WEBVTT 00:00:00.800 --> 00:00:07.419 Good morning, church family. For those of you who don't know me, my name's Bec, and I'm going to be doing the Bible reading today. 00:00:08.439 --> 00:00:15.599 If you haven't checked your bulletin, or if you have, you might realise we're going to read three different passages in John this morning. 00:00:16.120 --> 00:00:19.800 So we're going to read parts of John chapters 1, 12, and 9. 00:00:20.500 --> 00:00:26.640 So first, will you turn with me to John chapter 1, and we're going to read verses 29 to 36 together. 00:00:26.640 --> 00:00:34.859 So before Jesus started his public ministry, this is what John the Baptist said about him, starting from verses 29. 00:00:56.640 --> 00:01:07.120 And John bore witness. 00:01:07.120 --> 00:01:37.100 The next day, John was sent to the Bible, and he said, 00:01:37.099 --> 00:01:51.239 Okay, let's turn now to chapter 12, and we're going to start at verse 20. 00:01:53.280 --> 00:02:00.079 So only days before his crucifixion, we hear Jesus' understanding in these verses for what his death would achieve. 00:02:00.079 --> 00:02:02.679 So John 12, verse 20. 00:02:04.079 --> 00:02:08.280 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 00:02:08.900 --> 00:02:13.439 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, 00:02:14.139 --> 00:02:16.659 Sir, we wish to see Jesus. 00:02:18.060 --> 00:02:19.879 Philip went and told Andrew. 00:02:20.360 --> 00:02:22.259 Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 00:02:22.259 --> 00:02:52.239 And Jesus answered them, 00:02:52.259 --> 00:03:03.939 And where I am, there will be my servant be also. 00:03:03.939 --> 00:03:09.219 If anyone serves me, the Father will honour him. 00:03:09.219 --> 00:03:14.359 Now is my soul troubled. 00:03:15.360 --> 00:03:16.900 And what shall I say? 00:03:17.400 --> 00:03:19.159 Father, save me from this hour. 00:03:20.159 --> 00:03:23.479 But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 00:03:24.400 --> 00:03:27.360 Father, glorify your name. 00:03:28.840 --> 00:03:30.719 Then a voice came from heaven. 00:03:31.240 --> 00:03:35.340 I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again. 00:03:35.340 --> 00:03:40.020 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. 00:03:40.979 --> 00:03:41.740 Others said, 00:03:42.219 --> 00:03:43.800 An angel has spoken to him. 00:03:45.020 --> 00:03:45.920 Jesus answered, 00:03:45.919 --> 00:03:50.000 This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 00:03:50.599 --> 00:03:52.639 Now is the judgment of this world. 00:03:53.060 --> 00:03:55.839 Now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 00:03:56.659 --> 00:03:59.719 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, 00:04:00.139 --> 00:04:02.699 will draw all people to myself. 00:04:03.699 --> 00:04:08.679 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. 00:04:08.680 --> 00:04:13.300 Okay, the last reading to turn to now is John chapter 19. 00:04:14.159 --> 00:04:16.699 And we're going to read verses 28 to 37, 00:04:17.300 --> 00:04:21.420 where we will read about Jesus' final moments on the cross. 00:04:22.199 --> 00:04:25.420 So John 19, starting at verse 28. 00:04:25.420 --> 00:04:33.100 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, 00:04:33.400 --> 00:04:35.140 said, to fulfill the scripture, 00:04:36.040 --> 00:04:36.960 I thirst. 00:04:37.879 --> 00:04:40.400 A jar full of sour wine stood there, 00:04:40.620 --> 00:04:44.080 so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch 00:04:44.080 --> 00:04:45.740 and held it to his mouth. 