The Grain of Wheat facts for kids

Wheat growing in a field.

The Parable of the Grain of Wheat is a special story told by Jesus in the New Testament part of the Bible, specifically in the Gospel of John. It's like a riddle or a short story that teaches an important lesson about resurrection (coming back to life) and sacrifice (giving something up).

What is a Parable?

A parable is a simple story used to teach a moral or spiritual lesson. Jesus often used parables to help people understand big ideas in a way that was easy to remember. He would use everyday things, like farming or seeds, to explain deep truths.

The Story of the Grain of Wheat

In the Gospel of John, chapter 12, Jesus tells his followers this parable:

"Truly, truly, I tell you, 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."

He then adds:

"Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honour the one who serves me."

What Does the Parable Mean?

This parable has a few important meanings:

The Seed's Sacrifice

• A single seed: Imagine a tiny grain of wheat. If it stays in a bag, it remains just one seed. It can't grow or become anything more.
• Falling and dying: For the seed to grow, it must be planted in the ground. It seems to "die" because it breaks open and changes.
• Producing much fruit: But from that one "dead" seed, a whole new plant grows. This plant can then produce many new seeds, much more than the original one. This shows that sometimes, giving something up (like the seed "dying") can lead to something much bigger and better.

Giving Up for a Greater Purpose

Jesus uses the seed to explain that sometimes we need to let go of our own desires or even our own lives (not necessarily physically, but our selfish ways) to achieve something greater.

• Loving your life: If someone only cares about themselves and their own comfort, they might miss out on a deeper, more meaningful life.
• Hating your life: This doesn't mean to literally hate yourself. It means being willing to put God's plan or helping others before your own wants. When you do this, you gain a life that lasts forever.

Following Jesus

The parable also talks about following Jesus. If you choose to serve Jesus, you should follow his example. This means being willing to make sacrifices, just like the grain of wheat. When you do, God will honor you.

Why is This Parable Important?

This parable is important because it teaches about:

• Selflessness: Putting others or a greater purpose before yourself.
• Growth: How giving something up can lead to new life and growth, just like a seed.
• Resurrection: It hints at Jesus's own death and resurrection. He "died" like the seed, but then rose again, bringing new life to many.

See also

• Parábola del grano de trigo para niños (This link goes to a similar article in Spanish for kids.)