WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:29.980 John chapter 12. We're going to look from verses 12 to the end of the chapter. It's a large section but I think it hinges together. John's Gospel is a book of two halves. We finished off the book of signs which is the first half of the book. 00:00:30.740 --> 00:00:52.179 And chapter 12 is the climax of the first part and the bridge to the second part. And what we see is the Lord Jesus in three particular focuses. Look with me at verses 12 to 19. Jesus appears there as the coming king riding into Jerusalem on the donkey. 00:00:52.939 --> 00:01:03.799 In chapter 20 to 33 he appears before us as the dying seed. He's introduced to us by some Greeks. They come to Philip with that great question. 00:01:03.799 --> 00:01:16.079 Sir we wish to see Jesus. And Jesus begins to enlarge upon that theme. And then the crowd begin to respond to Jesus in verse 34. 00:01:16.079 --> 00:01:30.679 And he diagnoses the real nature of their response. We see the rejected saviour. The coming king, the dying seed and the rejected saviour. 00:01:30.680 --> 00:01:35.660 First of all let's look at the coming king. You're probably really familiar with it. 00:01:36.660 --> 00:01:41.360 And the great crowd that had come to Jerusalem comes out of Jerusalem. They're there for Passover. 00:01:42.620 --> 00:01:48.660 And they're probably visitors whom Jesus has performed some of these remarkable signs and wonders around the country. 00:01:48.659 --> 00:01:52.640 They're in the city. They're in the city. And word gets them that Jesus is approaching. 00:01:54.019 --> 00:01:56.799 And they come out in large numbers, greater than we might imagine. 00:01:57.899 --> 00:01:59.719 And they come to meet Jesus. 00:02:01.120 --> 00:02:05.340 And they take with them palm branches which are like flags. 00:02:06.060 --> 00:02:07.239 It's like a mode of greeting. 00:02:07.599 --> 00:02:10.000 They go out to meet him and they cry Hosanna. 00:02:11.419 --> 00:02:13.500 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. 00:02:14.500 --> 00:02:16.280 Blessed is the king of Israel. 00:02:16.280 --> 00:02:21.060 And Jesus begins to make his way into Jerusalem. 00:02:22.620 --> 00:02:25.000 There's a profound sense in which the crowd is right. 00:02:26.139 --> 00:02:28.639 They're right in their acclaiming of Jesus. 00:02:29.439 --> 00:02:31.860 Crying out Hosanna or save now. 00:02:32.599 --> 00:02:34.900 They're using Messianic language. 00:02:35.060 --> 00:02:36.979 Here is the one long expected. 00:02:38.300 --> 00:02:42.920 Language from the Old Testament about how the Messiah would come in the name of the Lord. 00:02:44.099 --> 00:02:45.120 The king of Israel. 00:02:45.120 --> 00:02:49.879 And then Jesus does an extraordinary thing. 00:02:51.659 --> 00:02:54.980 No doubt these people are going out to welcome him as their king. 00:02:55.240 --> 00:02:56.640 That they longed for. 00:02:58.000 --> 00:03:02.740 You'll remember at various times in previous chapters they longed to make him king. 00:03:02.740 --> 00:03:09.439 They looked at Jesus and they thought here is the one who will set us free from the tyranny of Rome. 00:03:09.439 --> 00:03:12.960 And they go out on this particular day. 00:03:13.079 --> 00:03:18.539 They'd heard about how Jesus had triumphed over death in Lazarus. 00:03:18.539 --> 00:03:23.359 They realized that he could triumph over the very last enemy. 00:03:23.859 --> 00:03:26.459 So surely he could triumph over the powers of Rome. 00:03:27.919 --> 00:03:29.239 And they go out to greet him. 00:03:31.060 --> 00:03:32.739 And Jesus finds a young donkey. 00:03:33.780 --> 00:03:34.840 And he sits on it. 00:03:34.840 --> 00:03:38.520 In order to fulfill the scriptures of Zechariah 9. 00:03:38.879 --> 00:03:41.300 Rejoice greatly O daughter of Zion. 00:03:41.580 --> 00:03:43.560 Behold your king comes unto you. 00:03:43.620 --> 00:03:44.780 It's a Messianic prophecy. 00:03:46.199 --> 00:03:48.219 And when you read Zechariah chapter 9. 00:03:48.360 --> 00:03:52.699 You discover that what the prophet is describing is a king who is righteous. 00:03:52.699 --> 00:03:55.119 Who will bring salvation. 00:03:55.879 --> 00:03:58.019 And yet he is a gentle king. 00:03:58.659 --> 00:04:00.799 And he is lowly riding on a donkey. 00:04:02.500 --> 00:04:05.919 And in that most amazing and mysterious way. 00:04:06.539 --> 00:04:08.479 The Messiah is going to be a king. 00:04:08.560 --> 00:04:09.639 But a king with a difference. 00:04:11.159 --> 00:04:15.659 He's not a king riding on some powerful charger in a chariot. 00:04:15.979 --> 00:04:18.000 At the head of a mighty army. 00:04:18.579 --> 00:04:20.439 With his minions all around him. 00:04:20.439 --> 00:04:24.040 Preparing the way for his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. 00:04:24.660 --> 00:04:26.639 There to banish the city of Rome. 00:04:27.500 --> 00:04:29.279 And sit upon the throne of David. 00:04:30.459 --> 00:04:31.019 Instead. 00:04:32.100 --> 00:04:35.040 Jesus rides into Jerusalem slowly on a donkey. 00:04:37.040 --> 00:04:38.720 The symbol of the king of peace. 00:04:40.300 --> 00:04:43.180 And when he arrives in Jerusalem. 00:04:44.560 --> 00:04:46.459 He does not reign over it. 00:04:47.920 --> 00:04:49.259 From the other gospels. 00:04:49.259 --> 00:04:51.319 We know that he weeps over it. 00:04:52.539 --> 00:04:53.779 The king weeps. 00:04:53.860 --> 00:04:54.279 And he says. 00:04:54.360 --> 00:04:54.939 Oh Jerusalem. 00:04:55.439 --> 00:04:56.099 Oh Jerusalem. 00:04:57.839 --> 00:04:59.439 But he is coming as a king. 00:05:01.000 --> 00:05:02.740 Though not the king that they wanted. 00:05:03.300 --> 00:05:04.139 To make him. 00:05:05.279 --> 00:05:06.740 He was coming to conquer. 00:05:08.060 --> 00:05:09.839 But not in the way that they expected. 00:05:11.319 --> 00:05:13.019 Do you remember Pontius Pilate? 00:05:13.599 --> 00:05:14.959 He was puzzled, wasn't he? 00:05:15.039 --> 00:05:15.959 By the title. 00:05:16.099 --> 00:05:17.379 The king of the Jews. 00:05:17.379 --> 00:05:20.360 And he asked Jesus. 00:05:20.480 --> 00:05:21.420 Are you a king? 00:05:22.839 --> 00:05:23.939 And Jesus replies. 00:05:24.060 --> 00:05:26.060 My kingdom is not of this world. 00:05:26.240 --> 00:05:28.180 If my kingdom were of this world. 00:05:28.240 --> 00:05:29.459 Then my servants would fight. 00:05:29.839 --> 00:05:31.319 But my kingdom is not of this world. 00:05:31.600 --> 00:05:32.740 And Pontius Pilate thought. 00:05:32.839 --> 00:05:33.480 Such weakness. 00:05:35.480 --> 00:05:36.719 And here Jesus. 00:05:37.100 --> 00:05:38.480 Riding into Jerusalem. 00:05:39.480 --> 00:05:40.379 On a donkey. 