What Might We See
Scripture: John 12:20-36
John 12:20-36 (NLT)
Jesus Predicts His Death
20 Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration 21 paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, “Sir, we want to meet Jesus.” 22 Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus.
23 Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man* to enter into his glory. 24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels-a plentiful harvest of new lives. 25 Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. 26 Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.
27 “Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! 28 Father, bring glory to your name.”
Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” 29 When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him.
30 Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out. 32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate how he was going to die.
34 The crowd responded, “We understood from Scripture* that the Messiah would live forever. How can you say the Son of Man will die? Just who is this Son of Man, anyway?”
35 Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. 36 Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.”
After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them.
I. The World Desires To See Jesus
A. They came to interview Him
1. They heard of His presence and power.
2. They may have heard the latest miracle – Lazarus has come forth alive!
3. They may have even witnessed the triumphant entry into Jerusalem!
4. They were there in Jerusalem for the Passover Celebration (Share about the Passover from the OT.) They are from the West at the end of His life/ like those teat cam from the East at the beginning of His life. Those to the manger and those to the Cross.
a) They came to worship (that is what people come to do when they visit or enter into a church.
b) Not like the church “jumpers” or “hoppers” or even “care-takers” who are looking for a sign and not just wanting to see Jesus.
c) People are attracted to church if it stays with its mission and image
d) Some come out of curiosity and a mere wonder to know Jesus more.
e) Some just want to be comfortable and not conformable (into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29) so they can be planted and do a work for Christ.
f) Which is the high moral standards and integrity! Compared to the world and its downward spiraling morals!
5. These Greeks actually represented the world!
a) That which was outside the scope of the Pharisees.
6. They were Greeks, Gentiles, the middle Wall of Separation had not been broken yet by the Cross of Christ
Ephesians 2:14 (NKJV)
14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,
B. Just like the Syro-Phoenician.
” From there He arose and went to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And He entered a house and wanted no one to know it, but He could not be hidden. For a woman whose young daughter had an unclean spirit heard about Him, and she came and fell at His feet. The woman was a Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by birth, and she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. But Jesus said to her, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” And she answered and said to Him, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children’s crumbs.” Then He said to her, “For this saying go your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter.”" (Mark 7:24-29, NKJV)
A. Just like the Samaritan women at the well!
1. But He had an answer for them, a challenge, a truth that would set them free from the bandages of sin and despair.
B. Philip and Andrew had not solution for these men
C. They brought the problem to Jesus.
II. Jesus Responds To Them
A. This request stirs that heart of Jesus to its depths.
B. The Cross must come before these Greeks (the world) can fully grasp the “why” He came to this earth.
1. Life must come through death
2. The wheat kernel must fall to the ground and be planted to bear life and that life will produce other life!
a) Kernels of wheat have been found in Egyptian tombs that are three to four thousand years old and they have not produced life.
3. A harvest of many new lives.
John 4:35 (NKJV)
35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes athe harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, bfor they are already white for harvest!
C. The way to guard your life is to give it and to loose it!
1. To be true to Christ.
a) This is what we might see!
2. To see Christ we must follow Him to our own personal cross.
D. Jesus shares His purpose and that is to Glorify the Father.
1. Casting down the powers and principalities, dominions and wicked hosts in high places!
2. Keeping with the supernatural communication that is offered to all that follow Him
III. Putting Your Life Into His Life
A. Take in the light
B. Be partakers of the light
C. Become children of the light
D. Not those of darkness stumbling through life not knowing what life is all about and not knowing where it is headed.
E. This is an hour of crisis and yet an hour of great opportunity!
F. Love like Jesus loved and so keep in “step” with the Word!
1. The world wants to see Jesus.
2. The earth groans for His return
3. Heaven is waiting for His entrance to receive His bride
G. He is hidden now in the essence of His physical form and distinct visual application of His Spirit.
1. But He is not hidden in us!
2. We are to show just who He is in our actions and our worship!
3. We all need Jesus!
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23, NKJV)
“As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one;” (Romans 3:10, NKJV)
“For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.” (Romans 11:32, NKJV)
Dennis
Remember prayer moves the Hand of God.