tightly, seeking to preserve it, or will we lay it down in trust, letting God use it for His glory? The invitation is to surrender afresh, to say, “Here is my life, Lord. Use me as You will.” In doing so, we join the long line of those who, by God’s grace, have changed the world—one life at a time.

Key Takeaways

1. Surrendered lives bear eternal fruit True fruitfulness comes not from self-preservation, but from surrender. When we lay down our own ambitions and comforts for Christ’s sake, He multiplies our impact far beyond what we could achieve on our own. The grain of wheat must fall and die for a harvest to come; so too must we trust God with our lives, believing He will bring forth lasting fruit. [05:14]
2. God values the testimony of one Throughout Scripture, God pursues and uses individuals—often overlooked or broken—to spark movements of grace. Whether it’s the demoniac, the Samaritan woman, or the Ethiopian eunuch, God’s heart is for the one, and through their obedience, many are reached. Never underestimate the significance of your story and your obedience in God’s hands. [28:21]
3. Obedience often means stepping out of comfort Jesus and His followers repeatedly crossed boundaries—geographical, cultural, and personal—to reach the one. This often meant leaving comfort, reputation, or even fruitful ministry behind. True obedience is not about convenience, but about responding to God’s call, even when it leads to unfamiliar or uncomfortable places. [51:29]
4. The power to serve comes from acceptance in Christ We do not serve to earn God’s favor, but because we have already received it. Religion focuses on self-effort and self-improvement, but the gospel frees us to lay down our lives for others, knowing we are already loved and accepted. This security empowers us to serve sacrificially, just as Jesus did. [15:33]
5. One act of obedience can have generational impact The ripple effect of a single surrendered life can reach nations and generations. The Ethiopian eunuch’s conversion brought the gospel to Africa; the Samaritan woman’s testimony prepared her city for revival. Our willingness to say “yes” to God today can shape destinies we may never see. [59:03]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:40] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[02:04] - The Grain of Wheat: John 12
[05:14] - The Cost and Call of Surrender
[08:28] - What Are You Doing With Your Life?
[10:35] - Religion vs. Gospel: True Motivation
[13:00] - Jesus’ Example of Complete Surrender
[15:33] - Serving Others as Christ Served
[18:40] - Jesus Pursues the One: Mark 5
[22:12] - Authority Over Darkness
[28:21] - The Testimony Multiplied: Decapolis
[30:40] - The Samaritan Woman: John 4
[34:19] - Breaking Barriers for the One
[39:31] - Worship in Spirit and Truth
[42:34] - Revival in Samaria: Acts 8
[46:07] - The Danger of False Motives
[49:16] - God’s Unusual Methods: Angels and Guidance
[51:29] - Philip’s Obedience on the Desert Road
[53:04] - The Ethiopian Eunuch’s Encounter
[59:03] - The Ripple Effect of One Life
[61:44] - Personal Testimony: God’s Transforming Power
[64:46] - A Fresh Call to Surrender
[67:59] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 12:23-26 (NKJV) — > But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.”

Mark 5:18-20 (NKJV) — > And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.

Acts 8:26-39 (NKJV) — > Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” ... So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. ... Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. ... Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.

Observation Questions

In John 12, what does Jesus mean when He says, “unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain”? How does He connect this to those who follow Him? ([02:04])
What instructions did Jesus give to the man who had been set free from demons in Mark 5, and what was the result of his obedience? ([28:21])
In Acts 8, what was Philip doing before the angel told him to go to the desert road, and who did he meet there? ([51:29])
According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus and His followers crossing boundaries (geographical, cultural, personal) to reach individuals? ([34:19])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus use the image of a grain of wheat dying to describe both His own mission and the call to His followers? What does this say about the nature of true fruitfulness? ([05:14])
The man in Mark 5 wanted to stay with Jesus, but Jesus sent him back to his community. What might this teach us about the purpose of personal transformation and testimony? ([28:21])
Philip left a thriving ministry in Samaria to go to a desert road for one person. What does this reveal about God’s priorities and the value He places on individual lives? ([51:29])
The sermon mentions that the power to serve comes from being accepted in Christ, not from trying to earn God’s favor. How does this change the motivation and attitude behind serving others? ([15:33])

Application Questions

Jesus says that if we love our lives, we will lose them, but if we lay them down, we will find true life. Is there an area of your life where you are holding on tightly instead of surrendering to God? What would it look like to “let it fall into the ground and die” this week? ([08:28])
The man set free in Mark 5 was told to share his story with his community, and it led to many hearing about Jesus. Is there a part of your story that you have been hesitant to share? Who might need to hear what God has done in your life? ([28:21])
The Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus led to revival in her village, despite her past and shame. Are there places or people you avoid because of fear, shame, or discomfort? How might God want to use you there? ([34:19])
Philip obeyed God’s call to leave comfort and go to an unfamiliar place for the sake of one person. Have you ever sensed God prompting you to step out of your comfort zone? What happened, or what is holding you back? ([51:29])
The sermon emphasized that we serve not to earn God’s love, but because we are already accepted. How does this truth affect your willingness to serve others, especially when it’s inconvenient or unnoticed? ([15:33])
One act of obedience can have a ripple effect for generations. Can you think of a time when someone’s obedience impacted your life? How might your obedience today impact others in ways you can’t see? ([59:03])
The pastor shared that each of us has “one grain of wheat”—one life. What is one practical step you can take this week to surrender your life afresh to God’s purposes? ([01:04:46])