00:05:40.560 --> 00:05:41.659 Seems weak, doesn't he? 00:05:41.660 --> 00:05:44.060 He seems pathetic. 00:05:44.880 --> 00:05:47.020 And these people are waving their branches. 00:05:47.260 --> 00:05:48.300 And crying Hosanna. 00:05:48.439 --> 00:05:49.920 It almost seems like. 00:05:50.160 --> 00:05:51.680 A kind of Monty Python-esque. 00:05:51.680 --> 00:05:52.820 Kind of comedy thing. 00:05:54.420 --> 00:05:56.940 And when Pilate began to examine Jesus. 00:05:57.200 --> 00:05:58.460 And he spoke to him. 00:05:58.680 --> 00:06:00.120 About the power and authority. 00:06:00.120 --> 00:06:01.360 That belonged to him. 00:06:03.040 --> 00:06:05.180 Against which Pilate had no power. 00:06:05.260 --> 00:06:06.500 Even though he was the representative. 00:06:06.500 --> 00:06:07.680 Of the Roman Empire. 00:06:07.680 --> 00:06:10.620 He says to Pilate. 00:06:10.860 --> 00:06:11.800 Do you not know? 00:06:13.699 --> 00:06:14.540 Do you not know? 00:06:14.620 --> 00:06:15.280 Pilate says to him. 00:06:15.400 --> 00:06:16.240 Do you not know? 00:06:16.300 --> 00:06:18.199 That I have power to crucify you. 00:06:18.360 --> 00:06:19.759 Or power to release you. 00:06:19.819 --> 00:06:20.759 And Jesus says. 00:06:21.379 --> 00:06:23.000 You would have no power over me. 00:06:23.319 --> 00:06:25.120 Except it were given to you by God. 00:06:26.780 --> 00:06:28.399 And as he rides into Jerusalem. 00:06:29.199 --> 00:06:30.740 These people are learning. 00:06:30.939 --> 00:06:32.780 That Jesus' kingdom is not of this world. 00:06:34.139 --> 00:06:35.980 He was going to stoop. 00:06:35.980 --> 00:06:36.740 To conquer. 00:06:38.480 --> 00:06:40.240 And as he came by the cross. 00:06:40.379 --> 00:06:40.819 Ultimately. 00:06:41.819 --> 00:06:42.780 They would discover. 00:06:42.780 --> 00:06:44.220 That by his death. 00:06:44.580 --> 00:06:46.220 He was going to gain a kingdom. 00:06:46.620 --> 00:06:47.439 That would reach. 00:06:47.819 --> 00:06:48.900 Far beyond the boundaries. 00:06:49.040 --> 00:06:49.900 Of the Roman Empire. 00:06:51.220 --> 00:06:52.580 He would make the Roman Empire. 00:06:52.800 --> 00:06:54.540 Appear narrow and small. 00:06:56.360 --> 00:06:57.360 And so this morning. 00:06:58.220 --> 00:06:59.860 Two thousand years later. 00:06:59.960 --> 00:07:01.280 The kingdom of Jesus Christ. 00:07:01.600 --> 00:07:02.860 Stands and grows forever. 00:07:02.860 --> 00:07:05.639 His people. 00:07:05.860 --> 00:07:06.400 His subjects. 00:07:06.560 --> 00:07:08.120 Meet in every corner of the world. 00:07:08.199 --> 00:07:08.600 This morning. 00:07:10.400 --> 00:07:11.480 And one day. 00:07:11.660 --> 00:07:12.879 Every knee will bow. 00:07:12.960 --> 00:07:14.100 And every tongue will confess. 00:07:14.100 --> 00:07:15.660 That Jesus Christ is Lord. 00:07:15.759 --> 00:07:17.199 To the glory of God the Father. 00:07:19.120 --> 00:07:20.460 And so for this journey. 00:07:20.460 --> 00:07:21.220 Into Jerusalem. 00:07:21.360 --> 00:07:22.980 As the king with a difference. 00:07:24.259 --> 00:07:25.480 It was a journey. 00:07:25.480 --> 00:07:26.100 That is preparatory. 00:07:26.900 --> 00:07:27.699 It was a journey. 00:07:27.699 --> 00:07:28.759 That is a trailer. 00:07:29.360 --> 00:07:30.000 For the day. 00:07:30.000 --> 00:07:31.980 When he will not just come into Jerusalem. 00:07:32.319 --> 00:07:34.300 But he will come into this world then. 00:07:34.879 --> 00:07:36.160 With great power. 00:07:36.339 --> 00:07:37.120 And with great glory. 00:07:38.360 --> 00:07:40.439 And every eye will see the king. 00:07:41.420 --> 00:07:42.899 And all of creation. 00:07:43.079 --> 00:07:45.100 Will bow down before the king. 00:07:45.740 --> 00:07:47.300 And Jesus gives us. 00:07:47.860 --> 00:07:48.680 John gives us. 00:07:48.740 --> 00:07:50.100 Just a little glimpse. 00:07:51.120 --> 00:07:52.500 Of Jesus the coming king. 00:07:54.079 --> 00:07:55.180 And the Pharisees. 00:07:55.279 --> 00:07:56.279 So greatly disturbed. 00:07:56.360 --> 00:07:57.459 Look at them in verse 19. 00:07:57.459 --> 00:07:59.239 The Pharisees say to one another. 00:07:59.479 --> 00:08:00.019 You see. 00:08:00.239 --> 00:08:01.359 You're gaining nothing. 00:08:01.719 --> 00:08:01.939 Look. 00:08:02.099 --> 00:08:03.799 The world has gone after him. 00:08:06.039 --> 00:08:07.299 And it must have looked like. 00:08:07.299 --> 00:08:08.879 This great crowd. 00:08:10.639 --> 00:08:11.539 Following him. 00:08:11.979 --> 00:08:12.620 Was symbolic. 00:08:13.099 --> 00:08:13.399 Of. 00:08:13.939 --> 00:08:14.539 A future. 00:08:15.399 --> 00:08:17.019 Where people from all over the world. 00:08:17.299 --> 00:08:17.959 Will follow him. 00:08:19.719 --> 00:08:21.319 And that brings us to the next section. 00:08:21.439 --> 00:08:22.439 Where we read about Jesus. 00:08:22.579 --> 00:08:23.639 The dying seed. 00:08:23.639 --> 00:08:27.560 People come to Jesus in verse 20. 00:08:27.659 --> 00:08:28.779 Can you see where they're from? 00:08:28.839 --> 00:08:29.500 They're from Greece. 00:08:31.159 --> 00:08:33.439 They are representatives of the Gentiles. 00:08:34.460 --> 00:08:38.039 The world outside the confines of Israel. 00:08:38.240 --> 00:08:40.080 That is the significance of the Greeks. 00:08:41.399 --> 00:08:43.019 And they come to Jesus. 00:08:43.840 --> 00:08:46.199 In fulfillment of what the Pharisees have just said. 00:08:47.159 --> 00:08:49.500 The whole world is beginning to go after him. 00:08:49.500 --> 00:08:52.440 Greeks who came up to worship. 00:08:52.600 --> 00:08:53.000 At the feast. 00:08:53.320 --> 00:08:55.700 They're probably among the Gentile God fearers. 00:08:55.860 --> 00:08:57.120 Who were found in the court. 00:08:57.179 --> 00:08:58.419 Court of the Gentiles. 00:08:58.879 --> 00:08:59.879 Outside the temple. 00:09:00.840 --> 00:09:01.639 They come to Philip. 00:09:01.799 --> 00:09:02.720 And they request him. 00:09:02.879 --> 00:09:03.179 Sir. 00:09:03.279 --> 00:09:03.799 They say. 00:09:03.919 --> 00:09:05.120 We would like to see. 00:09:05.559 --> 00:09:05.960 Jesus. 00:09:06.779 --> 00:09:07.779 It's a beautiful statement. 00:09:09.419 --> 00:09:10.740 Philip went and told Andrew. 00:09:10.919 --> 00:09:12.419 Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 00:09:12.419 --> 00:09:16.199 And it's very interesting. 00:09:16.360 --> 00:09:17.839 That Jesus doesn't just come out. 00:09:17.959 --> 00:09:18.559 To them. 00:09:18.740 --> 00:09:19.759 And reveal himself to them. 00:09:21.159 --> 00:09:22.679 But he begins to speak. 00:09:22.759 --> 00:09:23.079 Doesn't he. 00:09:23.079 --> 00:09:24.059 Of his coming death. 00:09:25.479 --> 00:09:26.899 In the form of a parable. 00:09:27.000 --> 00:09:27.679 Can you see the parable? 00:09:27.759 --> 00:09:28.659 It's in verse 13. 