00:04:46.700 --> 00:04:49.319 When Jesus had received the sour wine, 00:04:49.620 --> 00:04:50.139 he said, 00:04:50.560 --> 00:04:52.300 It is finished. 00:04:52.300 --> 00:04:56.240 And he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. 00:04:57.480 --> 00:04:59.360 Since it was the day of preparation, 00:04:59.900 --> 00:05:02.860 and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath, 00:05:03.400 --> 00:05:05.160 for that Sabbath was a high day, 00:05:05.780 --> 00:05:09.000 the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken 00:05:09.000 --> 00:05:11.080 and that they might be taken away. 00:05:12.340 --> 00:05:15.780 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first 00:05:15.780 --> 00:05:18.939 and of the other who had been crucified with him. 00:05:18.939 --> 00:05:25.079 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, 00:05:25.439 --> 00:05:27.160 they did not break his legs. 00:05:28.100 --> 00:05:31.300 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, 00:05:31.740 --> 00:05:34.360 and at once there came out blood and water. 00:05:35.639 --> 00:05:37.699 He who saw it has borne witness. 00:05:38.379 --> 00:05:40.159 His testimony is true, 00:05:40.420 --> 00:05:43.060 and he knows that he is telling the truth, 00:05:43.639 --> 00:05:46.079 that you also may believe. 00:05:46.079 --> 00:05:50.339 For these things took place that the scripture might be fulfilled. 00:05:51.060 --> 00:05:53.699 Not one of his bones will be broken. 00:05:54.879 --> 00:05:56.859 And again, another scripture says, 00:05:57.379 --> 00:06:00.180 They will look on him whom they have pierced. 00:06:00.560 --> 00:06:01.879 This is the word of the Lord. 00:06:05.319 --> 00:06:08.319 Well, this is what we're up against today. 00:06:09.159 --> 00:06:10.939 I'm going to quote C.S. Lewis. 00:06:10.939 --> 00:06:18.600 The natural life in each of us is something self-centred, 00:06:19.360 --> 00:06:24.120 something that wants to be pitied and admired, 00:06:24.620 --> 00:06:27.379 to take advantage of other lives, 00:06:27.639 --> 00:06:29.800 to exploit the whole universe. 00:06:31.079 --> 00:06:34.620 And especially the self wants to be left to itself, 00:06:34.699 --> 00:06:37.439 to keep it well away from anything bigger or stronger 00:06:37.439 --> 00:06:38.719 or higher than it, 00:06:39.060 --> 00:06:41.879 anything that might make it feel small. 00:06:43.060 --> 00:06:46.800 It's afraid of the light and air of the spiritual world, 00:06:46.899 --> 00:06:48.980 just as people who have been brought up to be dirty 00:06:48.980 --> 00:06:50.680 are afraid of a bath. 00:06:51.699 --> 00:06:53.560 And in a sense, the self is quite right. 00:06:54.839 --> 00:06:57.899 It knows that if the spiritual life gets a hold of it, 00:06:58.300 --> 00:07:00.720 all its self-centredness and self-will 00:07:00.720 --> 00:07:02.360 are going to be killed. 00:07:02.360 --> 00:07:06.120 And it's ready to fight tooth and nail to avoid that. 00:07:13.180 --> 00:07:13.980 I'm going to pray. 00:07:14.500 --> 00:07:16.340 That's what we're up against today, I think. 00:07:16.639 --> 00:07:18.460 So I'm going to pray before we come to God's word. 00:07:24.400 --> 00:07:28.639 Father, no words of ours are strong enough 00:07:28.639 --> 00:07:31.959 to declare what you've done, but your word is. 00:07:33.599 --> 00:07:36.699 And so I'm just going to echo your son's prayer. 