²³ But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. ²⁴ 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.

John 12:23-24 NKJV

Let me tell you something: Jesus knew the assignment! When I think about Jesus laying down His life for both me and you, a few thoughts come to mind. First, how many of us would be willing to give our lives for those we don’t know? Think about that: Jesus gave His life for those who wouldn’t even like Him! Would you do that?

I also think about the prayer that Jesus prayed about His cup to drink. In the gospels, it is recorded that Jesus prayed to the Father, saying, “If it is Your will, take this cup away from Me.” But then Jesus said, “Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” Jesus showed a bit of humanity in that moment because nobody wants to die. Yet, Jesus knew that He was in this world to enlighten us and to then give His life for us. So, though His human nature was trying to fight against the assignment, Jesus committed Himself to the Father’s will – He committed Himself to us.

As Jesus explained, the grain must be planted in order to produce even more grain. Plant life is so giving in that one seed can give birth to a flower, and the flower can produce even more seeds. Jesus had to lay down His life to produce life in us. As Jesus taught, He is the true vine and we are the branches that grow off Him. Because of Christ, we too are able to bear good fruit, which leads to life everlasting.

So, I am grateful today because Jesus didn’t turn away from His assignment. In the giving of His life, He has given so much to us. Jesus reconciled mankind’s relationship with the Lord! Jesus has made it so that we can be blessed in our fellowship with God while we are in the world. And even more, it is because of Christ that we have an everlasting home in His kingdom. So, as I am grateful, I hope today that you are grateful that Jesus knew the assignment and completed it.