00:09:29.159 --> 00:09:31.059 And it's the parable of a dying seed. 00:09:32.479 --> 00:09:33.240 It's about his death. 00:09:33.319 --> 00:09:33.860 Verse 23. 00:09:33.979 --> 00:09:34.879 Jesus answered them. 00:09:36.419 --> 00:09:39.399 The hour has come for the son of man. 00:09:39.399 --> 00:09:42.519 To be glorified. 00:09:44.639 --> 00:09:45.980 All the way through the gospel. 00:09:46.139 --> 00:09:46.819 Jesus has been saying. 00:09:46.899 --> 00:09:47.779 My time has not yet come. 00:09:47.840 --> 00:09:48.899 My hour has not yet come. 00:09:50.519 --> 00:09:51.340 Remember chapter 2. 00:09:51.480 --> 00:09:53.340 In the wedding of Cana of Galilee. 00:09:53.539 --> 00:09:54.659 And Mary comes to him. 00:09:54.679 --> 00:09:55.220 With that problem. 00:09:55.299 --> 00:09:56.299 Of they've run out of wine. 00:09:56.439 --> 00:09:57.959 And Jesus says at that point. 00:09:57.959 --> 00:09:58.360 He says. 00:09:58.539 --> 00:10:00.159 My time has not yet come. 00:10:01.379 --> 00:10:02.319 And again and again. 00:10:02.399 --> 00:10:03.740 He says something similar to this. 00:10:04.179 --> 00:10:05.319 At various points. 00:10:05.579 --> 00:10:06.960 In his life and ministry. 00:10:07.279 --> 00:10:09.059 My hour has not yet come. 00:10:09.939 --> 00:10:11.259 My time is not yet. 00:10:15.319 --> 00:10:16.579 But in verse 23. 00:10:17.759 --> 00:10:19.240 He says my time has arrived. 00:10:20.860 --> 00:10:22.259 The hour has come. 00:10:22.559 --> 00:10:23.240 Here is the moment. 00:10:23.340 --> 00:10:24.759 For the son of man to be glorified. 00:10:27.100 --> 00:10:28.539 And he's teaching us now. 00:10:28.939 --> 00:10:30.639 More about how he is going to be. 00:10:30.699 --> 00:10:31.959 The saviour of men and women. 00:10:32.059 --> 00:10:33.340 And boys and girls like you and I. 00:10:35.220 --> 00:10:35.939 Verse 24. 00:10:36.079 --> 00:10:37.259 Truly truly I say to you. 00:10:37.259 --> 00:10:39.539 Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth. 00:10:39.659 --> 00:10:40.200 And dies. 00:10:40.299 --> 00:10:41.279 It remains alone. 00:10:41.460 --> 00:10:42.360 But if it dies. 00:10:42.480 --> 00:10:43.860 It bears much fruit. 00:10:45.939 --> 00:10:47.019 And that parable. 00:10:47.220 --> 00:10:48.659 Is Jesus' picture. 00:10:48.919 --> 00:10:49.919 Of the necessity. 00:10:49.919 --> 00:10:50.860 Of his coming death. 00:10:53.620 --> 00:10:55.240 The people around him. 00:10:55.360 --> 00:10:56.679 And even his own disciples. 00:10:57.120 --> 00:10:57.860 His disciples. 00:10:57.939 --> 00:10:58.299 His followers. 00:10:58.439 --> 00:11:00.120 They had not wanted to listen to him. 00:11:00.120 --> 00:11:01.899 When he spoke about his coming death. 00:11:03.500 --> 00:11:05.519 They didn't like hearing about. 00:11:06.320 --> 00:11:07.379 His suffering. 00:11:08.000 --> 00:11:09.139 His sin bearing. 00:11:09.340 --> 00:11:10.100 And then his resurrection. 00:11:12.100 --> 00:11:13.379 But now he says. 00:11:13.379 --> 00:11:14.980 There is a principle here. 00:11:15.019 --> 00:11:16.159 Which you need to grasp. 00:11:17.799 --> 00:11:19.480 The principle of bringing life. 00:11:19.620 --> 00:11:20.879 Of producing harvest. 00:11:21.159 --> 00:11:22.679 That I have come into the world. 00:11:23.620 --> 00:11:26.000 To bring a multitude of people. 00:11:26.320 --> 00:11:27.019 Who would be. 00:11:27.299 --> 00:11:28.240 The people of God. 00:11:29.659 --> 00:11:31.480 And how will this harvest come about. 00:11:31.559 --> 00:11:32.360 Of which the Greeks. 00:11:32.600 --> 00:11:33.580 Are a little first fruit. 00:11:35.379 --> 00:11:36.740 And Jesus' answer is this. 00:11:36.840 --> 00:11:37.120 He says. 00:11:37.200 --> 00:11:38.779 The way that it happens in nature. 00:11:40.379 --> 00:11:42.120 Is the way that it will happen in grace. 00:11:42.120 --> 00:11:45.679 The way that it happens in nature. 00:11:47.159 --> 00:11:49.460 Is the same way it happens in the kingdom of God. 00:11:51.639 --> 00:11:53.259 So unless a grain of wheat. 00:11:53.360 --> 00:11:54.060 A little seed. 00:11:55.200 --> 00:11:56.500 Goes into the ground. 00:11:56.799 --> 00:11:57.779 And dies. 00:11:59.379 --> 00:12:01.120 It will remain just a single seed. 00:12:02.820 --> 00:12:04.759 But if the seed goes into the ground. 00:12:04.919 --> 00:12:05.500 And dies. 00:12:05.679 --> 00:12:07.240 It will produce many seeds. 00:12:07.480 --> 00:12:08.019 Much fruit. 00:12:09.399 --> 00:12:10.860 The principle is really obvious. 00:12:11.000 --> 00:12:11.480 Really clear. 00:12:11.480 --> 00:12:12.580 It's the seed. 00:12:12.580 --> 00:12:14.039 That falls into the ground. 00:12:14.240 --> 00:12:16.080 That gives up its own life. 00:12:16.639 --> 00:12:17.940 And out of the husk. 00:12:18.180 --> 00:12:19.039 New life. 00:12:19.259 --> 00:12:20.100 Bursts forth. 00:12:21.879 --> 00:12:23.360 And many seeds come. 00:12:23.440 --> 00:12:24.200 Much fruit comes. 00:12:25.480 --> 00:12:26.340 And ultimately. 00:12:26.580 --> 00:12:27.920 There is a great harvest. 00:12:28.180 --> 00:12:29.460 Because the one seed. 00:12:29.620 --> 00:12:30.700 Went into the ground and died. 00:12:30.700 --> 00:12:33.759 Jesus says. 00:12:33.759 --> 00:12:34.440 The principle is this. 00:12:34.440 --> 00:12:35.259 The son of man. 00:12:35.980 --> 00:12:37.660 Will have to give up his life. 00:12:38.560 --> 00:12:39.460 In death. 00:12:40.540 --> 00:12:42.200 In order that the harvest. 00:12:42.900 --> 00:12:44.220 Of the gospel be reaped. 00:12:45.379 --> 00:12:47.680 In the lives of people like these Greeks. 00:12:47.679 --> 00:12:51.059 And he applies it in verse 25. 00:12:51.059 --> 00:12:51.620 To himself. 00:12:52.839 --> 00:12:53.620 And to others. 00:12:53.699 --> 00:12:54.219 Look what it says. 00:12:54.299 --> 00:12:54.539 It says. 00:12:54.639 --> 00:12:56.319 Whoever loves his life. 00:12:56.459 --> 00:12:56.899 Loses it. 00:12:58.099 --> 00:12:59.479 And whoever hates his life. 00:12:59.819 --> 00:13:00.599 In this world. 00:13:00.679 --> 00:13:01.859 Will keep it for eternal life. 00:13:02.919 --> 00:13:04.079 The word hate there. 00:13:04.159 --> 00:13:05.359 Is a comparative word. 00:13:05.639 --> 00:13:06.899 It's whoever gives up his life. 00:13:07.120 --> 00:13:08.299 Whoever loses his life. 00:13:08.719 --> 00:13:10.139 Whoever gives away his life. 00:13:10.139 --> 00:13:14.759 Jesus is saying to his followers. 00:13:14.939 --> 00:13:15.240 Isn't it? 00:13:15.679 --> 00:13:17.419 You want me to hold on to my life. 00:13:19.439 --> 00:13:20.460 Do you remember when Jesus. 00:13:20.759 --> 00:13:21.500 Explained something. 00:13:21.740 --> 00:13:22.539 Of the coming. 00:13:23.240 --> 00:13:24.399 Suffering that he would endure. 00:13:24.759 --> 00:13:25.580 His death. 