John 12: 28-50
Key Scripture: John 12:28-50
John 12:24 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 serve me 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.”
God Still Speaks
He guides His people
He gives wisdom
He illuminates the scriptures
He’ll give a word through someone else
He’ll speak directly to us: It’s an important role of the Holy Spirit to speak to believers
John 12:29 When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him.
Every single time the audible voice of God is heard in the New Testament - it’s God the Father affirming the words and actions of Jesus
God’s Seal of Approval - Signs, Teaching, Promises - God Affirms it All
John 12:30 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.
John 12:34 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?”
John 12:35 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.
The crucial choice laid before every person is whether to come into the light and believe in Jesus or remain in the darkness of unbelief.
John 12:37 But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him. 38 This is exactly what Isaiah the prophet had predicted:
“Lord, who has believed our message?
To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?”
39 But the people couldn’t believe, for as Isaiah also said,
40 “The Lord has blinded their eyes
and hardened their hearts—
so that their eyes cannot see,
and their hearts cannot understand,
and they cannot turn to me
and have me heal them.”
41 Isaiah was referring to Jesus when he said this, because he saw the future and spoke of the Messiah’s glory.
He will draw everyone to Himself
John 12:32b…when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.”
He says this to people who have seen miracles and still don’t want to follow Him…
John 12:42 Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. 43 For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.
John 12:44 Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. 45 For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. 46 I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. 47 I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. 48 But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. 49 I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. 50 And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.”
What does this mean for us?
1. Public Profession of Faith
Matthew 5:16 “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
If you’re representing Kingdom values, Jesus' character will shine and will lead to people praising God.
2. Changed Lives are the Proof
2 Corinthians 3:2 The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. 3 Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts.
A changed life is a miracle.
John 13:“34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
3. Some have still resisted the invitation to follow Jesus.
John 12:37 But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him
John 12:32c… I will [drag] everyone to myself.”
Keep representing Jesus. Demonstrate His character. He is our role model and that should drive our lives.
"Gen Z isn’t leaving faith behind. They’re leading a revolution…They’re not asking, Is Christianity true? They’re asking, Does it work?" - How Gen Z Is Leading a Spiritual Awakening by Emily Brown (Relevant Magazine)
John 12:44 Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me but also God who sent me. 45 For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. 46 I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. 47 I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. 48 But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. 49 I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. 50 And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.”