Sermon Clips

Salvation for us the gospel it's not what we do that saves us it's what jesus does that saves us we we reap where he sowed he gave his life in our stead and we reap from his life so he went into death he his life was then given out so that we can receive life from him he's raised from the dead so we know he walked this road a grain of wheat just let's keep the analogy really quick here and you have a piece of kernel of wheat you ever seen him you can get them you pick them and and and there's just one there but when it goes into the ground what happens and so the plant comes up it starts the roots it begins to grow. [00:05:04] (44 seconds) #GraceNotWorks

``He laid down his life completely to the father's will and purpose he was obedient completely he wasn't 90 or 85 or even 50 50 if you want to talk about balance he didn't live that way he's the god man but he lived it out as a human being like you and I because he wants us to follow in his steps so the reality of his divinity would be displayed through flesh so that you and I could walk with him otherwise it'd be impossible he's just god that's why he did what he did but then he says follow me so you deny yourself and take up your and follow what will it cost you. [00:13:34] (48 seconds) #ObedientToTheFather

If the christ lives in you what's he going to produce the same life that he lived when he was here see anything short of that falls short of his what glory so he wants to live it through you by the power of the holy spirit so that you can walk in his steps but the problem is is that you know we know the scripture says that that we're the that he's the is the light of the world but he says he's made us the light of the world because of his living in us the problem is we cause too many shadows in other words we get in the way rather than laying down our do you know where it starts how about laying it down for just those around you start in your home lay down your life serve. [00:14:31] (56 seconds) #LiveLikeChrist

Here we find this man he's he's he's freed he's healed he cast jesus cast out the legion they go into the pigs and then you find here in the last six I just want to read this part here um in verse 18 there of chapter 5 it says then he got into the boat and he who had been demon possessed begged him that he might be with him however jesus did not permit him and was he rejecting him no no no why did it felt that way I don't know hopefully not he said go home to your friends and tell them what great things the lord has done for you and how he has had compassion on you. [00:28:09] (56 seconds) #UnshakenAuthority

He's talking about the regeneration work that happens inside the soul of a person who comes and meets with jesus something changes on the inside he cleanses he washes but life comes eternal life comes because of what he gives it becomes this abundance spring is always springing up water new life verse 16 he says he says go and call your husband and come here a woman said um and woman answered and said I have no husband jesus says you have well spoken you have no husband uh for you have had five husbands and the one you are now uh now have is not your husband that you spoke truly. [00:35:46] (49 seconds) #NewLifeInChrist

She has this encounter with him and look at verse 25 and 26 this is this is one of the only places that jesus gives such a clear declaration he says the woman said him I know when I know the messiah is coming and the scripture tells us here who is called christ when he comes he will tell us all things jesus said to her I who speak to you am he there's no ambiguity as to who he is who is the christ who is the christ well he he's unto you a child is born unto you a son is given and the government will be upon his shoulders and those name will be called wonderful counselor mighty god everlasting father prince of peace. [00:40:08] (41 seconds) #IAmTheMessiah

If you say yes lord the word no shouldn't be in the same sentence because if you say no then he's not lord if you say lord then you can't say just saying but he was a man who knew what it meant to lay down his life he'd he'd already given it to jesus but he's practicing it out day by day he's living this out even in the midst of ministry and great blessing and he's laying it down so he lays all of it down and goes out to a desert road you know what he goes out for your state see there's a guy in the government of ethiopia that's come all the way to jerusalem and he's worshiped and he still is empty as and when going home is when he came there's no life in him yet. [00:52:52] (52 seconds) #NoCompromiseInFaith

If there was a text that you could choose to preach the gospel from isaiah 53 but they didn't have a new testament yet that would be one of the best ones to be able to use that's what happened now as they went down the road they came to some water and the eunuch said see here is water what hinders me from being what he's not in a church is he there's no kind of smells bells and whistles nothing it's just a desert road and the guy says why I want to get baptized now guess what that probably means philip probably told him you need to confess christ and get what simple. [00:57:19] (50 seconds) #UnderstandingScripture

When someone gets baptized that's not just an added extra now listen you're saved through faith in jesus christ the bible is very clear in that but do you know that when you get baptized it's your declaration of faith publicly it's where you publicly identify with jesus out here not just in here out here and you identify with him and the church recognizes you as part of the flock of god it's important that you get baptized it's not as it's even marx is it who believes and is baptized it will be saved you know and he who doesn't believe will be condemned so your confession of faith I believe and I've trusted and and I'm declaring my life is now going down into the waters and I'm dying and I'm coming up in new life. [00:58:13] (49 seconds) #BaptismDeclaration

Notice what he says and philip said if you believe with all your heart you may ethiopian eunuch and he answered and said I believe that jesus is the son of god I wonder how long they were traveling on how long that conversation you know I'm just gonna say jesus stated in in john 4 he said the harvest is plentiful it's it's ripe on the harvest you just can't see it with your natural eye but god there's one oh there's one there's one there's what he came to seek and to save that which was lost and he says I only be one place one time you go you go there's one over there and I'll go get him go get him over there just the one get him there and who knows where that's gonna go. [00:59:10] (47 seconds) #FaithConfession

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