WEBVTT 00:00:00.760 --> 00:00:05.940 Please take your Bibles and open them up this morning to John chapter 12. 00:00:06.540 --> 00:00:11.279 We've made it to the end of John chapter 12, not to the end of our sermon series, 00:00:11.380 --> 00:00:13.880 but the end of the first half of John's Gospel. 00:00:14.040 --> 00:00:19.660 So when you found it there in your Bibles, our text this morning is John 12, 36 through 50. 00:00:20.059 --> 00:00:23.960 If you would stand and follow along as I read the Word of God. 00:00:24.039 --> 00:00:26.740 You know, every week I ask you to have your Bibles open. 00:00:26.739 --> 00:00:31.419 And this week especially, I mean, we're going to be jumping around several places. 00:00:31.579 --> 00:00:36.839 So please, John 12, 36 through 50, let's stand in reverence of the Word of God. 00:00:45.719 --> 00:00:51.399 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light. 00:00:52.159 --> 00:00:56.119 When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them. 00:00:56.740 --> 00:01:01.679 Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him. 00:01:02.200 --> 00:01:06.240 So that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled. 00:01:07.040 --> 00:01:09.840 Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us? 00:01:10.299 --> 00:01:12.939 And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 00:01:13.900 --> 00:01:16.520 Therefore, they could not believe. 00:01:16.519 --> 00:01:22.459 For again, Isaiah said, he has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart. 00:01:22.939 --> 00:01:28.439 Lest they see with their eyes and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them. 00:01:29.340 --> 00:01:34.719 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him. 00:01:35.560 --> 00:01:39.299 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him. 00:01:39.299 --> 00:01:44.959 But for fear of the Pharisees, they did not confess it so that they would not be put out of the synagogue. 00:01:45.659 --> 00:01:52.259 For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God. 00:01:53.120 --> 00:01:55.039 And Jesus cried out and said, 00:01:55.759 --> 00:01:59.379 Whoever believes in me believes not in me, but in him who sent me. 00:01:59.819 --> 00:02:02.859 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. 00:02:02.859 --> 00:02:09.300 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. 00:02:10.180 --> 00:02:14.240 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him. 00:02:14.620 --> 00:02:17.740 For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 00:02:18.319 --> 00:02:22.539 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge. 00:02:23.020 --> 00:02:26.460 The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. 00:02:26.939 --> 00:02:29.259 For I have not spoken on my own authority, 00:02:29.259 --> 00:02:33.879 But the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment. 00:02:34.219 --> 00:02:36.379 What to say and what to speak. 00:02:37.039 --> 00:02:40.399 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. 00:02:41.159 --> 00:02:45.519 What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me. 00:02:46.379 --> 00:02:47.519 This is God's word. 00:02:47.639 --> 00:02:50.579 A lamp for our feet and a light for our path. 00:02:50.659 --> 00:02:52.639 If you would be seated, let's pray once more. 00:02:52.639 --> 00:02:52.979 Father, 00:02:52.979 --> 00:02:53.019 Father, 00:02:53.899 --> 00:03:01.379 We ask now as I stand here to preach your word. 00:03:01.500 --> 00:03:04.379 Would you work through me, a weak servant, 00:03:05.099 --> 00:03:08.280 To do infinite good for this people. 00:03:08.459 --> 00:03:09.599 I pray in Jesus' name. 00:03:10.539 --> 00:03:10.780 Amen. 00:03:12.280 --> 00:03:15.199 I wonder if that was a new song for you. 00:03:15.319 --> 00:03:17.199 God moves in a mysterious way. 00:03:17.699 --> 00:03:19.819 I listen for the ways that y'all sing. 00:03:19.819 --> 00:03:21.839 And you actually do pretty good singing new songs. 00:03:21.840 --> 00:03:23.280 And so sometimes it's hard for me to tell. 00:03:23.800 --> 00:03:25.319 I could tell this morning. 00:03:25.400 --> 00:03:26.400 That was a new one for you. 00:03:27.000 --> 00:03:30.020 I love the lyrics that we just sang. 00:03:30.240 --> 00:03:33.180 God moves in a mysterious way. 00:03:33.640 --> 00:03:35.099 His wonders to perform. 00:03:35.259 --> 00:03:39.580 He plants his footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm. 00:03:40.640 --> 00:03:43.539 Blind unbelief is sure to err. 00:03:44.300 --> 00:03:46.120 And scan his work in vain. 00:03:46.120 --> 00:03:49.000 God is his own interpreter. 00:03:49.000 --> 00:03:52.560 And he will make it plain. 00:03:52.560 --> 00:03:57.099 Church, our passage this morning is difficult. 00:03:58.699 --> 00:04:01.539 This is, there's no way around it. 00:04:01.560 --> 00:04:03.860 This is a hard text. 00:04:04.280 --> 00:04:07.039 I'll confess to you this week as I studied and prepared this text. 00:04:07.139 --> 00:04:10.479 We've preached maybe 30 something sermons in John so far. 00:04:11.080 --> 00:04:14.340 This was the hardest text that I had to study. 00:04:14.560 --> 00:04:17.399 Up to this point in the gospel of John. 00:04:17.399 --> 00:04:21.439 We may not love everything that this passage says. 00:04:21.539 --> 00:04:25.319 We may not understand everything that this passage has to say. 00:04:25.399 --> 00:04:30.099 But we trust in God's way and God's time that God is his own interpreter. 00:04:30.819 --> 00:04:32.819 And he will make it plain. 00:04:33.959 --> 00:04:37.699 We've come to the end of the first half of John's gospel. 00:04:37.699 --> 00:04:43.959 And here as John ends the first half, chapters 1 through 12, brings that first half to a close, 00:04:44.300 --> 00:04:50.199 he zooms out of the narrative and he starts to provide a bit of commentary for us. 00:04:50.639 --> 00:04:56.139 John's aim throughout the book, you remember, he's writing these things that we might believe 00:04:56.139 --> 00:04:58.219 that Jesus is the Christ. 00:04:58.659 --> 00:05:02.480 And by believing that we might have life in his name. 00:05:02.519 --> 00:05:03.699 That's the point of the book. 00:05:03.699 --> 00:05:06.599 All are invited to believe. 00:05:07.120 --> 00:05:11.039 And yet John has shown us not all believe. 00:05:11.839 --> 00:05:14.839 He told us all the way back in chapter 1, verses 11 and 12. 00:05:15.000 --> 00:05:22.279 He, Jesus, came to his own people, the Jews, and his own people did not receive him. 00:05:22.339 --> 00:05:23.699 This is shocking. 00:05:23.939 --> 00:05:25.680 This unbelief, this rejection. 00:05:25.899 --> 00:05:27.719 It demands an explanation. 00:05:27.720 --> 00:05:37.900 But, verse 12, the glorious invitation of the gospel to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, 00:05:38.620 --> 00:05:42.980 he gave the right to become children of God. 00:05:43.740 --> 00:05:49.140 All are invited to believe, yet not all believe. 00:05:50.040 --> 00:05:56.820 So this morning, as we look at this passage together, I want to ask two questions about belief in Jesus. 00:05:56.819 --> 00:05:58.439 This will be our outline this morning. 00:05:58.599 --> 00:06:02.319 Two questions about belief in Jesus. 00:06:02.699 --> 00:06:05.019 Question number one, why don't they believe? 00:06:05.899 --> 00:06:08.959 Question number two, will you? 00:06:10.300 --> 00:06:13.019 Question number one, why don't they believe? 00:06:13.219 --> 00:06:16.180 Question number two, will you? 00:06:17.459 --> 00:06:21.759 First, why don't they believe? 