John 12:24

In the next place, because Christs suffering as the way to his glory, did stumble many of these who had carnal imaginations concerning the Messiah; Therefore (in this verse) he clears the necessity of his dying, by a similitude taken from grain, which unlesse it be towen and die in the ground, can produce no increase; but being sown, it bringeth forth much fruit. Even so, unlesse he died, there would be no conversion of lost men unto God. Whence learn, 1. The necessity and usefulnesse of the crosse is not easily beleeved by the Sons of men; And it is a point to be received on Christs word, who will not deceive; Therefore, doth he begin this doctrine concerning his sufferings, with so grave an asseveration, Verily, verily, I say unto you. 2. If Christ had not dyed, and continued for a while under the power of death, we could reap no profit by him, nor would any have gone to heaven with him; for, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone, and so had been here. It had been no prejudice to him, only his love could not be without us, nor had it been manifested, unlesse he had brought many Sonnes into glory, but all the losse had been ours. 3. Christs death hath produced a fair harvest of fruit on the earth, many being drawn unto him, and many sweet fruits flowing from his death to them; for, if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit, and so is it here. And thus also doth the Lord blesse the afflictions, even of Saints, to bring out much good. 4. The profit that flows from the crosse of Christ and his followers, ought to prevent any stumbling there at; for by this argument Christ obviates the scandal here. And indeed, if the fruit of the crosse be an argument to move him to embrace it, much more should it take away our stumbling.