00:13:25.720 --> 00:13:26.360 His arrest. 00:13:26.799 --> 00:13:27.360 His betrayal. 00:13:27.539 --> 00:13:28.220 His mockery. 00:13:29.419 --> 00:13:30.360 And the disciples. 00:13:30.659 --> 00:13:31.259 Had said. 00:13:31.399 --> 00:13:31.779 No, no, no. 00:13:32.120 --> 00:13:33.139 That's not going to happen. 00:13:33.319 --> 00:13:34.559 Far be it from you. 00:13:34.860 --> 00:13:35.899 When he told them about. 00:13:36.399 --> 00:13:36.799 Suffering. 00:13:36.899 --> 00:13:37.340 And death. 00:13:37.460 --> 00:13:38.080 And calvary. 00:13:38.200 --> 00:13:38.819 And his pain. 00:13:38.960 --> 00:13:39.740 And anguish. 00:13:39.740 --> 00:13:40.779 And how he will bear. 00:13:41.100 --> 00:13:42.120 The sins for his people. 00:13:42.200 --> 00:13:42.539 They said. 00:13:42.659 --> 00:13:44.159 Far be it from you Lord. 00:13:45.820 --> 00:13:46.899 And Jesus says. 00:13:47.820 --> 00:13:49.580 Unless I give up my life. 00:13:50.680 --> 00:13:51.740 It will produce nothing. 00:13:53.779 --> 00:13:56.019 It is in my death. 00:13:56.879 --> 00:13:58.360 That fruit will be born. 00:14:00.759 --> 00:14:02.919 And we've seen how gloriously true that is. 00:14:04.139 --> 00:14:05.279 The necessity. 00:14:05.860 --> 00:14:07.019 Of his death. 00:14:07.279 --> 00:14:08.480 For our place. 00:14:08.480 --> 00:14:10.659 For our salvation. 00:14:12.800 --> 00:14:14.300 But can you notice here again. 00:14:14.420 --> 00:14:15.860 Jesus takes the same principle. 00:14:16.279 --> 00:14:17.639 That he says about himself. 00:14:18.740 --> 00:14:20.399 And he applies it to his people. 00:14:22.560 --> 00:14:24.759 That it's not only a pattern for his dying. 00:14:24.899 --> 00:14:25.759 As our saviour. 00:14:26.000 --> 00:14:27.740 It's the pattern for our living. 00:14:27.940 --> 00:14:28.820 As his servants. 00:14:28.899 --> 00:14:29.700 Look at verse 25. 00:14:31.560 --> 00:14:32.480 Verse 25 says. 00:14:32.480 --> 00:14:32.840 Whoever. 00:14:33.039 --> 00:14:33.620 That's you and I. 00:14:33.840 --> 00:14:34.220 Whoever. 00:14:34.820 --> 00:14:35.560 Loves his life. 00:14:35.639 --> 00:14:36.100 Loses it. 00:14:36.100 --> 00:14:37.759 And whoever hates his life in this world. 00:14:37.840 --> 00:14:39.180 Will keep it for eternal life. 00:14:39.980 --> 00:14:41.060 If anyone serves me. 00:14:41.840 --> 00:14:42.680 He must follow me. 00:14:42.779 --> 00:14:43.440 And where I am. 00:14:43.540 --> 00:14:44.659 There will my servant be also. 00:14:44.980 --> 00:14:46.200 He's issuing. 00:14:46.879 --> 00:14:47.279 This. 00:14:48.019 --> 00:14:48.379 Claim. 00:14:48.519 --> 00:14:50.159 That if you are going to be my. 00:14:51.159 --> 00:14:51.600 Follower. 00:14:51.720 --> 00:14:53.360 If you are going to be his servant. 00:14:53.879 --> 00:14:55.320 You need to live on this principle too. 00:14:55.320 --> 00:14:59.940 And so he says to you and I this morning. 00:15:00.060 --> 00:15:01.480 If you want to hold on to your life. 00:15:02.660 --> 00:15:04.640 And keep it for yourself. 00:15:06.200 --> 00:15:08.440 And if you refuse the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:15:08.560 --> 00:15:10.320 And his call to come to him. 00:15:10.580 --> 00:15:12.740 And if you refuse to deny yourself. 00:15:13.360 --> 00:15:15.160 And abandon everything. 00:15:15.320 --> 00:15:16.560 For the sake of Jesus Christ. 00:15:16.780 --> 00:15:18.660 And if you want to hold on to your life. 00:15:18.879 --> 00:15:21.140 It will actually slip through your fingers. 00:15:21.139 --> 00:15:23.659 And that's what will happen. 00:15:26.379 --> 00:15:27.480 And if you come. 00:15:28.720 --> 00:15:30.399 As these people came to Jesus. 00:15:30.740 --> 00:15:31.639 And you refuse. 00:15:31.819 --> 00:15:32.740 And you reject him. 00:15:33.879 --> 00:15:36.960 In all the fullness of his demand for discipleship. 00:15:38.220 --> 00:15:39.879 They held on to their lives. 00:15:40.120 --> 00:15:41.319 They kept them for themselves. 00:15:41.860 --> 00:15:43.620 They did not experience the cost. 00:15:43.699 --> 00:15:45.580 Of giving up everything over to Jesus. 00:15:45.899 --> 00:15:47.379 Of losing their life. 00:15:47.580 --> 00:15:48.759 For his sake and the gospel. 00:15:48.759 --> 00:15:49.620 They kept them. 00:15:50.100 --> 00:15:51.299 Their own little plans. 00:15:51.659 --> 00:15:52.720 Their own little treasures. 00:15:53.399 --> 00:15:54.620 Everything that they decided. 00:15:54.740 --> 00:15:56.000 That they were going to live for. 00:15:57.639 --> 00:15:58.960 My life is my own. 00:15:59.059 --> 00:16:00.179 Do with what I please. 00:16:01.620 --> 00:16:02.779 And what happened was. 00:16:02.919 --> 00:16:04.799 Their life fell through their fingers. 00:16:07.139 --> 00:16:08.039 Like a liquid. 00:16:08.340 --> 00:16:10.000 That you cannot hold on to. 00:16:10.259 --> 00:16:12.539 Like a fistful of sand. 00:16:12.679 --> 00:16:14.240 That just goes through your fingers. 00:16:14.240 --> 00:16:17.700 And what Jesus is saying. 00:16:17.779 --> 00:16:18.940 Is the only way. 00:16:19.200 --> 00:16:20.779 For you to find your life. 00:16:22.220 --> 00:16:23.580 Is to count it as nothing. 00:16:24.320 --> 00:16:25.940 And to give it away for the Lord Jesus. 00:16:28.200 --> 00:16:29.220 Do you see what he's saying? 00:16:29.659 --> 00:16:31.340 A man or woman who loves his life. 00:16:31.419 --> 00:16:31.840 Will lose it. 00:16:33.399 --> 00:16:35.240 While the man who refuses to do that. 00:16:36.580 --> 00:16:37.820 Who hates his life. 00:16:37.899 --> 00:16:38.460 In this world. 00:16:38.539 --> 00:16:39.940 Will keep it for eternal life. 00:16:39.940 --> 00:16:42.760 Whoever serves me. 00:16:42.800 --> 00:16:43.540 Must follow me. 00:16:44.360 --> 00:16:45.200 Where I am. 00:16:45.300 --> 00:16:46.760 There my servant will be also. 00:16:46.860 --> 00:16:47.740 So there's the principle. 00:16:49.100 --> 00:16:49.900 It's a principle. 00:16:49.980 --> 00:16:51.420 That applies to the Lord Jesus. 00:16:51.700 --> 00:16:52.440 But it's a principle. 00:16:52.580 --> 00:16:53.600 That applies to his church. 00:16:53.600 --> 00:16:54.500 Church as well. 00:16:56.280 --> 00:16:57.000 And Jesus. 00:16:57.280 --> 00:16:58.400 Goes on to describe. 00:16:58.540 --> 00:16:58.720 Notice. 00:16:59.200 --> 00:17:00.340 And what his death. 00:17:00.540 --> 00:17:01.620 Is going to mean to him. 00:17:03.760 --> 00:17:04.779 People often say. 00:17:04.779 --> 00:17:05.779 There's no. 00:17:06.920 --> 00:17:07.480 Gethsemane. 00:17:07.859 --> 00:17:09.000 In John's gospel. 00:17:09.399 --> 00:17:10.180 That it doesn't occur. 00:17:10.299 --> 00:17:11.000 In John's gospel. 00:17:11.700 --> 00:17:12.079 And of course. 00:17:12.639 --> 00:17:13.339 That is true. 00:17:13.420 --> 00:17:14.500 In a strict sense. 