00:06:21.759 --> 00:06:23.759 How do we explain unbelief? 00:06:24.539 --> 00:06:31.860 Verses 36 through 43 are a condemnation of the unbelief of the Jewish people. 00:06:32.579 --> 00:06:35.899 We saw last week, Jesus, he called them, he invited them, 00:06:36.199 --> 00:06:43.659 while you have the light, believe in the light, that you, even you, may become sons of light. 00:06:44.420 --> 00:06:49.399 Yet we know that by and large, the Jewish people rejected Jesus. 00:06:49.399 --> 00:06:54.959 And so John says that when Jesus had said these things, he departed. 00:06:55.179 --> 00:06:57.259 He hid himself from them. 00:06:57.399 --> 00:07:03.079 This withdrawal from them is in itself judgment on their unbelief. 00:07:03.979 --> 00:07:10.259 One of the major obstacles for the Jews in John's day, as well as in our day, to belief in Jesus, 00:07:10.560 --> 00:07:14.819 is the question, well, why should we believe that Jesus is the Messiah 00:07:14.819 --> 00:07:23.500 if all of the Jews, most of the Jews who saw him, who heard him, who were closest and nearest to Jesus, rejected him? 00:07:24.199 --> 00:07:27.680 If they rejected him, why should we believe him? 00:07:27.759 --> 00:07:29.259 Why did they not believe? 00:07:29.339 --> 00:07:30.120 It's a good question. 00:07:31.079 --> 00:07:34.680 And John answers that question in two ways. 00:07:34.759 --> 00:07:36.019 And we're going to see them both here. 00:07:36.019 --> 00:07:48.459 The one reason they don't believe is because in their sin, they have chosen willfully to reject the Messiah. 00:07:49.879 --> 00:07:52.579 There is no excuse for this. 00:07:53.240 --> 00:07:55.599 They are guilty for this decision. 00:07:56.479 --> 00:08:03.779 The light of the world walked among them, but instead they rejected the light of the world and chose to live in darkness. 00:08:03.779 --> 00:08:08.039 They have loved the darkness rather than the light because their works are evil. 00:08:08.139 --> 00:08:11.279 That's what John told us, Jesus told us in John chapter 3. 00:08:11.379 --> 00:08:12.579 That's reason number one. 00:08:12.679 --> 00:08:17.159 They are willfully in their sin choosing to reject the light. 00:08:17.419 --> 00:08:20.159 But he gives us a second reason here. 00:08:20.799 --> 00:08:23.079 Reason number two, why they don't believe. 00:08:23.819 --> 00:08:28.659 He says they don't believe because God has hardened their hearts. 00:08:28.660 --> 00:08:34.139 So they could not believe, verse 39 tells us. 00:08:35.420 --> 00:08:39.700 Now the first reason John gives, that's easier for us to understand, isn't it? 00:08:39.700 --> 00:08:41.759 We grasp that a little bit better. 00:08:41.860 --> 00:08:44.139 We have an easier time understanding reason number one. 00:08:44.540 --> 00:08:50.120 But in explaining the unthinkable rejection of Jesus by his own people, 00:08:50.540 --> 00:08:53.899 John gives us both explanations here. 00:08:53.899 --> 00:08:59.379 They have willfully rejected the Messiah in their own sin. 00:08:59.659 --> 00:09:09.600 And in God's infinite wisdom, this willful rejection was all part of his good, sovereign plan. 00:09:10.720 --> 00:09:13.579 Now again, we've seen this throughout the Gospel of John. 00:09:13.720 --> 00:09:15.360 This isn't new information for us. 00:09:15.360 --> 00:09:20.659 But again, in this passage, we're coming right up against the tension, the biblical tension, 00:09:21.120 --> 00:09:23.919 between God's sovereignty and man's responsibility. 00:09:24.779 --> 00:09:27.139 And you remember, we believe both. 00:09:27.820 --> 00:09:30.080 The Bible teaches both. 00:09:30.659 --> 00:09:35.700 Our responsibility as Christians is to submit ourselves to the truth of this Word, 00:09:35.759 --> 00:09:38.600 not to reduce it to our level of understanding. 00:09:39.120 --> 00:09:42.680 Some things in this Bible, some things in the Word of God, 00:09:42.679 --> 00:09:45.500 what he reveals to us, remain a mystery. 00:09:45.919 --> 00:09:53.079 Which means they're bigger and broader and more mysterious than our limited understanding can grasp. 00:09:53.279 --> 00:09:56.039 Nevertheless, he teaches both. 00:09:56.699 --> 00:09:59.500 And so we believe both. 00:09:59.599 --> 00:10:01.139 Let's look at both of these reasons here. 00:10:01.299 --> 00:10:06.740 Reason number one why the Jews didn't believe is because they willfully rejected the light. 00:10:06.740 --> 00:10:13.600 And whatever the reason for their unbelief, the answer cannot be that they didn't have enough evidence. 00:10:14.960 --> 00:10:18.259 John tells us in verse 37, he says, 00:10:18.639 --> 00:10:26.799 Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him. 00:10:27.720 --> 00:10:31.120 Just recap what we've seen in the first 12 chapters of John's Gospel. 00:10:31.120 --> 00:10:33.060 This should stun us. 00:10:33.200 --> 00:10:34.899 Seven signs of his divinity. 00:10:35.440 --> 00:10:39.019 Seven signs played out right there in the public eye before them. 00:10:39.060 --> 00:10:39.860 Do you remember what they were? 00:10:40.399 --> 00:10:41.960 He turned water into wine. 00:10:42.799 --> 00:10:43.779 Cleansed the temple. 00:10:44.659 --> 00:10:46.019 Healed the nobleman's son. 00:10:46.700 --> 00:10:47.919 Healed the lame man. 00:10:48.080 --> 00:10:49.279 Fed the 5,000. 00:10:49.419 --> 00:10:51.060 Gave sight to the blind man. 00:10:51.419 --> 00:10:53.919 Raised Lazarus up from the dead. 00:10:53.919 --> 00:10:57.799 And all while declaring, speaking, saying openly, clearly, 00:10:58.019 --> 00:10:59.699 I am the bread of life. 00:10:59.799 --> 00:11:01.500 I am the light of the world. 00:11:01.620 --> 00:11:03.360 I am the gate for the sheep. 00:11:03.479 --> 00:11:05.259 I am the good shepherd. 00:11:05.459 --> 00:11:08.059 I am the resurrection and the life. 00:11:08.419 --> 00:11:10.539 The evidence is overwhelming. 00:11:11.259 --> 00:11:15.839 Yet, they choose willingly to reject him. 00:11:17.259 --> 00:11:20.179 This rejection, of course, is no surprise to God. 00:11:20.599 --> 00:11:22.719 And it shouldn't be a surprise to us either. 00:11:22.720 --> 00:11:25.019 If we're familiar with our Old Testament, 00:11:25.240 --> 00:11:30.879 the rejection of the Jewish people to the Word and the power of God is nothing new. 00:11:32.060 --> 00:11:33.399 John says in verse 38, 00:11:33.540 --> 00:11:37.800 this rejection was, in fact, a fulfillment of prophecy. 00:11:38.920 --> 00:11:44.500 So he helps us to understand this unbelief by quoting from two passages in Isaiah. 00:11:44.639 --> 00:11:47.680 This is why I need your Bibles open, because we're going to be flipping there. 00:11:47.679 --> 00:11:53.139 Keep your place in John chapter 12, but flip over to Isaiah chapter 53. 00:11:54.039 --> 00:11:56.000 And this is the first quotation he gives us. 00:11:56.059 --> 00:11:57.279 You know this passage well. 00:11:57.359 --> 00:11:59.559 It's the passage of the suffering servant. 00:12:00.439 --> 00:12:02.279 Isaiah chapter 53, verse 1. 00:12:02.359 --> 00:12:04.519 That's the first verse quoted there in John. 00:12:04.620 --> 00:12:06.259 Again, I'm rambling, so you can get there. 00:12:06.339 --> 00:12:08.079 I want your eyes on the page. 00:12:09.459 --> 00:12:09.899 He says, 00:12:09.899 --> 00:12:22.899 Isaiah was lamenting the fact that his message, 00:12:23.000 --> 00:12:27.139 the message given him by God to be declared to the Jewish people, 00:12:27.679 --> 00:12:31.559 was in Isaiah's day, by and large, rejected. 00:12:32.899 --> 00:12:38.039 John quotes that passage, copies and pastes it into Jesus' day, 00:12:38.039 --> 00:12:39.120 and says, 00:12:39.500 --> 00:12:40.319 Nothing has changed. 