00:07:36.879 --> 00:07:41.620 Father, glorify your name in each of our hearts 00:07:41.620 --> 00:07:45.079 and together as your people now. 00:07:46.419 --> 00:07:47.800 In Jesus' name I ask. 00:07:47.959 --> 00:07:48.199 Amen. 00:07:48.199 --> 00:07:58.459 Well, we've already seen all the seven I am statements 00:07:58.459 --> 00:08:04.159 and we've seen something bigger, stronger, higher than us. 00:08:05.860 --> 00:08:09.839 Jesus, the bread, just to, I'm just trying to tweak 00:08:09.839 --> 00:08:10.699 our memories here. 00:08:10.779 --> 00:08:16.000 The bread, the light, the door, the good shepherd, 00:08:16.000 --> 00:08:20.939 the resurrection and life, the way, truth and life, 00:08:21.120 --> 00:08:22.139 the true vine. 00:08:23.500 --> 00:08:25.980 We've done the seven, so why are we having another sermon? 00:08:26.680 --> 00:08:30.819 Because if we stopped here, we'd be stopping short 00:08:30.819 --> 00:08:35.980 of the greatest revelation of who the I am is. 00:08:37.539 --> 00:08:41.820 A major theme in this gospel is the hour. 00:08:41.820 --> 00:08:41.900 Hour. 00:08:43.600 --> 00:08:45.980 You're all hoping I keep to under an hour. 00:08:46.480 --> 00:08:47.400 The hour. 00:08:49.120 --> 00:08:51.140 At the start of his ministry, 00:08:51.820 --> 00:08:54.879 his first public miraculous sign at the wedding in Canaan, 00:08:55.000 --> 00:08:57.480 Jesus says, my hour has not yet come. 00:08:58.640 --> 00:09:00.200 And then in chapter 7, verse 30, 00:09:00.400 --> 00:09:02.320 his opponents are seeking to arrest him, 00:09:03.040 --> 00:09:04.760 but no one laid a hand on him 00:09:04.760 --> 00:09:07.840 because his hour had not yet come. 00:09:07.840 --> 00:09:10.720 Again, in chapter 8, verse 20, 00:09:10.800 --> 00:09:13.000 it seems that he has God's full protection. 00:09:13.340 --> 00:09:16.540 He's invincible because his hour had not yet come. 00:09:18.580 --> 00:09:20.460 It's as if all the clocks of the universe 00:09:20.460 --> 00:09:23.420 are waiting for this moment. 00:09:23.639 --> 00:09:26.580 So all the I am declarations that we've heard so far, 00:09:26.700 --> 00:09:28.379 they're either stripped of meaning 00:09:28.379 --> 00:09:32.379 or filled with meaning depending on this hour. 00:09:32.379 --> 00:09:42.240 We haven't yet heard the testimony of the one man 00:09:42.240 --> 00:09:45.879 who saw Jesus more clearly than even his 12 disciples, 00:09:46.879 --> 00:09:48.840 during his lifetime at least, 00:09:49.080 --> 00:09:50.559 and that is John the Baptist. 00:09:51.480 --> 00:09:54.159 God gives him a sneak preview, 00:09:54.340 --> 00:09:55.899 a sneak peek into this hour. 00:09:55.899 --> 00:10:02.500 Now, apparently, in the dusty streets of Israel, 00:10:03.579 --> 00:10:05.919 you walk in dusty streets all day long 00:10:05.919 --> 00:10:09.120 and when you're wearing sandals, 00:10:09.259 --> 00:10:12.399 your feet are just disgusting by the end of the day. 00:10:12.459 --> 00:10:15.240 Like, I'm picturing when I mow the lawns wearing shorts 00:10:15.240 --> 00:10:19.240 and it's just, the dust and the grass is just caked on. 00:10:19.240 --> 00:10:26.580 Now, no noble person with a servant in the household, 00:10:26.700 --> 00:10:27.980 if they're Jewish servant, 00:10:28.740 --> 00:10:32.440 would ask their servant to take off their sandals. 00:10:32.580 --> 00:10:34.779 Like, it's just, it's just disgusting. 00:10:35.799 --> 00:10:37.000 It's degrading. 00:10:38.980 --> 00:10:42.379 And John says, he doesn't only say, 00:10:42.720 --> 00:10:44.019 the one who's coming after me, 00:10:44.259 --> 00:10:47.519 I'm only worthy to untie his sandals. 00:10:47.519 --> 00:10:50.620 If he said that, he'd be saying, 00:10:50.759 --> 00:10:53.679 I'm less than even a servant, a slave. 00:10:54.740 --> 00:10:57.399 He said, I'm not even worthy to do that, he's so great. 00:10:58.960 --> 00:11:03.779 The one who's coming, he just, he's so far above us, 00:11:03.799 --> 00:11:05.720 he blows our categories of thinking. 