After relating how a grain of wheat must die in order to bear fruit ​ — corresponding to his own dying and becoming a means to impart everlasting life to others — ​ Jesus extends an invitation to his listeners, saying: “If anyone would minister to me, let him follow me, and where I am there my minister will be also. If anyone would minister to me, the Father will honor him. ” ​ — John 12: 23 - 26.
Kui ta on rääkinud sellest, kuidas nisuiva peab surema, et vilja kanda – millega ta viitab enda surmale ja sellele, et tema kaudu võivad teised igavese elu saada –, esitab ta oma kuulajatele järgmise kutse: „Kui keegi mind teenib, see järgigu mind, ja kus mina olen, seal peab olema ka minu teenija; ja kes mind teenib, seda tahab Isa austada ”.