John, 12
24. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
24. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
Chapter 12 of the Gospel of St. John tells the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem and being received with praise by the crowd. However, he also talks about Jesus' rejection by Jewish religious leaders and the prediction of his imminent death. Next are five verses related to the topics addressed in John 12, excluding the verses of the chapter itself:
Isaiah 53:3: "Disregarded and rejected by men, a man of pain, and experienced in suffering; and as one of whom men hid their face, he was despised, and we did not do it at all." This verse of Isaiah's prophecy describes the rejection of Jesus and his lack of recognition by men, anticipating the rejection he would face by religious leaders.
Psalm 118:26: "Blessed who comes in the name of the Lord! We bless you from the house of the Lord." This psalm is quoted by worshipers who greet Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, recognizing him as the promised Messiah.
John 10:16: "I have yet other sheep that are not of this fold; to these I must also lead, and he will hear my voice, and there will be one flock and one shepherd." This verse is an indication of the universality of the message of Jesus, which he emphasizes in John 12:20-36, when some Greeks seek him to hear his teachings.
Matthew 21:46: "They sought to arrest him, but they were afraid of the people, who considered him a prophet." This verse describes the fear of the religious leaders of arresting Jesus because of the popularity he had among the people.
Luke 19:41: "As he approached and saw the city, Jesus cried upon it." This verse describes Jesus' sadness with Jerusalem's rejection and lack of understanding of him as the Messiah and Savior.
“Comunguemos com santo temor e com grande amor.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