00:11:07.579 --> 00:11:11.100 And John had revealed who this great one would be 00:11:11.100 --> 00:11:14.379 and he testifies that he saw the spirit coming down 00:11:14.379 --> 00:11:16.059 at his baptism, he knows the one. 00:11:16.059 --> 00:11:20.259 And what category does John use to describe him? 00:11:21.479 --> 00:11:25.119 He's got all the Jewish scriptures to use categories, 00:11:25.279 --> 00:11:27.219 to find a category for his greatness. 00:11:27.500 --> 00:11:29.479 Is he a high priest? 00:11:29.619 --> 00:11:31.239 Is he a prophet like Moses? 00:11:31.439 --> 00:11:33.839 Is he the son of David, the king David? 00:11:34.079 --> 00:11:34.679 What category? 00:11:36.039 --> 00:11:37.739 Behold the lamb. 00:11:37.740 --> 00:11:45.139 Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. 00:11:48.860 --> 00:11:51.680 I don't know about you, but a lamb, 00:11:51.860 --> 00:11:53.659 that just conjures up, I don't know, 00:11:53.740 --> 00:11:56.500 feelings like I've got for a puppy dog or something at best. 00:11:56.960 --> 00:11:57.940 Not even that. 00:11:58.879 --> 00:11:59.480 Not even that. 00:11:59.480 --> 00:12:04.960 This weak, maybe cute, maybe dirty. 00:12:07.440 --> 00:12:11.420 But for a Jew, it conjures up blood. 00:12:13.899 --> 00:12:14.460 Sacrifice. 00:12:14.460 --> 00:12:27.720 I wonder if John could have known that this great one 00:12:27.720 --> 00:12:32.860 would at the end of his life tie a towel around his waist 00:12:32.860 --> 00:12:39.860 and wash his filthy disciples' feet. 00:12:41.500 --> 00:12:44.320 I wonder if that would have just blown John's categories. 00:12:44.539 --> 00:12:44.879 I don't know. 00:12:50.159 --> 00:12:50.919 John's saying, 00:12:51.060 --> 00:12:52.779 Behold the lamb of God. 00:12:53.060 --> 00:12:54.759 Don't just take a quick look. 00:12:55.720 --> 00:12:56.740 Gaze upon him. 00:12:56.740 --> 00:13:00.220 Do you see the lamb? 00:13:00.320 --> 00:13:01.340 Do you see his greatness? 00:13:04.600 --> 00:13:05.399 John said, 00:13:05.680 --> 00:13:08.320 He's sent ahead of time so that you and I don't miss it. 00:13:09.840 --> 00:13:16.340 At the heart of God's plan is for his son to be the lamb. 00:13:17.519 --> 00:13:19.080 So we're going to fast forward now. 00:13:19.779 --> 00:13:22.419 This is a bit of a summary sermon, okay? 00:13:22.500 --> 00:13:25.279 So I hope you strap yourselves in. 00:13:25.279 --> 00:13:26.680 We're going lots of places. 00:13:26.740 --> 00:13:32.220 So three years of Jesus' public ministry 00:13:32.220 --> 00:13:34.419 and then from chapter 12 onwards, 00:13:34.580 --> 00:13:37.039 we're in the final week of his life. 00:13:40.799 --> 00:13:42.259 Chapter 12, verse 1. 00:13:44.360 --> 00:13:46.139 Jesus has a dinner. 00:13:47.360 --> 00:13:49.120 Mary and Martha put on a dinner for him 00:13:49.120 --> 00:13:53.519 because they brought their brother back to life. 00:13:54.080 --> 00:13:55.840 And what does John want us to know? 00:13:55.840 --> 00:13:58.899 That it's six days before the Passover. 00:14:01.620 --> 00:14:05.259 Pilgrims are flocking to Jerusalem during this time. 00:14:05.259 --> 00:14:11.220 They're remembering their identity as God's people. 00:14:11.939 --> 00:14:15.019 They're remembering that God would judge Egypt, 00:14:16.019 --> 00:14:19.480 striking at the future, the next generation, 00:14:19.679 --> 00:14:21.379 killing the firstborn in every family. 00:14:21.600 --> 00:14:23.279 And that could be young or old, 00:14:23.879 --> 00:14:25.179 the firstborn in every family. 00:14:25.419 --> 00:14:27.179 The firstborn carried on the name. 00:14:27.179 --> 00:14:29.899 It was a terrible, terrible judgment. 