00:12:41.519 --> 00:12:43.939 The words of Christ are clear. 00:12:44.099 --> 00:12:46.719 Whom has believed what he has heard? 00:12:47.319 --> 00:12:51.259 And the signs, the arm of the Lord has been clear. 00:12:51.360 --> 00:12:54.019 To whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 00:12:54.159 --> 00:12:57.500 And yet, you have rejected it. 00:12:57.639 --> 00:13:01.179 700 years of history of the Jewish people, 00:13:01.299 --> 00:13:03.539 and nothing has changed. 00:13:04.500 --> 00:13:04.959 John says, 00:13:04.960 --> 00:13:09.780 The Jewish people have been rejecting God's word and God's power for centuries. 00:13:10.860 --> 00:13:16.700 This rejection of Jesus in John's day was preceded and prefigured 00:13:16.700 --> 00:13:19.860 by another rejection in Isaiah's day. 00:13:19.960 --> 00:13:21.720 This is nothing new. 00:13:22.620 --> 00:13:24.500 Not only this, he goes a little further. 00:13:24.660 --> 00:13:25.160 John says, 00:13:25.460 --> 00:13:27.980 This specific rejection of the Messiah, 00:13:28.480 --> 00:13:29.960 it's not only preceded, 00:13:30.440 --> 00:13:32.940 it's prophesied by Isaiah 53. 00:13:32.940 --> 00:13:38.040 This specific rejection of this specific individual, 00:13:38.220 --> 00:13:39.000 Jesus Christ, 00:13:39.240 --> 00:13:42.740 was prophesied 700 years before it happened. 00:13:43.700 --> 00:13:46.280 Look there, Isaiah 53, verse 2. 00:13:47.620 --> 00:13:48.100 He says, 00:13:48.180 --> 00:13:50.480 For he grew up before him like a young plant, 00:13:51.220 --> 00:13:53.120 and like a root out of dry ground. 00:13:53.820 --> 00:13:57.900 He had no form or majesty that we should look at him, 00:13:57.960 --> 00:14:00.460 and no beauty that we should desire him. 00:14:00.460 --> 00:14:04.139 He was despised and rejected by men, 00:14:04.840 --> 00:14:07.460 a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. 00:14:08.360 --> 00:14:10.600 And as one from whom men hide their faces, 00:14:10.800 --> 00:14:12.480 he was despised, 00:14:13.080 --> 00:14:15.500 and we esteemed him not. 00:14:16.860 --> 00:14:22.040 Now, we don't know exactly what Jesus looked like physically. 00:14:22.680 --> 00:14:23.860 We don't know. 00:14:23.860 --> 00:14:26.899 But Isaiah draws our attention to something significant here 00:14:26.899 --> 00:14:27.899 that we should understand, 00:14:28.080 --> 00:14:30.480 is that Jesus was not attractive. 00:14:32.279 --> 00:14:34.240 You know, all of the images, 00:14:34.720 --> 00:14:35.639 you know what I'm talking about. 00:14:35.779 --> 00:14:37.200 The television shows, 00:14:37.300 --> 00:14:40.460 any movie representation of Jesus, 00:14:41.200 --> 00:14:42.159 they all normally, 00:14:42.399 --> 00:14:43.840 there is an attractive man, 00:14:43.940 --> 00:14:45.639 nice, clean, fair skin, 00:14:45.800 --> 00:14:47.060 nice, straight, white teeth, 00:14:47.120 --> 00:14:47.960 a beautiful smile, 00:14:48.100 --> 00:14:49.700 long, luscious locks of hair, 00:14:49.879 --> 00:14:50.920 perfectly kept beard, 00:14:51.060 --> 00:14:51.980 muscles for days, 00:14:51.980 --> 00:14:54.379 blue eyes, 00:14:54.580 --> 00:14:56.080 soft, beautiful eyes. 00:14:57.800 --> 00:15:00.420 We don't know exactly what Jesus looked like, 00:15:00.519 --> 00:15:01.960 but Isaiah tells us, 00:15:02.019 --> 00:15:02.639 clues us in, 00:15:02.759 --> 00:15:05.379 that to the physical eye only, 00:15:05.560 --> 00:15:06.580 he was nothing special. 00:15:07.580 --> 00:15:10.820 He was not anything special to look at. 00:15:10.899 --> 00:15:13.180 No form or majesty that we should look at him, 00:15:13.240 --> 00:15:15.680 no beauty that we should desire him. 00:15:15.740 --> 00:15:18.440 There was nothing impressive about Jesus 00:15:18.440 --> 00:15:21.360 to the natural, physical eye. 00:15:21.360 --> 00:15:22.639 Why does this matter? 00:15:23.300 --> 00:15:27.620 Because when Jesus arrives on the scene 700 years later, 00:15:27.800 --> 00:15:28.580 what happens? 00:15:29.320 --> 00:15:31.840 The Jews look at him with natural, 00:15:32.139 --> 00:15:33.080 physical eyes, 00:15:33.159 --> 00:15:35.360 and they are utterly unimpressed. 00:15:36.440 --> 00:15:37.460 What are they looking for? 00:15:38.279 --> 00:15:41.960 They're looking for a Messiah with a capital M. 00:15:42.620 --> 00:15:45.500 Someone tall and strong and capable, 00:15:45.720 --> 00:15:46.759 a political leader, 00:15:46.860 --> 00:15:47.860 a military leader, 00:15:47.860 --> 00:15:49.259 someone with charisma, 00:15:49.259 --> 00:15:52.019 who can gather the people and overthrow the Romans. 00:15:52.180 --> 00:15:55.180 They're looking with physical eyes only, 00:15:55.379 --> 00:15:57.620 and they're unimpressed by what they see. 00:15:58.480 --> 00:16:00.519 Well, Jesus comes in on a donkey, 00:16:01.220 --> 00:16:01.659 humble, 00:16:02.700 --> 00:16:03.419 and lowly. 00:16:04.860 --> 00:16:07.720 They see him with physical eyes only, 00:16:07.720 --> 00:16:10.060 and so they reject him. 00:16:11.440 --> 00:16:14.180 But John explains to us in verse 42 00:16:14.180 --> 00:16:15.519 that the issue, 00:16:15.639 --> 00:16:17.340 it even goes deeper than that. 00:16:17.420 --> 00:16:20.100 It goes deeper than simple physical sight. 00:16:20.279 --> 00:16:23.580 Their rejection of the Messiah ultimately 00:16:23.580 --> 00:16:28.420 is because they love the glory of man 00:16:28.420 --> 00:16:31.660 more than the glory of God. 00:16:32.759 --> 00:16:33.860 Look there to verse 42. 00:16:34.080 --> 00:16:35.240 John chapter 12. 00:16:35.340 --> 00:16:36.519 Flip back there for me. 00:16:36.519 --> 00:16:37.799 John says, 00:16:38.059 --> 00:16:39.779 some of the authorities believed in him, 00:16:39.860 --> 00:16:41.240 but we should be skeptical 00:16:41.240 --> 00:16:43.439 of the genuineness of this belief 00:16:43.439 --> 00:16:44.579 because he goes on to say 00:16:44.579 --> 00:16:46.199 that they wouldn't confess it 00:16:46.199 --> 00:16:48.559 because they feared the Pharisees. 00:16:48.659 --> 00:16:48.879 Why? 00:16:49.019 --> 00:16:49.620 Verse 43. 00:16:50.379 --> 00:16:53.699 Because they love the glory that comes from man 00:16:53.699 --> 00:16:56.899 more than the glory that comes from God. 00:16:58.120 --> 00:17:01.559 This is a scathing indictment, 00:17:02.199 --> 00:17:06.039 and it's true of every non-believer on the planet. 00:17:06.039 --> 00:17:09.099 This is the root of all unbelief. 00:17:09.379 --> 00:17:10.759 It's love. 00:17:11.879 --> 00:17:15.639 The unbelief is not primarily an intellectual issue. 00:17:15.759 --> 00:17:16.440 Not mainly. 00:17:17.259 --> 00:17:18.899 It's a heart issue. 00:17:20.399 --> 00:17:23.019 You can put all the evidence you want 00:17:23.019 --> 00:17:24.200 in front of an unbeliever. 00:17:24.319 --> 00:17:25.339 Seven signs. 00:17:25.980 --> 00:17:27.420 Resurrection from the dead. 00:17:27.819 --> 00:17:30.440 The heavens declare the glory of God. 00:17:30.440 --> 00:17:33.360 Yet if their eyes are spiritually blind 00:17:33.360 --> 00:17:36.100 and their heart is spiritually dead, 00:17:36.279 --> 00:17:38.880 they will not love the glory of God. 00:17:39.420 --> 00:17:41.840 They will prefer the darkness 00:17:41.840 --> 00:17:45.080 and love the glory of man. 00:17:45.140 --> 00:17:46.779 They do as Romans 1 describes. 00:17:47.039 --> 00:17:49.279 They exchange the truth about God 00:17:49.279 --> 00:17:51.620 for a lie and worship and serve 00:17:51.620 --> 00:17:55.100 created things rather than the Creator. 