"Where I am, there will my servants be also." (John 12:26)

Jesus spoke these words to Phillip, Andrew and a few Greeks who were introduced to Him. Therefore, Jesus directed these words to the apostles and those who are willing to follow him. Regardless of whether they are involved in missionary work, they must walk with Christ.

Jesus compares Himself to the seed that is buried in the soil. He also compares Himself to the copper serpent that Moses lifted up in the wilderness. A seed in the soil will bear fruit after the rain. It represents the death of Jesus as the sacrifice that brings us into life with God. When Moses raised the copper serpent, everyone in the crowd who was bitten by snakes received healing. It represents how Jesus was raised up on the cross, as a witness to the unconditional love of God for humanity.

If we are willing to follow Christ, we must live by the Word of God, and be able to deny ourselves certain desires so that we can overcome our selfishness. Only then can we nurture the seed that Christ Jesus has planted within us.