00:14:31.399 --> 00:14:35.859 But Israel were not to think that they were better than Egyptians. 00:14:36.979 --> 00:14:45.199 The judgment would fall on them too unless a lamb's blood was painted, 00:14:45.399 --> 00:14:48.459 as you know the story probably, painted on the doorpost. 00:14:48.460 --> 00:14:50.340 There must be a substitute. 00:14:51.560 --> 00:14:54.940 At the heart of Israel's identity of this feast 00:14:54.940 --> 00:15:00.340 is to remember the substitute that bears the judgment of God on the world. 00:15:00.340 --> 00:15:05.580 Don't miss the forest for the trees. 00:15:06.300 --> 00:15:09.100 Six days before the Passover, chapter 13, verse 1. 00:15:10.060 --> 00:15:12.180 Now before the feast of the Passover, 00:15:13.860 --> 00:15:18.220 when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, 00:15:18.320 --> 00:15:20.080 having loved his own who were in the world, 00:15:20.139 --> 00:15:21.639 he loved them to the end. 00:15:21.639 --> 00:15:27.319 And then he's arrested, he's trial, he's before Pilate, 00:15:27.379 --> 00:15:28.819 and chapter 19, verse 14. 00:15:32.100 --> 00:15:34.899 We're reminded once again of the timing. 00:15:35.059 --> 00:15:39.159 Now it was the day of preparation of the Passover. 00:15:41.860 --> 00:15:45.080 The reason the Jews wanted those two criminals, 00:15:45.199 --> 00:15:47.100 either side of Jesus' legs broken, 00:15:47.259 --> 00:15:50.100 is because it was the Sabbath the next day, 00:15:50.100 --> 00:15:54.840 and it would defile the land if you leave a dead body out in the open. 00:15:55.620 --> 00:15:56.580 They're concerned with that. 00:15:56.740 --> 00:15:59.800 But that Sabbath was a high day. 00:16:01.060 --> 00:16:03.779 In other words, it was Passover. 00:16:04.040 --> 00:16:04.759 It was the feast. 00:16:04.860 --> 00:16:06.659 It was the Sabbath of the Passover. 00:16:07.440 --> 00:16:10.920 They're so concerned with the Passover. 00:16:14.840 --> 00:16:18.740 Of all the details that John chooses to report, 00:16:18.740 --> 00:16:20.680 he knows Matthew, Mark and Luke are written. 00:16:21.899 --> 00:16:23.620 What does he focus on? 00:16:23.840 --> 00:16:27.680 He's amazed that a spear with an iron point on it 00:16:27.680 --> 00:16:31.080 goes through his human body and doesn't even break a rib. 00:16:32.039 --> 00:16:32.740 He's amazed. 00:16:34.060 --> 00:16:36.639 He was so close to having his legs broken. 00:16:38.519 --> 00:16:44.200 And he sees that as the lamb that couldn't have any broken bones. 00:16:44.360 --> 00:16:45.240 It had to be perfect. 00:16:45.399 --> 00:16:46.440 It had to be spotless. 00:16:46.440 --> 00:16:55.060 He sees that it's a hyssop branch that they use to paint the door frame. 00:16:55.960 --> 00:16:58.460 It's just Passover, Passover, Passover. 00:16:59.100 --> 00:17:01.220 John is looking at this corpse. 00:17:01.380 --> 00:17:02.740 Like, I don't know if you've seen a dead body. 00:17:03.780 --> 00:17:06.519 It doesn't even look human, almost. 00:17:07.820 --> 00:17:08.700 And he's going, 00:17:10.140 --> 00:17:11.440 that's the lamb. 00:17:11.440 --> 00:17:11.500 That's the lamb. 00:17:16.440 --> 00:17:26.660 God is offering up his firstborn as a substitute. 00:17:28.900 --> 00:17:31.480 God could look at Abraham as the kids. 00:17:32.100 --> 00:17:34.039 He could look at Abraham and say, 00:17:35.039 --> 00:17:36.680 now I know you love me. 00:17:36.680 --> 00:17:42.000 You did not withhold your son, your only son, whom you love. 00:17:42.180 --> 00:17:44.000 And we can look at God, the Father, and go, 00:17:44.900 --> 00:17:45.980 now I know you love me. 00:17:46.560 --> 00:17:48.180 You did not withhold your son, 00:17:49.299 --> 00:17:51.000 your only son, whom you love. 00:17:51.000 --> 00:18:02.279 We're not to think of Jesus' death as accidental. 