00:17:55.099 --> 00:17:56.559 From the heart, 00:17:56.719 --> 00:18:00.019 they worship and serve whatever it is 00:18:00.019 --> 00:18:02.699 that they perceive to be beautiful. 00:18:04.019 --> 00:18:05.139 All of us do. 00:18:06.619 --> 00:18:08.099 All of us do. 00:18:09.319 --> 00:18:11.459 You know, we often wonder 00:18:11.459 --> 00:18:13.679 about our unbelieving friends and family. 00:18:13.819 --> 00:18:14.419 We just wish. 00:18:14.740 --> 00:18:16.039 We don't understand. 00:18:16.279 --> 00:18:18.000 We think they've heard the Word. 00:18:18.079 --> 00:18:19.799 They've seen the power of God at work. 00:18:19.899 --> 00:18:20.879 Why won't they believe? 00:18:22.079 --> 00:18:23.460 I think this tells us that 00:18:23.460 --> 00:18:25.779 what they need is not necessarily 00:18:25.779 --> 00:18:27.159 more evidence. 00:18:28.279 --> 00:18:30.099 The only hope for a non-believer 00:18:30.099 --> 00:18:32.399 is that God by His grace 00:18:32.399 --> 00:18:34.319 would give them a new heart 00:18:34.319 --> 00:18:37.440 that loves His glory more than their sin. 00:18:39.159 --> 00:18:40.379 Answer number one. 00:18:40.899 --> 00:18:42.500 Why don't they believe? 00:18:42.599 --> 00:18:44.980 John says in the blindness of their sin 00:18:44.980 --> 00:18:47.599 they don't see the beauty of Christ 00:18:47.599 --> 00:18:50.019 and they love the darkness 00:18:50.019 --> 00:18:52.000 rather than the light. 00:18:52.079 --> 00:18:53.000 So they don't believe. 00:18:54.919 --> 00:18:57.359 But John doesn't leave it there, does he? 00:18:58.859 --> 00:18:59.819 He goes on. 00:19:00.199 --> 00:19:01.639 He gives us a second reason 00:19:01.639 --> 00:19:02.679 for their unbelief. 00:19:02.779 --> 00:19:03.279 He says, 00:19:03.740 --> 00:19:06.219 God has blinded their eyes 00:19:06.219 --> 00:19:08.740 and hardened their hearts. 00:19:08.839 --> 00:19:10.399 John 12 verse 39. 00:19:11.519 --> 00:19:11.799 He says, 00:19:11.799 --> 00:19:14.119 Therefore they could not believe. 00:19:14.240 --> 00:19:15.699 Could not believe. 00:19:15.700 --> 00:19:17.620 For again, Isaiah said, 00:19:17.740 --> 00:19:20.059 He has blinded their eyes 00:19:20.059 --> 00:19:21.920 and hardened their heart 00:19:21.920 --> 00:19:24.140 lest they see with their eyes 00:19:24.140 --> 00:19:25.480 and understand with their heart 00:19:25.480 --> 00:19:26.080 and turn 00:19:26.080 --> 00:19:28.120 and I would heal them. 00:19:29.140 --> 00:19:31.000 The unbelief of these Jews, 00:19:31.180 --> 00:19:33.880 it was not just prophesied by Isaiah. 00:19:34.059 --> 00:19:36.319 John says it was purposed 00:19:36.319 --> 00:19:39.980 in the wise plan of God. 00:19:39.980 --> 00:19:42.819 Here in verse 40, 00:19:42.920 --> 00:19:45.960 John gives us a second quotation from Isaiah. 00:19:46.079 --> 00:19:47.940 This time from Isaiah chapter 6. 00:19:48.099 --> 00:19:49.819 If you flip back there with me 00:19:49.819 --> 00:19:51.019 to Isaiah chapter 6, 00:19:51.180 --> 00:19:53.079 you ought to know this passage as well. 00:19:53.180 --> 00:19:56.539 This is Isaiah's vision of the glory of God. 00:19:56.599 --> 00:19:57.339 Do you remember what happened? 00:19:58.720 --> 00:20:01.079 He sees the glory of the Lord 00:20:01.079 --> 00:20:01.779 and what does he do? 00:20:02.519 --> 00:20:05.660 He falls down on his knees 00:20:05.660 --> 00:20:06.380 and he says, 00:20:06.580 --> 00:20:07.620 Woe is me. 00:20:08.400 --> 00:20:09.820 I am unclean. 00:20:09.920 --> 00:20:11.120 I am sinful. 00:20:11.300 --> 00:20:13.120 We are a people of unclean lips. 00:20:13.300 --> 00:20:14.900 We need atonement. 00:20:15.019 --> 00:20:15.980 We need forgiveness. 00:20:17.200 --> 00:20:19.240 And this vision of the glory of the Lord, 00:20:19.300 --> 00:20:20.580 it changes his life. 00:20:20.660 --> 00:20:21.279 He volunteers. 00:20:21.660 --> 00:20:21.920 He says, 00:20:22.120 --> 00:20:22.960 Here am I, Lord. 00:20:23.160 --> 00:20:24.540 Send me out. 00:20:25.220 --> 00:20:26.420 I want to go tell everyone. 00:20:26.519 --> 00:20:27.400 Let me be your messenger. 00:20:27.580 --> 00:20:28.600 Send me out to your people. 00:20:28.600 --> 00:20:30.400 I want to tell them about your glory. 00:20:31.040 --> 00:20:32.660 And so he's sent. 00:20:33.580 --> 00:20:36.120 But the Lord tells him in Isaiah chapter 6, 00:20:36.200 --> 00:20:36.540 he says, 00:20:36.900 --> 00:20:38.440 Go and say to this people, 00:20:38.500 --> 00:20:39.120 what does he say? 00:20:40.120 --> 00:20:41.100 Keep on hearing, 00:20:41.900 --> 00:20:43.300 but do not understand. 00:20:44.360 --> 00:20:45.540 Keep on seeing, 00:20:45.840 --> 00:20:47.640 but do not perceive. 00:20:48.820 --> 00:20:50.700 Make the heart of this people dull 00:20:50.700 --> 00:20:52.660 and their eyes heavy 00:20:52.660 --> 00:20:54.220 and blind their eyes, 00:20:54.779 --> 00:20:56.519 lest they see with their eyes 00:20:56.519 --> 00:20:57.740 and hear with their ears 00:20:57.740 --> 00:20:59.240 and understand with their hearts 00:20:59.240 --> 00:21:01.580 and turn and be healed. 00:21:02.660 --> 00:21:06.500 Isaiah is sent to proclaim a message 00:21:06.500 --> 00:21:10.640 of sin and judgment for sin 00:21:10.640 --> 00:21:11.779 and glory. 00:21:12.380 --> 00:21:12.920 And God says, 00:21:13.160 --> 00:21:15.120 Be prepared because this message, 00:21:15.200 --> 00:21:16.019 as you preach it, 00:21:16.080 --> 00:21:17.740 will not be received. 00:21:17.960 --> 00:21:18.360 In fact, 00:21:18.700 --> 00:21:20.000 the message itself 00:21:20.000 --> 00:21:24.580 will harden and blind those who hear it. 00:21:25.040 --> 00:21:25.900 What was the message? 00:21:27.240 --> 00:21:28.980 Flip back to John chapter 12 00:21:28.980 --> 00:21:31.180 and make the connection with me. 00:21:31.180 --> 00:21:33.799 What was the message that Isaiah preached? 00:21:33.920 --> 00:21:35.340 Look at John 12 verse 41. 00:21:35.560 --> 00:21:36.080 What does it say? 00:21:36.860 --> 00:21:39.120 Isaiah said these things 00:21:39.120 --> 00:21:42.019 because he saw his glory 00:21:42.019 --> 00:21:44.100 and spoke of him. 00:21:44.220 --> 00:21:44.900 Whose glory? 00:21:46.259 --> 00:21:49.120 Whose glory is John pointing us to 00:21:49.120 --> 00:21:49.960 here in this passage? 00:21:50.140 --> 00:21:51.259 John, I believe, 00:21:51.580 --> 00:21:52.560 is telling us that 00:21:52.560 --> 00:21:54.600 Isaiah saw the glory 00:21:54.600 --> 00:21:56.400 of the Son of God. 00:21:56.400 --> 00:22:00.100 It was Jesus' glory 00:22:00.100 --> 00:22:01.620 that Isaiah beheld. 00:22:02.360 --> 00:22:03.960 Isaiah beheld the glory 00:22:03.960 --> 00:22:04.800 of the Son of God. 00:22:04.880 --> 00:22:06.340 He preached of the glory 00:22:06.340 --> 00:22:07.259 of the Son of God. 00:22:07.380 --> 00:22:08.940 He preached a message 00:22:08.940 --> 00:22:11.040 of the glory of the Messiah. 00:22:11.180 --> 00:22:12.100 That's who he saw. 00:22:12.460 --> 00:22:13.460 That's who he proclaimed. 00:22:14.320 --> 00:22:15.700 He proclaimed a glory 00:22:15.700 --> 00:22:17.440 of a man of sorrows 00:22:17.440 --> 00:22:19.240 acquainted with grief. 00:22:20.060 --> 00:22:21.560 Not the Messiah they wanted. 00:22:22.519 --> 00:22:24.440 Not the Messiah they thought was coming. 00:22:24.440 --> 00:22:27.460 Not the strong-armed military leader 00:22:27.460 --> 00:22:28.380 conquering king. 00:22:28.500 --> 00:22:30.480 A message of a Messiah 00:22:30.480 --> 00:22:32.220 who will come and suffer 00:22:32.220 --> 00:22:34.480 for the sins of his people 00:22:34.480 --> 00:22:37.140 because their sin has earned judgment. 