Jesus Speaks of His Death

Text: John 12:27-50

I.         Jesus is at the height of his popularity, but has mentioned that the time for his death is approaching. - John 12:23-24

            A.        Jesus is troubled by the thoughts of dying, but what sustains him is the knowledge that this is why he came into the world.

            B.        Jesus calls to his Father, glorify your name.

                        1.         God answers.

                        2.         Again we see the different response to the same event.

                                    a.         Some thought they heard thunder

                                    b.         Others believed it was an angel answering Jesus.

                        3.         Jesus points out that God spoke for their sake. Jesus did not need to hear the voice of God, but the people needed more proof of Jesus’ deity.

            C.        Shortly, judgment will be brought upon the world. People will be forced to chose.

            D.        Shortly, Satan’s hold on the world will be forever damaged.

            E.        The event that will accomplish the glory of God, bring judgment on man, and cast out Satan is the dying of Jesus on the cross.

                        1.         That event will draw people out of the nations to Christ.

                        2.         This is the second time Jesus talked of being lifted up - John 3:14-16

II.        This confuses the crowd. They understood the Christ was to live eternally. - Psalm 110:4; Micah 4:7

            A.        They wonder who this man is who must die to draw people to him.

            B.        Jesus states that the light (righteousness) is in the world for a little while longer.

                        1.         People should use the light while they have it.

                        2.         If you try walking in darkness, you don’t know where you are going.

            C.        While the evidence is there, believe in the light - John 1:4-5, 9-10; 8:12

III.       Jesus left

            A.        So much evidence was given in the form of miracles, yet the people did not believe. - John 20:30-31

            B.        They did not believe because the god of this world, Satan, had hardened the people’s heart against Jesus. Satan does not want people to be rescued.

            C.        It was not a solid disbelief. Even among the rulers, some believed.

                        1.         But they would not admit to their belief for fear that the Pharisees would bar them from the synagogues.

                        2.         The approval of men was more important to them than the approval of God.

IV.      The relationship of Jesus and the Father

            A.        Belief in Jesus is actually belief in the one who sent him (God).

            B.        Seeing Jesus is the same as seeing God

            C.        If someone listens to Jesus and believes, then Jesus will not judge (condemn) them because this was his purpose, to save the world.

            D.        If someone listens to Jesus, but does not obey, the words of Jesus will judge him

                        1.         Notice that believing is equal to obeying

                        2.         The standard of judgment has been given to men. There will not be a law pulled out at the last minute to startle mankind.

            E.        All that Jesus taught came from the Father. There will not be a different standard between Jesus and the Father.