God promises Jeremiah that a “new covenant” will be made in the future: a covenant that will allow all the people to know God by heart. The church sees this promise fulfilled in Christ, who draws all people to himself when he is lifted up on the cross. In the gospel, Jesus plants the image of a grain of wheat dying in the earth then coming to life and bearing fruit as a metaphor for his own crucifixion and being “lifted up” on our behalf. The Greeks ask to see Jesus. We might paraphrase Jesus’ oblique response this way: “If you want to see me, first look down into the dirt; then look up to the cross.” Our baptismal covenant draws us to God’s heart through Christ and draws God’s love and truth into our hearts. We join together in worship, sharing in word, song, and meal, and leave strengthened to share God’s triumphant love with all the world. Join us this Sunday as Deacon Kelly reminds us that God has planted this seed of love in our hearts!
Image: Ear of wheat by pawel.gaul. Copyright © 2022 Getty Images Plus via Getty Images. Used by permission.