00:22:39.519 --> 00:22:41.980 God knowingly, 00:22:42.980 --> 00:22:44.860 purposefully sent 00:22:44.860 --> 00:22:47.019 an unimpressive, 00:22:48.019 --> 00:22:49.500 undesirable, 00:22:49.500 --> 00:22:53.660 even an offensive Messiah. 00:22:54.980 --> 00:22:55.880 The one who didn't play 00:22:55.880 --> 00:22:56.920 by the Jewish customs, 00:22:57.039 --> 00:22:58.380 didn't come from the Jewish schools, 00:22:58.460 --> 00:22:59.880 didn't look like what they thought 00:22:59.880 --> 00:23:01.740 the Messiah would look like. 00:23:01.819 --> 00:23:04.299 He did so purposefully, 00:23:04.940 --> 00:23:05.680 sovereignly, 00:23:05.740 --> 00:23:07.140 knowing that apart 00:23:07.140 --> 00:23:09.680 from a gracious change of heart, 00:23:09.839 --> 00:23:12.819 this Christ would be rejected. 00:23:13.539 --> 00:23:14.839 Therefore, John says, 00:23:14.920 --> 00:23:17.000 they could not believe. 00:23:17.000 --> 00:23:20.099 But this rejection 00:23:20.099 --> 00:23:22.359 was purposeful 00:23:22.359 --> 00:23:24.539 in the mind of God. 00:23:25.740 --> 00:23:27.019 But we need to ask, 00:23:27.160 --> 00:23:29.400 why would God do this? 00:23:30.759 --> 00:23:31.880 Why would God 00:23:31.880 --> 00:23:34.119 work out His plan of redemption 00:23:34.119 --> 00:23:36.019 in this way? 00:23:36.119 --> 00:23:36.960 And here again, 00:23:37.039 --> 00:23:38.599 to be perfectly honest with you, 00:23:38.859 --> 00:23:41.819 I don't completely know the answer. 00:23:43.059 --> 00:23:45.240 This is a mystery. 00:23:45.240 --> 00:23:47.660 Paul calls the gospel a mystery. 00:23:47.859 --> 00:23:49.599 Who can know the mind of God? 00:23:49.700 --> 00:23:52.120 God moves in mysterious ways. 00:23:52.220 --> 00:23:54.380 But I do have a few thoughts. 00:23:55.599 --> 00:23:56.799 As I was studying this passage, 00:23:56.920 --> 00:23:58.380 I flipped through a few commentaries, 00:23:58.859 --> 00:24:01.200 especially in difficult passages like this. 00:24:01.259 --> 00:24:02.519 I love to read people 00:24:02.519 --> 00:24:03.720 who are smarter than me, 00:24:04.079 --> 00:24:05.620 which gives me a lot of material 00:24:05.620 --> 00:24:06.420 to sift through. 00:24:06.920 --> 00:24:08.620 And I found one this week 00:24:08.620 --> 00:24:09.900 from D.A. Carson, 00:24:10.000 --> 00:24:10.740 who I love. 00:24:11.099 --> 00:24:12.299 I love D.A. Carson. 00:24:12.420 --> 00:24:13.339 He listed out four considerations. 00:24:13.339 --> 00:24:14.059 Four considerations. 00:24:14.240 --> 00:24:15.019 If it's okay with you, 00:24:15.059 --> 00:24:16.459 I'm going to summarize his points 00:24:16.459 --> 00:24:17.259 because he writes 00:24:17.259 --> 00:24:18.519 like he's smarter than me. 00:24:19.119 --> 00:24:20.359 So four considerations. 00:24:20.779 --> 00:24:21.839 Consideration number one. 00:24:22.839 --> 00:24:23.599 God's sovereignty 00:24:23.599 --> 00:24:24.919 is never contrary 00:24:24.919 --> 00:24:25.959 to human responsibility. 00:24:27.699 --> 00:24:28.480 God's sovereignty 00:24:28.480 --> 00:24:29.980 is never contrary 00:24:29.980 --> 00:24:32.220 to human responsibility. 00:24:32.480 --> 00:24:33.519 I hope we've seen this. 00:24:34.220 --> 00:24:35.099 And yes, again, 00:24:35.199 --> 00:24:37.000 this is beyond our comprehension. 00:24:37.220 --> 00:24:38.919 Our minds can't reconcile 00:24:38.919 --> 00:24:40.019 this completely, 00:24:40.019 --> 00:24:42.460 but the Bible holds both together 00:24:42.460 --> 00:24:44.319 and so should we. 00:24:45.240 --> 00:24:47.539 No one is sent to hell 00:24:47.539 --> 00:24:48.839 in innocence 00:24:48.839 --> 00:24:51.200 or against their will. 00:24:52.859 --> 00:24:55.059 We, in our natural state, 00:24:55.119 --> 00:24:56.859 apart from the grace of God, 00:24:56.940 --> 00:24:58.400 our default mode 00:24:58.400 --> 00:25:00.599 is to love the darkness 00:25:00.599 --> 00:25:02.839 and hate the glory of God. 00:25:03.359 --> 00:25:05.599 All of us are guilty. 00:25:05.599 --> 00:25:08.179 Consideration number two. 00:25:08.359 --> 00:25:10.339 God's hardening of sinners 00:25:10.339 --> 00:25:11.379 is giving them 00:25:11.379 --> 00:25:13.719 exactly what they want. 00:25:14.719 --> 00:25:17.119 God's hardening of sinners 00:25:17.119 --> 00:25:18.759 is giving them 00:25:18.759 --> 00:25:21.959 exactly what they want. 00:25:22.619 --> 00:25:24.299 A willful rejection of God, 00:25:24.379 --> 00:25:26.559 it brings about His judgment 00:25:26.559 --> 00:25:29.219 and is, at the same time, 00:25:29.599 --> 00:25:31.539 it is His judgment. 00:25:31.539 --> 00:25:34.740 Unbelief not only earns 00:25:34.740 --> 00:25:35.659 the judgment of God, 00:25:35.740 --> 00:25:37.279 but persistent unbelief 00:25:37.279 --> 00:25:40.399 is the judgment of God. 00:25:40.539 --> 00:25:42.500 Often, the way that God judges 00:25:42.500 --> 00:25:44.240 a sinner's love of darkness 00:25:44.240 --> 00:25:44.960 is by saying, 00:25:45.519 --> 00:25:46.879 you can have exactly what you want. 00:25:48.779 --> 00:25:51.039 Jesus, the light of the world, 00:25:51.519 --> 00:25:52.279 hides Himself. 00:25:53.819 --> 00:25:54.960 Consideration number three. 00:25:55.099 --> 00:25:57.480 God's sovereignty and salvation 00:25:57.480 --> 00:25:59.700 is the only hope we have. 00:25:59.700 --> 00:26:03.240 God's sovereignty over salvation 00:26:03.240 --> 00:26:06.400 is the only hope we have. 00:26:06.480 --> 00:26:08.660 If God is not in complete control, 00:26:08.819 --> 00:26:09.920 why do we pray 00:26:09.920 --> 00:26:11.640 and ask Him to save the lost? 00:26:13.000 --> 00:26:14.700 God's sovereignty and salvation 00:26:14.700 --> 00:26:17.400 combined with His heart of mercy, 00:26:18.140 --> 00:26:20.299 combined with His inclination 00:26:20.299 --> 00:26:21.400 towards grace, 00:26:21.539 --> 00:26:23.140 combined with His desire 00:26:23.140 --> 00:26:24.200 to save sinners 00:26:24.200 --> 00:26:26.940 seen supremely at the cross of Christ, 00:26:26.940 --> 00:26:29.340 His reason for hope 00:26:29.340 --> 00:26:30.600 and confidence 00:26:30.600 --> 00:26:31.920 and prayer 00:26:31.920 --> 00:26:34.320 and faithfulness in evangelism. 00:26:35.000 --> 00:26:36.299 It's the only hope that we have 00:26:36.299 --> 00:26:38.660 that any sinner might be saved. 00:26:40.180 --> 00:26:41.620 Consideration number four. 00:26:42.980 --> 00:26:45.640 God has a plan for good. 00:26:47.080 --> 00:26:49.440 The mystery of the gospel, 00:26:50.440 --> 00:26:53.820 the plan from before the ages began, 00:26:53.819 --> 00:26:56.000 was for the Son of God 00:26:56.000 --> 00:26:58.720 to enter into His own creation, 00:26:58.899 --> 00:27:00.200 to live perfectly 00:27:00.200 --> 00:27:01.619 in the place of sinners, 00:27:01.779 --> 00:27:04.079 to die in the place of sinners 00:27:04.079 --> 00:27:05.799 and to rise from the grave, 00:27:05.919 --> 00:27:09.099 to offer eternal life to the world. 00:27:10.119 --> 00:27:12.980 His rejection at the hands of the Jews 00:27:12.980 --> 00:27:15.919 is in ways beyond our comprehension, 00:27:16.279 --> 00:27:18.740 all part of the plan. 00:27:18.740 --> 00:27:21.140 In God's wisdom, 00:27:21.259 --> 00:27:22.539 as Paul argues in Romans, 00:27:23.400 --> 00:27:24.740 through their trespass, 00:27:24.859 --> 00:27:27.740 salvation has come to the Gentiles. 00:27:28.660 --> 00:27:30.259 Through their trespass, 00:27:31.099 --> 00:27:33.299 salvation has come to you 00:27:33.299 --> 00:27:35.120 and to me. 00:27:36.140 --> 00:27:37.200 The Great Commission, 00:27:37.819 --> 00:27:38.960 that to go therefore 00:27:38.960 --> 00:27:40.740 and make disciples of all nations, 00:27:41.579 --> 00:27:44.140 is made possible in the wisdom of God 00:27:44.140 --> 00:27:47.680 by the rejection of the Jewish Messiah. 