“Unless a kernel of wheat fall in the ground and die, it abides alone; but if it dies, it brings forth much fruit” (Jn 12:24). Undoubtedly, primarily the reference is to our Lord as that kernel of wheat. He originally abode alone in transcendent majesty, seated at the throne of God. By His word the heavens were created, the earth was fashioned, man was formed. Then a great tragedy happened. Man fell, and the earth became a wilderness. Now comes the problem: Is this world to be a wilderness forever or again to become fruitful? If He abode alone, there would be no fruit. If He died, this world again would be fragrant. God was determined to bring forth fruit. He must be able to pronounce it very good. Therefore Christ Himself fell into the ground and died. Notice the emphasis is on dying. Apart from death, that life would abide alone. Thus Calvary is the center, climax and culmination of God’s plan. And if we long to be fruitful, too, do you think it will be in a way other than the way He has shown us?