Much fruit: Among the Jerusalem pilgrims for the feast of Passover are some Greeks or Gentile proselytes to Judaism. They approach Philip for an interview with Jesus. Philip relays the petition to Andrew, and the two go to Jesus. The request draws from Jesus the dramatic statement: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (12:20-23). The coming of the Gentiles seems a sign that ushers in the events of Jesus’ hour of glory.
The apostles Philip and Andrew were present at the multiplication of the loaves (Jn 6) when Jesus expressed his desire to feed the world. Now they are at the forefront again as Jesus approaches the fulfillment of his promise when the world, represented by these Gentiles, comes to him to be nourished. How does Jesus propose to do this feeding? Using the image of a grain of wheat familiar to his listeners, Jesus explains that he must be ground to powder in order to make the bread which can impart eternal life. In yielding up his own life, he will give birth to the Church, the new community of beloved disciples.
But what is true for Jesus goes also for the disciples. They must die to their selfishness to give life (v 23). And they must follow him in service to the extent of laying down their lives so that the next generation may reap a rich harvest.