00:17:16.200 --> 00:17:17.139 But verse 27. 00:17:17.379 --> 00:17:18.839 Is really John's equivalent. 00:17:19.039 --> 00:17:19.799 Of Gethsemane. 00:17:21.639 --> 00:17:22.879 Where Jesus says. 00:17:23.139 --> 00:17:23.980 My heart. 00:17:24.139 --> 00:17:24.839 Is troubled. 00:17:27.399 --> 00:17:28.420 The word is. 00:17:29.299 --> 00:17:29.920 That is weak. 00:17:30.059 --> 00:17:31.299 It's more profound than that. 00:17:31.579 --> 00:17:32.519 It's my soul. 00:17:32.639 --> 00:17:33.879 Is in anguish. 00:17:35.519 --> 00:17:36.319 My soul. 00:17:36.480 --> 00:17:37.700 Is in distress. 00:17:39.980 --> 00:17:40.660 A distress. 00:17:40.660 --> 00:17:41.359 That runs through. 00:17:41.619 --> 00:17:42.279 Every area. 00:17:42.279 --> 00:17:43.099 Of my life. 00:17:43.500 --> 00:17:44.160 It's what Jesus. 00:17:44.160 --> 00:17:44.960 Is speaking about. 00:17:45.019 --> 00:17:45.339 When he says. 00:17:45.480 --> 00:17:45.819 My soul. 00:17:45.899 --> 00:17:46.200 Is troubled. 00:17:46.259 --> 00:17:46.720 Within me. 00:17:49.299 --> 00:17:50.099 What shall I say. 00:17:50.180 --> 00:17:50.359 He says. 00:17:50.399 --> 00:17:50.779 My soul. 00:17:50.819 --> 00:17:51.139 Is troubled. 00:17:51.420 --> 00:17:52.059 And what shall I say. 00:17:52.139 --> 00:17:52.359 Father. 00:17:52.460 --> 00:17:52.839 Save me. 00:17:52.920 --> 00:17:53.379 From this hour. 00:17:55.619 --> 00:17:56.639 But for this purpose. 00:17:56.700 --> 00:17:57.519 I came into the world. 00:17:59.019 --> 00:17:59.379 Father. 00:17:59.859 --> 00:18:00.220 Glorify. 00:18:00.539 --> 00:18:01.379 Your name. 00:18:03.339 --> 00:18:03.960 It's exactly. 00:18:04.039 --> 00:18:04.700 The same kind of thing. 00:18:04.700 --> 00:18:05.680 That Jesus was facing. 00:18:05.799 --> 00:18:06.500 In Gethsemane. 00:18:07.920 --> 00:18:08.500 Do you remember. 00:18:08.580 --> 00:18:08.840 He said. 00:18:09.039 --> 00:18:09.600 Let this cup. 00:18:10.440 --> 00:18:10.840 Pass. 00:18:11.160 --> 00:18:11.519 From me. 00:18:11.620 --> 00:18:12.160 But nevertheless. 00:18:12.420 --> 00:18:13.279 Not my will. 00:18:13.340 --> 00:18:14.340 But yours be done. 00:18:16.519 --> 00:18:17.720 And that anguish. 00:18:17.860 --> 00:18:18.819 That Jesus felt. 00:18:18.980 --> 00:18:19.819 In Gethsemane. 00:18:19.940 --> 00:18:20.559 That shadow. 00:18:20.700 --> 00:18:21.580 That passed over him. 00:18:21.620 --> 00:18:22.259 In Gethsemane. 00:18:22.360 --> 00:18:23.100 Is exactly the same. 00:18:23.160 --> 00:18:24.220 As John is describing here. 00:18:25.080 --> 00:18:26.039 Why is Jesus. 00:18:26.440 --> 00:18:27.240 So troubled. 00:18:27.240 --> 00:18:29.839 It's not merely. 00:18:29.839 --> 00:18:31.059 That he was facing death. 00:18:31.160 --> 00:18:31.819 And physical hurt. 00:18:31.819 --> 00:18:32.259 And pain. 00:18:33.980 --> 00:18:35.460 But because he was facing. 00:18:35.599 --> 00:18:36.380 What it meant. 00:18:36.500 --> 00:18:37.940 To be the sin bearer. 00:18:38.819 --> 00:18:40.079 As he looked out. 00:18:40.160 --> 00:18:40.859 Over Jerusalem. 00:18:41.059 --> 00:18:41.900 As he looked out. 00:18:41.960 --> 00:18:42.660 Over these people. 00:18:42.660 --> 00:18:42.940 Now. 00:18:43.120 --> 00:18:44.359 Surrounding him. 00:18:44.620 --> 00:18:45.339 And he realised. 00:18:45.339 --> 00:18:46.220 That death. 00:18:46.299 --> 00:18:47.099 On the cross. 00:18:48.460 --> 00:18:49.220 Was to mean. 00:18:49.380 --> 00:18:49.980 That all the. 00:18:50.319 --> 00:18:51.099 Great burden. 00:18:51.259 --> 00:18:52.180 Of the sins. 00:18:52.180 --> 00:18:53.220 Of his men. 00:18:53.259 --> 00:18:53.519 And women. 00:18:53.600 --> 00:18:54.420 And boys and girls. 00:18:54.680 --> 00:18:55.920 Was to come upon him. 00:18:57.740 --> 00:18:59.299 And he was to bear it. 00:18:59.759 --> 00:19:00.640 In his body. 00:19:00.759 --> 00:19:01.400 On the tree. 00:19:03.400 --> 00:19:04.740 He was to know. 00:19:04.880 --> 00:19:05.759 What it was. 00:19:06.539 --> 00:19:07.560 To experience. 00:19:07.779 --> 00:19:09.060 The judgement of God. 00:19:10.279 --> 00:19:11.140 Upon sin. 00:19:12.740 --> 00:19:13.880 And he cries out. 00:19:13.960 --> 00:19:14.880 My soul is. 00:19:15.380 --> 00:19:15.779 Troubled. 00:19:15.900 --> 00:19:16.740 What shall I say. 00:19:17.060 --> 00:19:18.220 And he longed. 00:19:18.220 --> 00:19:19.660 To be spared that. 00:19:19.660 --> 00:19:22.200 But he says. 00:19:22.380 --> 00:19:23.060 My hour has come. 00:19:25.019 --> 00:19:25.560 And Jesus. 00:19:25.759 --> 00:19:26.200 Realising. 00:19:26.300 --> 00:19:27.519 The full horror of it. 00:19:27.580 --> 00:19:28.380 But in verse 28. 00:19:28.480 --> 00:19:28.779 He says. 00:19:28.920 --> 00:19:29.120 Father. 00:19:29.279 --> 00:19:30.300 Glorify your name. 00:19:30.600 --> 00:19:31.140 And then a voice. 00:19:31.320 --> 00:19:31.860 Comes from heaven. 00:19:34.100 --> 00:19:34.500 Saying. 00:19:35.620 --> 00:19:37.100 I have glorified it. 00:19:38.440 --> 00:19:40.380 And I will glorify it. 00:19:41.600 --> 00:19:41.980 The crowd. 00:19:42.180 --> 00:19:42.720 Stood there. 00:19:42.759 --> 00:19:43.220 They heard it. 00:19:43.259 --> 00:19:44.200 They thought. 00:19:44.500 --> 00:19:45.360 That it had thundered. 00:19:45.420 --> 00:19:46.060 That's what the voice. 00:19:46.060 --> 00:19:46.920 Sounded like. 00:19:47.000 --> 00:19:47.380 Others said. 00:19:47.420 --> 00:19:48.279 An angel had spoken. 00:19:49.660 --> 00:19:50.779 And Jesus answered. 00:19:50.900 --> 00:19:51.920 The voice is for your sake. 00:19:51.940 --> 00:19:52.519 And not for mine. 00:19:54.480 --> 00:19:55.540 Now is the judgement. 00:19:55.640 --> 00:19:56.240 Of this world. 00:19:56.460 --> 00:19:57.400 Now will the ruler. 00:19:57.400 --> 00:19:58.060 Of this world. 00:19:58.180 --> 00:19:59.019 Be cast out. 00:19:59.160 --> 00:19:59.580 The devil. 00:20:01.140 --> 00:20:02.340 And when I'm lifted up. 00:20:02.500 --> 00:20:03.160 From the earth. 00:20:03.259 --> 00:20:04.100 I will draw. 00:20:04.300 --> 00:20:05.040 All people. 00:20:05.220 --> 00:20:05.920 To myself. 00:20:07.160 --> 00:20:08.040 And he said this. 00:20:08.080 --> 00:20:08.880 To show what kind of death. 00:20:08.920 --> 00:20:09.560 He was going to die. 00:20:11.720 --> 00:20:12.580 The Greeks. 00:20:13.100 --> 00:20:13.900 Who come. 00:20:15.300 --> 00:20:16.019 And say. 00:20:16.300 --> 00:20:16.640 Sir. 00:20:16.700 --> 00:20:17.660 We want to see Jesus. 00:20:17.660 --> 00:20:20.980 Are just a little preview. 00:20:20.980 --> 00:20:21.360 Of that. 00:20:21.500 --> 00:20:22.060 Of him drawing. 00:20:22.180 --> 00:20:22.920 All people to himself. 00:20:25.320 --> 00:20:26.560 So here is Jesus. 00:20:26.820 --> 00:20:27.640 Giving himself. 