00:18:02.920 --> 00:18:05.339 He is a victim, but he is in full... 00:18:05.339 --> 00:18:08.900 John wants us to focus on the fact that he is in full control. 00:18:08.900 --> 00:18:16.240 John was with Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane when he's arrested. 00:18:17.740 --> 00:18:19.940 The band of soldiers are bringing torches. 00:18:20.240 --> 00:18:22.580 At Passover, there would have been a full moon, 00:18:22.700 --> 00:18:24.000 so it would have been quite light. 00:18:25.820 --> 00:18:27.920 They were probably expecting to have to search for Jesus. 00:18:28.060 --> 00:18:30.480 Jesus would be hiding in the bushes type thing. 00:18:30.560 --> 00:18:31.580 They're going to have to search for him. 00:18:32.259 --> 00:18:33.259 No, verse 4. 00:18:33.259 --> 00:18:36.120 Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, 00:18:36.220 --> 00:18:37.780 came forward and said to them, 00:18:37.880 --> 00:18:38.780 Whom do you see? 00:18:39.900 --> 00:18:40.820 And they answered him, 00:18:40.960 --> 00:18:42.120 Jesus of Nazareth. 00:18:43.660 --> 00:18:44.620 Jesus said to them, 00:18:45.440 --> 00:18:46.300 I am. 00:18:47.519 --> 00:18:49.840 And they drew back and fell to the ground. 00:18:52.200 --> 00:18:53.840 No one took his life from him. 00:18:55.580 --> 00:18:57.980 Even as he suffocated on the cross, 00:19:00.120 --> 00:19:03.480 he knew that all was now finished. 00:19:04.240 --> 00:19:07.200 He's motivated by fulfilling the Father's plan. 00:19:08.900 --> 00:19:13.300 He takes a drink just to say one final phrase. 00:19:14.620 --> 00:19:16.040 It is finished. 00:19:16.660 --> 00:19:18.000 He's in full control here. 00:19:22.620 --> 00:19:26.960 This hour was planned in Scripture even since that first exodus. 00:19:26.960 --> 00:19:34.799 Now, what does this mean? 00:19:34.799 --> 00:19:41.840 Well, sadly, many people who bear the name Christian, 00:19:42.840 --> 00:19:51.539 they see power in the cross only, only in its ability to be an example for us. 00:19:51.539 --> 00:19:55.119 That we should lay down our lives. 00:19:55.200 --> 00:19:58.119 And if we all did that, the world would be fixed. 00:20:02.940 --> 00:20:08.700 They want to reject all this talk of blood and judgment and sin. 00:20:08.700 --> 00:20:11.039 He's an example. 00:20:11.240 --> 00:20:12.720 Here's what love looks like. 00:20:13.920 --> 00:20:15.180 Now, here's the problem with this. 00:20:15.240 --> 00:20:21.420 And I'm going to quote Leon Morris here because he says it better than I could. 00:20:21.420 --> 00:20:25.560 If Christ was not actually doing something by his death, 00:20:25.700 --> 00:20:30.660 then we are confronted with a piece of showmanship and nothing more. 00:20:30.800 --> 00:20:35.660 Someone once said that if he were in a rushing river and someone jumped in to save him 00:20:35.660 --> 00:20:41.700 and in the process lost his life, he could recognize the love and sacrifice involved. 00:20:41.700 --> 00:20:48.559 But if he was just sitting safely on the land and someone jumped into the torrent to show his love, 00:20:49.680 --> 00:20:58.100 he could see no point in it and only lament the senseless act. 00:20:58.259 --> 00:21:04.580 Unless the death of Christ really does something, it is not, in fact, a demonstration of love. 00:21:04.579 --> 00:21:12.939 The example to us only has power if he's our substitute for sin. 00:21:13.379 --> 00:21:16.139 If he really is taking away sin. 00:21:16.960 --> 00:21:19.220 If he's jumping into that river for us. 00:21:21.319 --> 00:21:24.619 And this fills all the I am's with meaning. 