00:27:47.680 --> 00:27:50.660 As Paul says again in Romans 11, 00:27:50.779 --> 00:27:52.720 a partial hardening has come upon Israel 00:27:52.720 --> 00:27:55.600 until the fullness of the Gentiles 00:27:55.600 --> 00:27:56.759 has come in 00:27:56.759 --> 00:27:58.080 and in this way, 00:27:58.240 --> 00:28:01.000 all Israel will be saved. 00:28:01.100 --> 00:28:02.759 There are a hundred sermons to preach 00:28:02.759 --> 00:28:04.279 from that verse, 00:28:04.360 --> 00:28:05.180 but just know this. 00:28:06.600 --> 00:28:08.180 God is not sitting on His hands 00:28:08.180 --> 00:28:09.840 hoping that His plan of salvation 00:28:09.840 --> 00:28:11.039 just works out on its own. 00:28:12.360 --> 00:28:15.220 God is working it out 00:28:15.220 --> 00:28:18.019 and it will not fail. 00:28:19.360 --> 00:28:20.539 And the wisdom of God, 00:28:20.640 --> 00:28:22.299 the rejection of Israel, 00:28:22.819 --> 00:28:24.980 opens up the invitation 00:28:24.980 --> 00:28:26.940 for all the world 00:28:26.940 --> 00:28:28.759 to hear and believe 00:28:28.759 --> 00:28:30.279 the message of the gospel 00:28:30.279 --> 00:28:33.180 and receive eternal life. 00:28:33.240 --> 00:28:34.000 Which brings us 00:28:34.000 --> 00:28:35.900 to question number two. 00:28:36.779 --> 00:28:38.480 Will you believe it? 00:28:38.480 --> 00:28:42.920 Will you believe it? 00:28:44.440 --> 00:28:45.319 Verse 44, 00:28:45.799 --> 00:28:47.059 as you're reading this passage, 00:28:47.200 --> 00:28:48.339 it just sort of comes out of nowhere, 00:28:48.460 --> 00:28:48.900 doesn't it? 00:28:49.740 --> 00:28:51.140 It seems sudden. 00:28:51.240 --> 00:28:51.799 It seems abrupt. 00:28:51.900 --> 00:28:53.039 We don't know where Jesus went. 00:28:53.120 --> 00:28:54.220 We don't know where He's hidden Himself. 00:28:54.440 --> 00:28:56.680 We don't know who He's speaking to here. 00:28:56.759 --> 00:28:59.220 But I think that that is part of the point. 00:28:59.819 --> 00:29:01.380 John's wrapping up this section 00:29:01.380 --> 00:29:02.579 of this gospel 00:29:02.579 --> 00:29:04.799 and Jesus is calling out 00:29:04.799 --> 00:29:06.700 to anyone who would hear. 00:29:06.700 --> 00:29:09.160 He's speaking to you this morning. 00:29:10.059 --> 00:29:10.420 He says, 00:29:10.660 --> 00:29:11.960 whoever believes in Me, 00:29:12.500 --> 00:29:13.640 believes not in Me, 00:29:13.720 --> 00:29:14.880 but in Him who sent Me. 00:29:14.980 --> 00:29:16.600 Whoever sees Me, 00:29:16.740 --> 00:29:18.120 sees Him who sent Me. 00:29:18.200 --> 00:29:20.319 I have come into this world as light 00:29:20.319 --> 00:29:22.759 so that whoever believes in Me 00:29:22.759 --> 00:29:25.319 may not remain in darkness. 00:29:25.519 --> 00:29:28.100 This is a free and broad 00:29:28.100 --> 00:29:30.860 and gracious and wide invitation 00:29:30.860 --> 00:29:32.700 to anyone who would hear 00:29:32.700 --> 00:29:34.440 that you are welcome 00:29:34.440 --> 00:29:35.940 to come to Christ. 00:29:37.380 --> 00:29:39.259 You are invited 00:29:39.259 --> 00:29:41.480 to have your sins forgiven, 00:29:41.680 --> 00:29:42.860 to be washed clean, 00:29:42.920 --> 00:29:44.539 to be made right with God, 00:29:44.600 --> 00:29:45.759 to be made new 00:29:45.759 --> 00:29:48.039 and to receive eternal life. 00:29:48.920 --> 00:29:50.380 See, from God's perspective, 00:29:50.900 --> 00:29:53.440 He alone knows who will be saved 00:29:53.440 --> 00:29:54.799 because He alone 00:29:54.799 --> 00:29:56.299 is the one who works salvation. 00:29:56.720 --> 00:29:57.640 It's His work. 00:29:58.279 --> 00:30:00.120 We don't have that perspective. 00:30:00.340 --> 00:30:01.180 From our perspective, 00:30:01.180 --> 00:30:03.160 we don't share God's sovereign knowledge 00:30:03.160 --> 00:30:03.740 of all things. 00:30:03.779 --> 00:30:05.000 We don't know who will be saved 00:30:05.000 --> 00:30:06.759 and who will reject the Gospel. 00:30:06.880 --> 00:30:07.820 So what do we do? 00:30:08.620 --> 00:30:10.660 We do as Christ does 00:30:10.660 --> 00:30:11.640 in these verses. 00:30:12.539 --> 00:30:15.259 We call sinners to faith in Christ. 00:30:16.160 --> 00:30:17.680 We go to the ends of the earth 00:30:17.680 --> 00:30:20.100 and we scatter the seed of the Gospel 00:30:20.100 --> 00:30:21.799 broadly, freely, 00:30:21.940 --> 00:30:22.539 with confidence 00:30:22.539 --> 00:30:24.519 that rejection does not stop 00:30:24.519 --> 00:30:25.380 the plan of God. 00:30:25.380 --> 00:30:28.300 Some seed will fall on rocky soil. 00:30:28.460 --> 00:30:30.960 Some seed will grow up among the thorns. 00:30:31.240 --> 00:30:32.320 But we praise God 00:30:32.320 --> 00:30:35.200 that some seed will bear fruit. 00:30:35.360 --> 00:30:36.600 So we go. 00:30:38.080 --> 00:30:39.160 Now our privilege 00:30:39.160 --> 00:30:41.320 in light of the sovereignty of God 00:30:41.320 --> 00:30:43.820 is to proclaim the message of Jesus 00:30:43.820 --> 00:30:44.920 as freely 00:30:44.920 --> 00:30:46.580 and as broadly 00:30:46.580 --> 00:30:48.080 and as openly 00:30:48.080 --> 00:30:49.780 as we possibly can, 00:30:49.980 --> 00:30:52.040 trusting that even through weak vessels 00:30:52.039 --> 00:30:52.920 like us, 00:30:53.359 --> 00:30:55.680 God will work salvation. 00:30:57.019 --> 00:30:57.960 Him we proclaim. 00:30:59.079 --> 00:31:00.059 Warning everyone 00:31:00.059 --> 00:31:01.700 and teaching everyone 00:31:01.700 --> 00:31:02.440 with all wisdom 00:31:02.440 --> 00:31:03.639 that we might present 00:31:03.639 --> 00:31:06.579 everyone mature in Christ. 00:31:06.680 --> 00:31:09.019 For all who call upon the name of the Lord 00:31:09.019 --> 00:31:09.799 will be saved. 00:31:09.899 --> 00:31:11.339 This is our message, church. 00:31:11.440 --> 00:31:12.799 Will you believe it? 00:31:13.619 --> 00:31:15.159 And will you call upon His name 00:31:15.159 --> 00:31:16.000 and be saved? 00:31:17.759 --> 00:31:20.799 The late Scottish pastor, John Murray, 00:31:20.799 --> 00:31:22.940 He says it much better than I can. 00:31:23.639 --> 00:31:24.500 Listen to this. 00:31:24.579 --> 00:31:25.839 Imagine it with a Scottish accent. 00:31:27.599 --> 00:31:28.419 He says, 00:31:28.519 --> 00:31:30.500 It is by the sovereign grace 00:31:30.500 --> 00:31:33.159 that He is so freely offered. 00:31:34.619 --> 00:31:35.500 Sovereign grace 00:31:35.500 --> 00:31:37.899 is not then incompatible 00:31:37.899 --> 00:31:40.180 with the free offer of the gospel. 00:31:40.919 --> 00:31:42.599 It is rather sovereign grace 00:31:42.599 --> 00:31:43.940 that makes the gospel free. 00:31:45.019 --> 00:31:47.319 The fount of grace freely offered 00:31:47.319 --> 00:31:50.039 is grace sovereignly devised and framed. 00:31:50.799 --> 00:31:52.099 And not only is sovereign grace 00:31:52.099 --> 00:31:52.639 the fount, 00:31:52.759 --> 00:31:53.619 but sovereign grace 00:31:53.619 --> 00:31:55.680 is also the stream on the bosom 00:31:55.680 --> 00:31:57.480 of which Christ is born 00:31:57.480 --> 00:31:58.799 to the very door 00:31:58.799 --> 00:32:00.099 of our responsibility 00:32:00.099 --> 00:32:01.139 and opportunity. 00:32:01.899 --> 00:32:03.059 To change the figure, 00:32:03.180 --> 00:32:03.720 but a little, 00:32:04.460 --> 00:32:05.799 it is upon the crest 00:32:05.799 --> 00:32:06.819 of the wave 00:32:06.819 --> 00:32:08.420 of the sovereignty of God 00:32:08.420 --> 00:32:09.680 that the free 00:32:09.680 --> 00:32:11.019 and full overtures 00:32:11.019 --> 00:32:12.279 of Christ in the gospel 00:32:12.279 --> 00:32:13.899 break upon the shores 00:32:13.899 --> 00:32:15.379 of lost humanity. 