00:20:28.140 --> 00:20:29.340 To be cast into the ground. 00:20:30.400 --> 00:20:31.759 To bear the sins. 00:20:31.900 --> 00:20:32.279 Of many. 00:20:33.560 --> 00:20:34.600 To be the object. 00:20:34.800 --> 00:20:35.259 And the judgement. 00:20:35.400 --> 00:20:36.120 Of a holy God. 00:20:36.180 --> 00:20:37.200 In order that he might. 00:20:37.380 --> 00:20:38.120 Set you and I. 00:20:38.220 --> 00:20:38.700 Free from it. 00:20:40.360 --> 00:20:41.019 But finally. 00:20:41.120 --> 00:20:41.700 John goes on. 00:20:42.220 --> 00:20:42.820 To reveal to us. 00:20:42.860 --> 00:20:43.519 A third picture. 00:20:43.640 --> 00:20:43.960 Of Jesus. 00:20:44.060 --> 00:20:45.240 Not only as the coming king. 00:20:45.480 --> 00:20:46.519 And the dying seed. 00:20:46.519 --> 00:20:47.759 But the rejected saviour. 00:20:49.799 --> 00:20:50.500 Yet some of this. 00:20:50.579 --> 00:20:51.180 From verse 34. 00:20:51.299 --> 00:20:51.680 When the crowd. 00:20:51.799 --> 00:20:52.819 Began to debate with him. 00:20:53.779 --> 00:20:54.680 Who is this son? 00:20:54.759 --> 00:20:55.839 Verse 34. 00:20:55.980 --> 00:20:56.960 The crowd answered him. 00:20:57.639 --> 00:20:58.980 We've heard from the law. 00:20:59.079 --> 00:20:59.619 That the Christ. 00:20:59.779 --> 00:21:00.579 Remains forever. 00:21:01.759 --> 00:21:02.460 How can you. 00:21:02.660 --> 00:21:03.619 Say that the son of man. 00:21:03.660 --> 00:21:04.319 Will be lifted up. 00:21:05.440 --> 00:21:06.619 Who is this son of man? 00:21:08.200 --> 00:21:08.819 And Jesus. 00:21:08.940 --> 00:21:09.920 Begins to describe. 00:21:09.920 --> 00:21:10.220 To them. 00:21:10.319 --> 00:21:11.119 The danger. 00:21:12.339 --> 00:21:13.200 Of rejecting. 00:21:13.200 --> 00:21:13.740 The saviour. 00:21:13.740 --> 00:21:14.559 There's two dangers. 00:21:14.740 --> 00:21:15.039 I think. 00:21:15.039 --> 00:21:17.359 The first danger. 00:21:17.359 --> 00:21:19.420 Is that of departing light. 00:21:19.659 --> 00:21:20.539 Of the light going out. 00:21:21.720 --> 00:21:22.720 And the second danger. 00:21:22.799 --> 00:21:23.720 Is that of a hardening heart. 00:21:25.859 --> 00:21:26.659 Just notice. 00:21:26.819 --> 00:21:28.019 How Jesus describes. 00:21:28.180 --> 00:21:29.059 This danger in verse 35. 00:21:29.220 --> 00:21:29.440 He says. 00:21:29.519 --> 00:21:30.319 The light is among you. 00:21:30.359 --> 00:21:31.359 Just for a little while longer. 00:21:33.279 --> 00:21:34.539 Walk while you have the light. 00:21:34.659 --> 00:21:36.039 Lest darkness overtake you. 00:21:36.319 --> 00:21:37.259 The one who walks. 00:21:37.259 --> 00:21:37.920 In the darkness. 00:21:38.099 --> 00:21:38.680 Does not know. 00:21:38.759 --> 00:21:39.319 Where he's going. 00:21:40.720 --> 00:21:41.700 While you have the light. 00:21:41.960 --> 00:21:42.599 Believe in the light. 00:21:43.319 --> 00:21:44.259 That you might become. 00:21:44.259 --> 00:21:44.980 The sons of the light. 00:21:46.740 --> 00:21:47.579 And when Jesus. 00:21:47.720 --> 00:21:48.660 Had said these things. 00:21:49.480 --> 00:21:50.279 He departed. 00:21:50.400 --> 00:21:51.019 And he hid himself. 00:21:51.180 --> 00:21:52.099 Hid himself from them. 00:21:54.220 --> 00:21:54.819 Of course. 00:21:55.619 --> 00:21:56.180 We know. 00:21:56.240 --> 00:21:56.420 Don't we. 00:21:56.440 --> 00:21:56.839 We've come through. 00:21:56.920 --> 00:21:57.319 John's gospel. 00:21:57.420 --> 00:21:58.480 And we've seen that picture. 00:21:58.480 --> 00:21:59.019 Of Jesus. 00:21:59.180 --> 00:21:59.660 As the light. 00:21:59.720 --> 00:22:00.539 Again and again. 00:22:02.019 --> 00:22:02.759 He's the light. 00:22:02.799 --> 00:22:03.339 Of the world. 00:22:05.359 --> 00:22:06.019 But here. 00:22:06.119 --> 00:22:06.480 Can you see. 00:22:06.480 --> 00:22:07.339 What Jesus is talking about. 00:22:07.400 --> 00:22:08.000 Is the departure. 00:22:08.160 --> 00:22:08.500 Of the light. 00:22:10.379 --> 00:22:11.279 For three years. 00:22:11.279 --> 00:22:12.579 The light of the world. 00:22:12.700 --> 00:22:13.500 Has dwelt on earth. 00:22:15.000 --> 00:22:16.220 The light of the world. 00:22:16.220 --> 00:22:17.500 Has lit it up. 00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:20.460 These were people. 00:22:20.539 --> 00:22:21.059 Listening to him. 00:22:21.139 --> 00:22:22.420 Who'd been around Galilee. 00:22:22.519 --> 00:22:24.079 They'd seen the miraculous signs. 00:22:24.180 --> 00:22:25.139 They'd seen what he'd done. 00:22:25.200 --> 00:22:25.799 They'd seen him. 00:22:26.059 --> 00:22:26.740 Heal the sick. 00:22:27.539 --> 00:22:27.899 And. 00:22:29.680 --> 00:22:31.180 Feed the five thousand. 00:22:31.700 --> 00:22:32.799 Bring back the dead. 00:22:33.000 --> 00:22:33.639 To life. 00:22:34.099 --> 00:22:34.859 They'd watched him. 00:22:34.920 --> 00:22:35.680 They'd heard him. 00:22:36.639 --> 00:22:37.960 And the light of the world. 00:22:38.000 --> 00:22:38.619 Was shining. 00:22:38.960 --> 00:22:39.519 Upon them. 00:22:39.519 --> 00:22:40.319 Do you see what is happening. 00:22:41.279 --> 00:22:42.480 They're rejecting the light. 00:22:44.299 --> 00:22:45.440 And Jesus says to them. 00:22:45.500 --> 00:22:46.119 Put your trust. 00:22:46.240 --> 00:22:46.819 In the light. 00:22:46.920 --> 00:22:47.619 While you have it. 00:22:47.879 --> 00:22:48.660 So that you become. 00:22:48.859 --> 00:22:49.559 Sons and daughters. 00:22:49.559 --> 00:22:50.099 Of the light. 00:22:52.099 --> 00:22:53.220 Because you will only. 00:22:53.220 --> 00:22:53.900 Have the light. 00:22:54.019 --> 00:22:55.000 A little while longer. 00:22:58.359 --> 00:22:59.700 I think this is a note. 00:22:59.700 --> 00:23:00.980 That's consistently found. 00:23:01.099 --> 00:23:01.539 In the Bible. 00:23:03.940 --> 00:23:05.000 That when people. 00:23:05.319 --> 00:23:06.420 Are rejecting God. 00:23:07.879 --> 00:23:09.440 And they reject his voice. 00:23:09.519 --> 00:23:11.779 And his word. 00:23:13.440 --> 00:23:14.639 There comes a point. 00:23:14.639 --> 00:23:15.279 Where God. 00:23:15.599 --> 00:23:16.440 Withdraws his word. 00:23:18.119 --> 00:23:19.160 You see it again and again. 00:23:19.240 --> 00:23:19.900 In Israel's history. 00:23:21.400 --> 00:23:22.759 When the day of grace. 00:23:22.900 --> 00:23:24.460 When the day of opportunity. 00:23:24.819 --> 00:23:25.700 Comes to an end. 00:23:27.299 --> 00:23:28.559 And here for these people. 00:23:28.619 --> 00:23:29.319 It certainly was true. 00:23:29.379 --> 00:23:29.639 Wasn't it? 00:23:31.400 --> 00:23:32.379 Verse 36. 00:23:32.539 --> 00:23:33.740 That there shouldn't be a division. 00:23:33.740 --> 00:23:35.220 Between 35 and 36. 00:23:35.339 --> 00:23:36.220 It goes straight on. 00:23:36.279 --> 00:23:37.160 I don't know why they've done that. 00:23:37.160 --> 00:23:38.940 When Jesus said these things. 