00:21:24.819 --> 00:21:28.179 I am became meat. 00:21:29.639 --> 00:21:30.899 He tabernacled. 00:21:31.000 --> 00:21:32.500 He became flesh and blood. 00:21:33.220 --> 00:21:33.519 Why? 00:21:33.519 --> 00:21:35.519 In order to become our lamb. 00:21:36.799 --> 00:21:38.559 To take away the sin of the world. 00:21:40.639 --> 00:21:43.639 The Israelites ate men in the desert, but they died. 00:21:45.180 --> 00:21:48.059 His flesh and blood is true bread. 00:21:48.200 --> 00:21:53.799 If we eat on it, if we believe in what he did that day, that hour, 00:21:54.500 --> 00:21:58.900 he makes the difference between dying in the wilderness or making it to the promised land. 00:21:58.900 --> 00:22:04.320 He opens the eyes of the man born blind. 00:22:04.440 --> 00:22:05.900 He is the light of the world. 00:22:06.220 --> 00:22:07.960 It's at the cross that we see. 00:22:08.720 --> 00:22:13.700 We are given eyes to see God's holiness and our sin and his love. 00:22:13.700 --> 00:22:20.059 It's only at the cross we have eyes, spiritual eyes given to us. 00:22:21.019 --> 00:22:24.200 He's the only door because of the cross. 00:22:24.400 --> 00:22:25.519 He's the good shepherd. 00:22:26.180 --> 00:22:27.779 Lays down his life for the sheep. 00:22:27.779 --> 00:22:30.500 He trades places with Lazarus in the tomb. 00:22:30.599 --> 00:22:36.700 The only reason our resurrection is sure is because he traded places. 00:22:38.940 --> 00:22:40.779 He is the only way to the Father. 00:22:42.200 --> 00:22:46.160 When we look on his love, that is the true vine that we draw on. 00:22:46.160 --> 00:22:52.120 The cross fills all those I am's with meanings or it strips them. 00:22:52.620 --> 00:22:53.960 They're meaningless really. 00:23:04.360 --> 00:23:11.680 The way I thought about it is I think the one that Moses encountered in the burning bush. 00:23:11.680 --> 00:23:18.940 That I am became that lamb. 00:23:20.600 --> 00:23:23.840 Who would have thought of that connection? 00:23:25.980 --> 00:23:28.160 I don't have to repeat myself. 00:23:30.080 --> 00:23:32.039 The I am became the lamb. 00:23:32.039 --> 00:23:44.139 Now substitution is the essence of sin as well as the essence of salvation. 00:23:48.220 --> 00:23:50.079 This is why we need a lamb. 00:23:52.740 --> 00:24:00.279 I remember a man telling me years ago, he was describing this motorbike training day 00:24:00.279 --> 00:24:07.420 and the instructor was just talking down to him and just in a patronising way apparently. 00:24:08.619 --> 00:24:16.019 And this guy, he was angry because he had a high education, he had a high paying job, 00:24:16.259 --> 00:24:17.460 a very respected job. 00:24:17.579 --> 00:24:19.940 It was one of those jobs that if you said it, everyone was like, oh. 00:24:21.339 --> 00:24:23.279 And he was angry. 00:24:23.279 --> 00:24:31.000 If that instructor knew who I am, who I was, he wouldn't treat me like that. 00:24:33.160 --> 00:24:36.319 I think that's what C.S. Lewis is talking about in all of us. 00:24:36.740 --> 00:24:42.059 That natural self in us that thinks we're great to be pitied or admired. 00:24:44.379 --> 00:24:49.099 The essence of sin is that we assert ourselves as I am. 00:24:49.180 --> 00:24:50.440 If you knew who I am. 00:24:53.279 --> 00:24:56.619 We assert ourselves to where only God deserves to be. 00:24:56.859 --> 00:25:02.460 And the essence of salvation is that the I am substitutes himself for where we deserve to be. 00:25:11.680 --> 00:25:20.579 He's got to be our lamb who takes away that sin, that self-assertion. 