00:32:16.359 --> 00:32:17.039 Isn't that beautiful? 00:32:17.039 --> 00:32:20.420 We want everyone 00:32:20.420 --> 00:32:23.259 to listen and consider 00:32:23.259 --> 00:32:25.599 and believe what Jesus says 00:32:25.599 --> 00:32:26.519 about Himself here 00:32:26.519 --> 00:32:28.279 in verses 44 through 50. 00:32:28.799 --> 00:32:29.460 Look there with me. 00:32:29.480 --> 00:32:29.980 What does He say? 00:32:31.500 --> 00:32:32.319 He says, 00:32:32.859 --> 00:32:34.039 To believe in Jesus 00:32:34.039 --> 00:32:35.960 is to believe in God. 00:32:37.159 --> 00:32:38.259 You cannot have one 00:32:38.259 --> 00:32:38.920 without the other. 00:32:39.039 --> 00:32:40.480 Whoever believes in Me 00:32:40.480 --> 00:32:42.220 believes not in Me, 00:32:42.599 --> 00:32:44.299 but in Him who sent Me. 00:32:44.299 --> 00:32:46.680 Jesus Christ was sent by God 00:32:46.680 --> 00:32:48.259 to be the revelation 00:32:48.259 --> 00:32:49.960 of God in the world. 00:32:50.599 --> 00:32:52.539 The living Word of God 00:32:52.539 --> 00:32:53.539 made flesh. 00:32:53.659 --> 00:32:54.139 Jesus says, 00:32:54.559 --> 00:32:55.940 I and the Father are one. 00:32:56.539 --> 00:32:57.379 I am the way, 00:32:57.519 --> 00:32:57.960 the truth, 00:32:58.039 --> 00:32:58.319 the life. 00:32:58.440 --> 00:32:59.799 No one comes to the Father 00:32:59.799 --> 00:33:01.299 except through Me. 00:33:01.500 --> 00:33:03.059 Will you believe this? 00:33:04.319 --> 00:33:04.879 He says, 00:33:05.319 --> 00:33:06.319 To see Jesus 00:33:06.319 --> 00:33:08.159 is to see God. 00:33:08.279 --> 00:33:09.259 Whoever sees Me 00:33:09.259 --> 00:33:11.440 sees Him who sent Me. 00:33:12.279 --> 00:33:13.279 We'll see you in a few weeks, 00:33:13.279 --> 00:33:13.799 Lord willing. 00:33:14.379 --> 00:33:15.940 As we get to John chapter 14, 00:33:16.119 --> 00:33:16.819 Philip asks Him, 00:33:16.940 --> 00:33:17.119 Lord, 00:33:17.420 --> 00:33:18.660 just show us the Father 00:33:18.660 --> 00:33:19.740 and it's enough for us. 00:33:19.859 --> 00:33:20.779 You remember this conversation? 00:33:21.759 --> 00:33:22.940 And how did Jesus respond? 00:33:24.059 --> 00:33:25.740 Have I been with you so long 00:33:25.740 --> 00:33:27.639 and yet you still don't know Me, 00:33:27.859 --> 00:33:28.079 Philip? 00:33:28.899 --> 00:33:30.799 Whoever has seen Me 00:33:30.799 --> 00:33:33.039 has seen the Father. 00:33:33.240 --> 00:33:34.639 Will you believe this? 00:33:35.500 --> 00:33:37.200 Will you look to Jesus 00:33:37.200 --> 00:33:38.220 not just as a man, 00:33:38.319 --> 00:33:39.599 not just as a prophet, 00:33:39.779 --> 00:33:41.359 not just as a moral example, 00:33:41.359 --> 00:33:42.679 but look to Him 00:33:42.679 --> 00:33:44.639 as the very Son of God 00:33:44.639 --> 00:33:46.000 Himself in the flesh? 00:33:46.059 --> 00:33:47.079 Would you plead 00:33:47.079 --> 00:33:48.419 with your non-believing friends? 00:33:48.539 --> 00:33:50.159 Will you see Jesus 00:33:50.159 --> 00:33:51.159 for who He is? 00:33:52.879 --> 00:33:53.359 He says, 00:33:53.459 --> 00:33:54.979 To believe in Jesus 00:33:54.979 --> 00:33:56.659 is to be in the light 00:33:56.659 --> 00:33:57.839 and to reject Him 00:33:57.839 --> 00:34:00.159 is to remain in darkness. 00:34:00.419 --> 00:34:02.039 The call of the Gospel is this. 00:34:02.919 --> 00:34:04.819 Would you come out 00:34:04.819 --> 00:34:06.259 of your sinful darkness? 00:34:07.419 --> 00:34:09.359 Would you turn from your sin? 00:34:09.360 --> 00:34:12.079 Would you not remain in darkness? 00:34:12.220 --> 00:34:13.260 Would you leave it behind? 00:34:13.380 --> 00:34:15.120 Would you love the glory of God 00:34:15.120 --> 00:34:17.220 more than the glory of man? 00:34:17.280 --> 00:34:18.400 Would you love the light 00:34:18.400 --> 00:34:19.539 more than the darkness? 00:34:19.720 --> 00:34:21.099 He can do it. 00:34:21.700 --> 00:34:23.019 He can change your heart 00:34:23.019 --> 00:34:24.800 so you love what's eternally good 00:34:24.800 --> 00:34:26.420 and turn from what's eternally foolish. 00:34:26.680 --> 00:34:28.780 Would you come to the light? 00:34:29.900 --> 00:34:31.820 We call them to believe 00:34:31.820 --> 00:34:33.260 and to come to Christ. 00:34:33.360 --> 00:34:34.559 And we call them with urgency 00:34:34.559 --> 00:34:35.460 because he says 00:34:35.460 --> 00:34:36.960 to reject Jesus 00:34:36.960 --> 00:34:40.079 is to reject God. 00:34:41.199 --> 00:34:42.599 If anyone hears my words 00:34:42.599 --> 00:34:43.759 and does not keep them, 00:34:43.820 --> 00:34:44.900 I do not judge them 00:34:44.900 --> 00:34:45.960 for I did not come 00:34:45.960 --> 00:34:46.980 to judge the world 00:34:46.980 --> 00:34:48.320 but to save the world. 00:34:49.000 --> 00:34:50.259 The one who rejects me 00:34:50.259 --> 00:34:51.940 and does not receive my words 00:34:51.940 --> 00:34:52.799 has a judge. 00:34:53.360 --> 00:34:54.900 The word that I have spoken 00:34:54.900 --> 00:34:55.940 will judge him 00:34:55.940 --> 00:34:57.199 on the last day. 00:34:57.820 --> 00:34:58.840 For I have not spoken 00:34:58.840 --> 00:34:59.679 on my own authority 00:34:59.679 --> 00:35:01.159 but the Father who sent me 00:35:01.159 --> 00:35:02.380 has Himself given me 00:35:02.380 --> 00:35:03.000 a commandment 00:35:03.000 --> 00:35:03.840 what to say 00:35:03.840 --> 00:35:06.240 and what to speak. 00:35:06.380 --> 00:35:08.920 You cannot love God 00:35:08.920 --> 00:35:10.079 and reject Jesus. 00:35:11.500 --> 00:35:12.539 Despite what our 00:35:12.539 --> 00:35:14.220 Jehovah's Witness friends say 00:35:14.220 --> 00:35:14.880 when they come knocking 00:35:14.880 --> 00:35:15.400 on the door, 00:35:16.619 --> 00:35:19.220 you cannot say you know God 00:35:19.220 --> 00:35:20.400 and yet deny that Jesus 00:35:20.400 --> 00:35:22.240 is who He says He is. 00:35:22.320 --> 00:35:24.019 If you reject Jesus, 00:35:24.300 --> 00:35:26.079 you reject God. 00:35:26.200 --> 00:35:26.860 And Jesus says 00:35:26.860 --> 00:35:28.059 if you leave here 00:35:28.059 --> 00:35:29.820 rejecting my words, 00:35:29.920 --> 00:35:31.140 I'm not here to judge you 00:35:31.140 --> 00:35:31.660 just yet 00:35:31.659 --> 00:35:32.599 but when I return, 00:35:32.699 --> 00:35:33.719 these very words 00:35:33.719 --> 00:35:34.779 that you have rejected 00:35:34.779 --> 00:35:36.279 will be the grounds 00:35:36.279 --> 00:35:37.519 of your judgment 00:35:37.519 --> 00:35:38.920 on the last day. 00:35:39.039 --> 00:35:40.399 To reject Jesus 00:35:40.399 --> 00:35:42.279 is to reject God 00:35:42.279 --> 00:35:42.679 but 00:35:42.679 --> 00:35:44.179 He says 00:35:44.179 --> 00:35:45.819 to receive Jesus 00:35:45.819 --> 00:35:48.480 is to receive 00:35:48.480 --> 00:35:50.039 eternal life. 00:35:51.480 --> 00:35:52.519 Look there to verse 50. 00:35:53.399 --> 00:35:53.599 He says, 00:35:53.699 --> 00:35:54.139 I know, 00:35:54.279 --> 00:35:55.399 He says in verse 50 00:35:55.399 --> 00:35:57.119 that His commandment 00:35:57.119 --> 00:35:59.799 is eternal life. 00:35:59.800 --> 00:36:02.640 Will you believe this? 00:36:04.600 --> 00:36:06.640 The invitation of the gospel 00:36:06.640 --> 00:36:09.320 is free and available 00:36:09.320 --> 00:36:10.920 for any sinner 00:36:10.920 --> 00:36:12.800 who hears and heeds 00:36:12.800 --> 00:36:13.860 the call of Christ 00:36:13.860 --> 00:36:14.920 to come to me 00:36:14.920 --> 00:36:16.500 all who are weary 00:36:16.500 --> 00:36:17.360 and heavy laden 00:36:17.360 --> 00:36:20.080 and I will give you rest. 00:36:20.420 --> 00:36:23.400 Will you believe this? 00:36:23.400 --> 00:36:23.519 Church, 00:36:24.119 --> 00:36:25.880 Church, 00:36:25.940 --> 00:36:26.340 I love 00:36:26.340 --> 00:36:28.599 this difficult passage 00:36:28.599 --> 00:36:31.079 because it helps us 00:36:31.079 --> 00:36:32.039 to see that God's 00:36:32.039 --> 00:36:32.760 sovereignty 00:36:32.760 --> 00:36:33.800 and salvation 00:36:33.800 --> 00:36:35.460 and the free offer 00:36:35.460 --> 00:36:36.380 of the gospel 00:36:36.380 --> 00:36:38.639 go hand in hand. 00:36:38.820 --> 00:36:40.880 They are friends. 