00:23:39.060 --> 00:23:39.660 He departed. 00:23:42.200 --> 00:23:43.600 And hid himself from them. 00:23:46.000 --> 00:23:47.100 And as far as we know. 00:23:47.180 --> 00:23:48.540 This is the last time. 00:23:48.640 --> 00:23:49.259 Jesus preached. 00:23:49.420 --> 00:23:50.140 And taught publicly. 00:23:52.820 --> 00:23:54.019 And one of the ways. 00:23:54.120 --> 00:23:55.360 That we reject Jesus. 00:23:55.360 --> 00:23:56.980 Is by putting him off. 00:23:56.980 --> 00:24:00.920 And it's a really dangerous thing to do. 00:24:03.940 --> 00:24:05.259 There are many people. 00:24:05.519 --> 00:24:07.319 Who have a period of time. 00:24:07.400 --> 00:24:07.960 In their life. 00:24:08.180 --> 00:24:10.079 We call it a season of God's grace. 00:24:11.539 --> 00:24:12.880 Where God speaks to them. 00:24:14.480 --> 00:24:15.460 He gives them. 00:24:16.099 --> 00:24:16.740 Opportunity. 00:24:16.740 --> 00:24:20.880 And they treat it lightly. 00:24:22.440 --> 00:24:23.519 And they're not bothered. 00:24:23.640 --> 00:24:25.039 To do anything about it. 00:24:26.240 --> 00:24:27.859 And the days pass by. 00:24:29.240 --> 00:24:30.660 And the opportunity passes. 00:24:33.400 --> 00:24:34.779 I've watched it in people's lives. 00:24:34.900 --> 00:24:37.440 Times when God has been graciously. 00:24:37.640 --> 00:24:38.559 Dealing with someone. 00:24:40.099 --> 00:24:41.839 And God has been pleading with them. 00:24:41.920 --> 00:24:43.400 And God has brought his light. 00:24:43.539 --> 00:24:44.779 To bear upon their lives. 00:24:44.779 --> 00:24:47.220 And they've paid very little attention. 00:24:48.660 --> 00:24:49.500 And to those people. 00:24:49.599 --> 00:24:50.200 Jesus says. 00:24:50.279 --> 00:24:51.039 You will have the light. 00:24:51.119 --> 00:24:52.099 Just a little while longer. 00:24:55.720 --> 00:24:57.220 You've got a moment of opportunity. 00:24:59.460 --> 00:25:01.039 But that window of opportunity. 00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:02.039 Will come to an end. 00:25:05.180 --> 00:25:06.339 Do you notice the other thing. 00:25:06.420 --> 00:25:07.660 He focuses his attention on. 00:25:07.879 --> 00:25:08.440 Verse 37. 00:25:08.639 --> 00:25:09.619 There's this whole principle. 00:25:09.619 --> 00:25:10.720 Of hardening hearts. 00:25:12.519 --> 00:25:14.220 It's linked with the departing of the light. 00:25:14.220 --> 00:25:16.220 And Jesus quotes from Isaiah 53. 00:25:16.360 --> 00:25:17.079 And then Isaiah 6. 00:25:17.420 --> 00:25:18.079 He says this. 00:25:18.819 --> 00:25:19.900 He's blinded their eyes. 00:25:20.039 --> 00:25:21.120 Hardened their hearts. 00:25:21.519 --> 00:25:22.539 Lest with their eyes. 00:25:23.500 --> 00:25:24.740 They see with their eyes. 00:25:24.799 --> 00:25:25.980 And understand with their hearts. 00:25:26.100 --> 00:25:27.120 And turn and I would heal them. 00:25:28.600 --> 00:25:29.860 And the reason is because. 00:25:30.039 --> 00:25:31.480 There's this process of hardening. 00:25:32.799 --> 00:25:33.720 It's taking place. 00:25:33.960 --> 00:25:34.819 It's really interesting. 00:25:36.059 --> 00:25:37.880 That John says in verse 41. 00:25:38.100 --> 00:25:39.240 Isaiah said these things. 00:25:39.240 --> 00:25:40.920 Because he saw his glory. 00:25:42.120 --> 00:25:43.220 And spoke of him. 00:25:43.220 --> 00:25:46.059 The people. 00:25:47.259 --> 00:25:48.500 Who are listening to Jesus. 00:25:48.680 --> 00:25:49.759 Are in that very position. 00:25:50.140 --> 00:25:51.819 They've seen his glory. 00:25:52.079 --> 00:25:53.039 And God was speaking to them. 00:25:55.500 --> 00:25:56.779 And they were experiencing. 00:25:57.000 --> 00:25:57.819 A hardening. 00:26:01.819 --> 00:26:03.220 Let's just imagine. 00:26:03.380 --> 00:26:04.559 It was sunny this afternoon. 00:26:04.779 --> 00:26:04.960 Alright. 00:26:05.720 --> 00:26:06.500 And it was warm. 00:26:06.600 --> 00:26:07.440 Do you remember that? 00:26:08.240 --> 00:26:09.140 We long for it. 00:26:09.200 --> 00:26:09.339 Don't we? 00:26:09.380 --> 00:26:10.079 I'm yearning. 00:26:10.180 --> 00:26:11.200 Just for a bit of heat. 00:26:11.200 --> 00:26:11.740 Isn't it? 00:26:11.880 --> 00:26:12.600 Let's just imagine. 00:26:12.660 --> 00:26:14.019 It was a sunny day outside. 00:26:15.240 --> 00:26:16.519 One of those really boiling. 00:26:16.740 --> 00:26:17.900 Baking hot days in London. 00:26:18.160 --> 00:26:19.039 And we took outside. 00:26:19.160 --> 00:26:20.200 And on one plate. 00:26:20.440 --> 00:26:21.299 We put. 00:26:22.299 --> 00:26:23.059 Ice cream. 00:26:24.299 --> 00:26:25.660 And we put it in the sunshine. 00:26:25.660 --> 00:26:28.000 And on the other plate. 00:26:28.000 --> 00:26:29.320 We got play dough. 00:26:29.320 --> 00:26:30.660 Out of the plastic container. 00:26:30.980 --> 00:26:32.460 And we squashed the play dough down. 00:26:32.620 --> 00:26:33.840 And we put that on a plate. 00:26:34.120 --> 00:26:34.940 Next door. 00:26:35.519 --> 00:26:36.500 To the ice cream. 00:26:38.660 --> 00:26:39.880 And they're left. 00:26:40.259 --> 00:26:41.480 In the baking hot sunshine. 00:26:41.600 --> 00:26:42.580 What happens to the ice cream? 00:26:44.019 --> 00:26:44.800 It melts. 00:26:45.480 --> 00:26:46.619 What happens to the play dough? 00:26:48.059 --> 00:26:48.720 Gets hard. 00:26:49.519 --> 00:26:50.180 It bakes. 00:26:52.159 --> 00:26:52.700 We know. 00:26:52.759 --> 00:26:52.940 Don't we? 00:26:52.940 --> 00:26:53.319 What would happen. 00:26:53.379 --> 00:26:53.599 Wasn't it? 00:26:53.680 --> 00:26:54.299 The sun. 00:26:54.460 --> 00:26:55.940 Would melt the ice cream down. 00:26:56.180 --> 00:26:57.419 It would bake hard. 00:26:57.500 --> 00:26:57.919 The play dough. 00:26:58.059 --> 00:26:58.879 Then it would become useless. 00:26:59.000 --> 00:26:59.680 You'd have to check it out. 00:27:00.940 --> 00:27:01.859 One would be melted. 00:27:02.019 --> 00:27:02.899 One would be baked down. 00:27:02.960 --> 00:27:03.899 The same opportunities. 00:27:04.299 --> 00:27:05.240 The same sun. 00:27:05.240 --> 00:27:05.319 The sun. 00:27:08.119 --> 00:27:09.220 And the sun of righteousness. 00:27:09.500 --> 00:27:10.339 The Lord Jesus Christ. 00:27:10.440 --> 00:27:11.259 The grace of God. 00:27:12.539 --> 00:27:13.159 He shines. 00:27:13.160 --> 00:27:14.880 The light of the world. 00:27:16.140 --> 00:27:17.440 The same expression. 00:27:17.640 --> 00:27:19.060 Of his love and tenderness. 00:27:19.540 --> 00:27:20.940 And when the light of Jesus Christ. 00:27:21.040 --> 00:27:21.440 Shines. 00:27:21.720 --> 00:27:22.900 It does one of two things. 00:27:23.019 --> 00:27:23.600 This morning. 