Following Jesus: Dying to Live

Sunday, September 20, 2026

Pastor Amos Yoder

Following Jesus

Dying to Live

John 12:20-36

As Jesus moves closer to the cross, He uses the image of a kernel of wheat to explain both His own death and the life of anyone who follows Him: "Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." Jesus' way to life runs through death; first His death for us, and then our ongoing surrender as His disciples.

Amos challenged us to consider the "seeds" we're reluctant to bury. Sometimes we know God is asking us to surrender something, but instead of putting it to death, we simply set it down where we can pick it back up later. Dying to self means loosening our grip on anything that competes with Jesus, not only obvious sin, but our preferences, control, self-righteousness, reputation, traditions, comfort, or even good things we've allowed to become too important. The invitation isn't surrender for surrender's sake. The seed dies so that new life and greater fruit can grow.

Group Discussion Questions:

1. Jesus says that a seed must fall to the ground and die in order to produce fruit. What does that image teach us about following Him?

2. Amos used the picture of setting a seed down rather than burying it, leaving it close enough to pick back up. Where do you see the difference between temporarily setting something aside and genuinely surrendering it to God?

3. What kinds of things can become difficult for us to surrender even when they aren't necessarily sinful or wrong? How do we recognize when a good thing has begun competing with Jesus?

4. What makes us afraid to surrender something to God, and what would we have to believe about Him in order to open our hands?

5. As you've listened to this message and our conversation, what might the Holy Spirit be asking you to put in the ground? And what would obedience actually look like?