Most truly I say to you, Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains just one grain; but if it dies, it then bears much fruit.

10. What application to himself did Jesus make respecting a grain of wheat?

¹⁰ Next, notice the fine reasoning and apt illustration, showing the necessity for a sacrificial death, mentioned at John 12:24, 25. A grain of wheat cannot be fruitful in providing more grains unless it is put in the ground and dies. This had a special application in the case of Jesus. If he held on to his human life selfishly, going contrary to his Father’s will, he would lose out. Besides, he could only confer temporary benefits to others. If, however, he was willing to lay down his soul, his life, “in this world,” as prescribed by the Great Sower, Jehovah, he would not only “safeguard it for everlasting life” in God’s new order, but could become the ‘Father for eternity’ to countless others. As Paul said: “For to this end Christ died and came to life again, that he might be Lord over both the dead and the living.”​—Isa. 9:6; Rom. 14:9.