00:27:24.000 --> 00:27:24.519 Right here. 00:27:24.600 --> 00:27:25.080 Right now. 00:27:25.900 --> 00:27:26.340 One. 00:27:26.600 --> 00:27:27.360 It melts. 00:27:28.640 --> 00:27:30.259 Those before God. 00:27:31.120 --> 00:27:32.660 In willing obedience. 00:27:34.500 --> 00:27:35.460 And the other. 00:27:36.940 --> 00:27:37.380 Terrifyingly. 00:27:37.480 --> 00:27:38.220 Is baked hard. 00:27:39.740 --> 00:27:41.100 And becomes more. 00:27:41.259 --> 00:27:42.420 And more impenetrable. 00:27:43.160 --> 00:27:44.100 To the voice of God. 00:27:46.340 --> 00:27:47.680 And that's why Jesus says to them. 00:27:47.720 --> 00:27:49.120 Like he says to you and I this morning. 00:27:49.480 --> 00:27:49.840 Walk. 00:27:50.220 --> 00:27:50.960 In the light. 00:27:51.519 --> 00:27:52.420 While you have the light. 00:27:55.980 --> 00:27:56.720 Let me finish. 00:27:57.620 --> 00:27:58.820 And point out to you other ways. 00:27:58.900 --> 00:27:59.840 People rejected the saviour. 00:27:59.900 --> 00:28:00.840 Look at verses 42. 00:28:00.839 --> 00:28:01.039 To. 00:28:02.480 --> 00:28:02.839 Nevertheless. 00:28:03.059 --> 00:28:03.279 Many. 00:28:03.279 --> 00:28:04.119 Even the authorities. 00:28:04.299 --> 00:28:04.799 Believed in him. 00:28:04.859 --> 00:28:05.939 But for fear of the Pharisees. 00:28:06.000 --> 00:28:06.959 They did not confess it. 00:28:07.759 --> 00:28:09.500 So they would not be put out of the synagogue. 00:28:09.679 --> 00:28:10.639 They valued their position. 00:28:12.099 --> 00:28:13.099 And here's the killer. 00:28:13.299 --> 00:28:14.059 Verse 43. 00:28:14.379 --> 00:28:16.259 For they loved the glory that comes from man. 00:28:17.519 --> 00:28:19.099 More than the glory that comes from God. 00:28:19.099 --> 00:28:23.459 And you wonder just how long they went on. 00:28:23.559 --> 00:28:25.959 Being more afraid of man. 00:28:26.959 --> 00:28:27.779 Than God. 00:28:28.359 --> 00:28:29.439 Maybe that's you this morning. 00:28:31.139 --> 00:28:32.240 Jesus highlights another. 00:28:32.459 --> 00:28:33.359 In verse 47. 00:28:33.659 --> 00:28:33.939 He says. 00:28:34.039 --> 00:28:35.119 If anyone hears my words. 00:28:35.159 --> 00:28:36.019 And does not keep them. 00:28:36.259 --> 00:28:37.240 I do not judge him. 00:28:38.159 --> 00:28:39.539 For I did not come to judge the world. 00:28:39.579 --> 00:28:40.419 But to save the world. 00:28:40.419 --> 00:28:41.539 The one who rejects me. 00:28:41.639 --> 00:28:42.819 And does not receive my words. 00:28:42.899 --> 00:28:43.459 Has a judge. 00:28:43.919 --> 00:28:45.500 The words that I have spoken. 00:28:45.719 --> 00:28:46.980 Will judge him on the last day. 00:28:46.980 --> 00:28:49.299 It's a different kind of rejection. 00:28:49.620 --> 00:28:50.960 It's the kind of rejection. 00:28:51.759 --> 00:28:53.579 Well it's a churchgoer's rejection. 00:28:53.900 --> 00:28:55.039 It accepts the word. 00:28:55.140 --> 00:28:56.599 It enjoys the words. 00:28:57.900 --> 00:28:59.579 It even believes it to a certain degree. 00:28:59.720 --> 00:29:00.599 But doesn't obey it. 00:29:02.759 --> 00:29:04.220 It's the tragedy of people. 00:29:04.319 --> 00:29:05.360 Who sit in churches like this. 00:29:05.480 --> 00:29:06.519 Week after week. 00:29:06.740 --> 00:29:07.259 After week. 00:29:07.380 --> 00:29:08.880 And somehow enjoy it. 00:29:09.360 --> 00:29:10.420 But don't obey it. 00:29:12.240 --> 00:29:13.279 And Jesus says. 00:29:13.480 --> 00:29:14.279 There will be judgment. 00:29:14.640 --> 00:29:16.120 For someone who rejects me. 00:29:16.980 --> 00:29:18.339 And the judge. 00:29:18.339 --> 00:29:19.299 Will actually be the word. 00:29:19.400 --> 00:29:19.880 That I've spoken. 00:29:20.579 --> 00:29:21.019 On the day. 00:29:21.120 --> 00:29:21.920 When the king of glory. 00:29:22.120 --> 00:29:22.940 Comes not on a donkey. 00:29:23.059 --> 00:29:24.019 But comes in splendor. 00:29:24.079 --> 00:29:24.620 And in glory. 00:29:25.039 --> 00:29:26.059 Do you know what he's saying here? 00:29:26.579 --> 00:29:27.420 What he's saying is. 00:29:27.539 --> 00:29:28.220 The very word. 00:29:28.319 --> 00:29:29.480 That you refuse to obey. 00:29:30.279 --> 00:29:31.759 Will sound in your ears. 00:29:31.839 --> 00:29:32.799 As the judgment of God. 00:29:35.779 --> 00:29:36.440 So really. 00:29:36.539 --> 00:29:37.480 The lesson to be learned. 00:29:37.599 --> 00:29:38.299 From this this morning. 00:29:38.400 --> 00:29:39.680 Is very very simple. 00:29:42.259 --> 00:29:43.160 It's saying to you. 00:29:43.220 --> 00:29:43.779 That the place. 00:29:43.779 --> 00:29:44.860 Where you are going to find. 00:29:44.860 --> 00:29:45.700 Real life. 00:29:45.700 --> 00:29:48.460 Is when you. 00:29:48.720 --> 00:29:49.140 Give it away. 00:29:49.240 --> 00:29:50.220 To the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:29:52.360 --> 00:29:53.220 And are. 00:29:53.580 --> 00:29:53.940 Ready. 00:29:54.660 --> 00:29:55.759 For any cost. 00:29:55.860 --> 00:29:56.779 For the sake of doing that. 00:29:59.640 --> 00:30:00.860 If the apostle Paul. 00:30:01.059 --> 00:30:01.819 Was preaching. 00:30:02.140 --> 00:30:02.620 This sermon. 00:30:03.480 --> 00:30:04.340 This morning. 00:30:05.500 --> 00:30:06.420 He would finish it. 00:30:06.480 --> 00:30:06.980 In this way. 00:30:09.059 --> 00:30:10.019 I'm pretty certain. 00:30:10.120 --> 00:30:10.840 That the apostle Paul. 00:30:11.019 --> 00:30:11.340 Would say. 00:30:11.559 --> 00:30:12.420 I count everything. 00:30:12.480 --> 00:30:12.880 As loss. 00:30:12.880 --> 00:30:16.320 Because of the surpassing worth. 00:30:17.320 --> 00:30:18.800 Of knowing Christ Jesus. 00:30:18.940 --> 00:30:19.420 My Lord. 00:30:20.940 --> 00:30:22.140 For his sake. 00:30:22.760 --> 00:30:23.800 I've suffered the loss. 00:30:23.820 --> 00:30:24.500 Of all things. 00:30:25.640 --> 00:30:26.760 And I count them. 00:30:26.900 --> 00:30:27.560 As rubbish. 00:30:29.320 --> 00:30:30.960 In order that I may gain. 00:30:31.840 --> 00:30:32.160 Christ. 00:30:32.160 --> 00:30:36.420 Keep hold of your life. 00:30:37.080 --> 00:30:38.040 Keep hanging on to it. 00:30:39.420 --> 00:30:40.380 You will lose it. 00:30:41.779 --> 00:30:42.460 Give it away. 00:30:42.580 --> 00:30:43.580 To the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:30:45.800 --> 00:30:46.680 And you will find it. 00:30:47.880 --> 00:30:48.380 Let's pray. 00:30:48.380 --> 00:30:48.440 Amen. 00:30:48.440 --> 00:30:48.440 00:30:48.440 --> 00:30:48.440 00:30:48.440 --> 00:30:48.440 00:30:48.440 --> 00:30:48.440 00:30:48.440 --> 00:30:48.440 00:30:48.440 --> 00:30:48.440 00:30:48.440 --> 00:30:48.440 00:30:48.440 --> 00:30:50.440 Amen. 00:30:50.440 --> 00:30:50.440 00:30:50.440 --> 00:30:50.440 00:30:50.440 --> 00:30:50.440 00:30:50.440 --> 00:30:50.440 00:30:50.440 --> 00:30:50.440 00:30:50.440 --> 00:30:50.440