00:36:41.900 --> 00:36:43.220 And we may not fully grasp 00:36:43.220 --> 00:36:43.860 the mystery 00:36:43.860 --> 00:36:44.900 of how these truths 00:36:44.900 --> 00:36:45.800 work together 00:36:45.800 --> 00:36:47.500 but please don't make 00:36:47.500 --> 00:36:48.099 the mistake 00:36:48.099 --> 00:36:50.160 of reducing God's mystery 00:36:50.159 --> 00:36:51.359 to our level 00:36:51.359 --> 00:36:52.319 of understanding. 00:36:53.219 --> 00:36:54.480 God is sovereign. 00:36:55.619 --> 00:36:57.139 We are responsible. 00:36:58.099 --> 00:36:59.019 And the offer 00:36:59.019 --> 00:36:59.940 of the gospel 00:36:59.940 --> 00:37:01.539 is freely made 00:37:01.539 --> 00:37:02.659 to any sinner 00:37:02.659 --> 00:37:03.559 who would hear. 00:37:05.279 --> 00:37:06.279 You may have heard 00:37:06.279 --> 00:37:08.599 of William Carey. 00:37:09.519 --> 00:37:10.279 He's known as 00:37:10.279 --> 00:37:12.239 the father of modern missions. 00:37:12.359 --> 00:37:12.960 Do you know that name? 00:37:14.399 --> 00:37:15.879 He came to a gathering 00:37:15.879 --> 00:37:17.779 of other Baptist pastors 00:37:17.779 --> 00:37:18.339 and he said, 00:37:18.340 --> 00:37:18.640 brothers, 00:37:18.760 --> 00:37:19.600 if we founded 00:37:19.600 --> 00:37:20.880 a missionary society 00:37:20.880 --> 00:37:21.860 and we worked together, 00:37:21.960 --> 00:37:23.240 if we pulled our funds together 00:37:23.240 --> 00:37:24.380 and put our minds together, 00:37:24.539 --> 00:37:25.579 we could reach 00:37:25.579 --> 00:37:27.120 the ends of the earth 00:37:27.120 --> 00:37:27.900 with the gospel. 00:37:28.079 --> 00:37:29.100 We could establish 00:37:29.100 --> 00:37:31.500 the Baptist missionary society 00:37:31.500 --> 00:37:32.500 and we could reach 00:37:32.500 --> 00:37:33.400 the ends of the world. 00:37:34.500 --> 00:37:35.140 And the chairman 00:37:35.140 --> 00:37:37.360 of the council replied, 00:37:37.559 --> 00:37:37.860 he said, 00:37:37.980 --> 00:37:38.280 son, 00:37:38.420 --> 00:37:39.079 sit down. 00:37:39.980 --> 00:37:41.260 When God is pleased 00:37:41.260 --> 00:37:42.559 to convert the heathen, 00:37:42.640 --> 00:37:43.340 he will do it 00:37:43.340 --> 00:37:44.400 without your help 00:37:44.400 --> 00:37:45.539 or mine. 00:37:45.539 --> 00:37:48.259 Thankfully, 00:37:48.400 --> 00:37:48.960 William Carey 00:37:48.960 --> 00:37:51.340 had a much more accurate 00:37:51.340 --> 00:37:53.559 theology of God's sovereignty 00:37:53.559 --> 00:37:55.239 and the mission of evangelism 00:37:55.239 --> 00:37:56.360 than the chairman. 00:37:56.539 --> 00:37:58.219 He went to the nations 00:37:58.219 --> 00:37:58.960 with confidence 00:37:58.960 --> 00:38:00.019 in a sovereign God 00:38:00.019 --> 00:38:01.239 with a zeal 00:38:01.239 --> 00:38:02.380 to share the gospel 00:38:02.380 --> 00:38:03.099 with the lost. 00:38:03.219 --> 00:38:03.920 Listen to what he wrote 00:38:03.920 --> 00:38:05.320 in 1805 00:38:05.320 --> 00:38:05.940 as we close. 00:38:07.320 --> 00:38:08.000 He said, 00:38:08.000 --> 00:38:09.500 we are firmly persuaded 00:38:09.500 --> 00:38:10.920 that Paul might plant 00:38:10.920 --> 00:38:12.000 in Apollos water 00:38:12.000 --> 00:38:12.800 in vain 00:38:12.800 --> 00:38:14.699 in any part of the world 00:38:14.699 --> 00:38:15.980 did not God 00:38:15.980 --> 00:38:16.980 give the increase. 00:38:17.800 --> 00:38:18.780 We are sure 00:38:18.780 --> 00:38:20.260 that only those 00:38:20.260 --> 00:38:21.719 ordained to eternal life 00:38:21.719 --> 00:38:22.659 will believe 00:38:22.659 --> 00:38:24.179 and that God alone 00:38:24.179 --> 00:38:25.360 can add to the church 00:38:25.360 --> 00:38:27.019 such as shall be saved. 00:38:27.820 --> 00:38:28.260 Nevertheless, 00:38:29.360 --> 00:38:30.539 we cannot but observe 00:38:30.539 --> 00:38:31.380 with admiration 00:38:31.380 --> 00:38:32.260 that Paul, 00:38:32.539 --> 00:38:33.679 the great champion 00:38:33.679 --> 00:38:35.260 for the glorious doctrine 00:38:35.260 --> 00:38:36.980 of free and sovereign grace, 00:38:36.980 --> 00:38:39.219 was the most conspicuous 00:38:39.219 --> 00:38:40.579 for his personal zeal 00:38:40.579 --> 00:38:41.199 in the word 00:38:41.199 --> 00:38:42.519 of persuading men 00:38:42.519 --> 00:38:44.240 to be reconciled 00:38:44.240 --> 00:38:44.880 to God. 00:38:45.599 --> 00:38:46.699 In this respect, 00:38:46.840 --> 00:38:48.320 he is a noble example 00:38:48.320 --> 00:38:50.119 for our imitation. 00:38:51.240 --> 00:38:52.079 Let's pray. 00:38:55.079 --> 00:38:55.800 God, 00:38:55.880 --> 00:38:57.260 we praise you 00:38:57.260 --> 00:38:58.219 for your wisdom. 00:38:59.500 --> 00:39:01.019 We praise you 00:39:01.019 --> 00:39:02.480 for your power, 00:39:02.679 --> 00:39:03.500 for your sovereignty 00:39:03.500 --> 00:39:05.099 that while we 00:39:05.099 --> 00:39:06.099 don't necessarily 00:39:06.099 --> 00:39:06.880 understand 00:39:06.880 --> 00:39:08.559 how you work, 00:39:08.699 --> 00:39:08.880 Lord, 00:39:08.980 --> 00:39:10.280 the mystery of salvation, 00:39:11.039 --> 00:39:11.719 we trust 00:39:11.719 --> 00:39:12.219 and we know 00:39:12.219 --> 00:39:13.099 that you are good 00:39:13.099 --> 00:39:13.900 and you are sovereign 00:39:13.900 --> 00:39:15.099 working all things out 00:39:15.099 --> 00:39:15.940 according to the counsel 00:39:15.940 --> 00:39:16.599 of your will. 00:39:17.260 --> 00:39:18.059 And we pray, 00:39:18.420 --> 00:39:18.559 Lord, 00:39:18.619 --> 00:39:19.639 if there are any here 00:39:19.639 --> 00:39:21.059 who are rejecting 00:39:21.059 --> 00:39:21.920 the message 00:39:21.920 --> 00:39:22.780 of the gospel 00:39:22.780 --> 00:39:25.000 and living in unbelief, 00:39:25.440 --> 00:39:26.059 we pray 00:39:26.059 --> 00:39:26.880 that you would 00:39:26.880 --> 00:39:27.659 even now 00:39:27.659 --> 00:39:28.880 turn their hearts 00:39:28.880 --> 00:39:29.500 to love 00:39:29.500 --> 00:39:30.440 the glory of God. 00:39:31.320 --> 00:39:31.780 We pray 00:39:31.780 --> 00:39:32.540 for our non-believing 00:39:32.540 --> 00:39:33.540 friends and family 00:39:33.540 --> 00:39:34.560 and neighbors, 00:39:34.740 --> 00:39:35.440 those in our community 00:39:35.440 --> 00:39:36.400 who don't know you 00:39:36.400 --> 00:39:37.580 to the ends of the earth. 00:39:37.720 --> 00:39:38.340 We pray, 00:39:38.519 --> 00:39:38.680 God, 00:39:38.740 --> 00:39:39.380 by your grace, 00:39:39.460 --> 00:39:40.540 would you save them, 00:39:40.860 --> 00:39:41.720 turn them to Christ, 00:39:41.800 --> 00:39:42.280 we ask, 00:39:42.800 --> 00:39:43.600 in Jesus' name. 00:39:44.500 --> 00:39:44.760 Amen. 00:39:44.760 --> 00:39:44.940 Amen. 00:39:45.140 --> 00:39:45.440 Amen. 00:39:45.440 --> 00:39:45.940 Amen. 00:39:46.040 --> 00:39:46.580 Amen. 00:39:46.580 --> 00:39:47.540 Amen. 00:39:49.500 --> 00:39:50.060 Amen. 00:39:50.240 --> 00:39:50.320 Amen. 00:39:50.320 --> 00:39:50.760 Amen. 00:39:50.820 --> 00:39:51.700 Amen. 00:39:54.160 --> 00:39:54.880 Amen. 00:39:55.420 --> 00:39:56.800 Amen.