00:25:20.579 --> 00:25:29.220 For in the lamb, in chapter 12, we also see that in the lamb you see I am. 00:25:31.039 --> 00:25:32.740 I don't know if that sentence makes sense. 00:25:33.279 --> 00:25:34.519 It sounded good in my head. 00:25:35.659 --> 00:25:37.679 In the lamb you see I am. 00:25:37.859 --> 00:25:38.559 It kind of rhymes. 00:25:41.059 --> 00:25:43.159 Look at, we're going to stay in chapter 12. 00:25:43.160 --> 00:25:47.880 If you're following along in your Bible. 00:25:49.800 --> 00:25:51.560 Chapter 12, verse 31 and 32. 00:25:52.940 --> 00:25:54.900 Here's Jesus' thoughts about his death. 00:25:55.000 --> 00:25:55.840 We've heard John the Baptist. 00:25:56.000 --> 00:25:58.000 We've heard John the Gospel writer. 00:25:58.600 --> 00:26:01.820 We have insight in chapter 12 of what Jesus thought about his death. 00:26:02.519 --> 00:26:05.900 Now here's what verses 31 and 32 should say. 00:26:05.900 --> 00:26:09.180 And by, I'm not trying to rewrite scripture, you'll see what I'm saying. 00:26:10.040 --> 00:26:13.480 Now is the judgment of Jesus Christ. 00:26:15.820 --> 00:26:21.800 Now will the ruler of this world, I think referring to Satan, have his greatest triumph. 00:26:23.660 --> 00:26:27.160 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, I'm going to repel everyone. 00:26:28.519 --> 00:26:30.440 That's what it should say, shouldn't it? 00:26:30.440 --> 00:26:30.500 Amen. 00:26:30.500 --> 00:26:30.600 Amen. 00:26:35.900 --> 00:26:39.340 Let's see if someone remembers the call and response on Easter Sunday. 00:26:39.540 --> 00:26:41.680 Surely we've got some Anglicans in the room. 00:26:44.700 --> 00:26:45.860 Christ is risen. 00:26:48.920 --> 00:26:50.660 It's a victorious day, isn't it? 00:26:52.980 --> 00:26:54.060 All right, let's try this. 00:26:55.360 --> 00:26:56.640 Christ is crucified. 00:27:04.820 --> 00:27:05.820 Where's the victory? 00:27:05.900 --> 00:27:11.940 I'm not trying to put you on this. 00:27:12.040 --> 00:27:13.660 I'm not having a go at you, by the way. 00:27:14.580 --> 00:27:20.480 I'm just saying how we frame, how we usually think about the Gospel is his death was necessary 00:27:20.480 --> 00:27:23.960 and his resurrection ascension was his glory. 00:27:24.519 --> 00:27:29.800 But John 12, now that's true, by the way. 00:27:30.300 --> 00:27:31.280 He's vindicated. 00:27:31.460 --> 00:27:32.280 He's glorified. 00:27:32.500 --> 00:27:33.500 That's absolutely true. 00:27:33.500 --> 00:27:41.819 But John 12 is saying his death is his glory. 00:27:41.819 --> 00:27:52.359 Some Greeks are seeking him. 00:27:52.539 --> 00:27:55.720 Jews have already decided he's got to die. 00:27:56.720 --> 00:27:58.899 Greeks are seeking him and that's what triggers. 00:27:59.379 --> 00:28:00.359 My hour has come. 00:28:01.419 --> 00:28:01.939 For what? 00:28:02.039 --> 00:28:02.700 Verse 23. 00:28:02.700 --> 00:28:06.860 The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 00:28:06.860 --> 00:28:18.299 Now, for Jews, Son of Man, Daniel 7, it is a prophecy of one who's going to receive the world as his kingdom. 00:28:18.299 --> 00:28:23.500 All peoples and nations and languages should serve him. 00:28:24.619 --> 00:28:30.960 It is a picture of power, dominion, authority worldwide forever. 00:28:31.500 --> 00:28:32.539 Son of Man. 00:28:32.539 --> 00:28:34.539 So, when we hear glorified. 00:28:37.099 --> 00:28:38.619 And then verse 32. 00:28:38.859 --> 00:28:42.299 If we just plucked verse 32 right out of its context. 00:28:43.359 --> 00:28:51.500 And I, when I'm lifted up, when I'm exalted and glorified from the earth, will draw all people to myself. 00:28:51.720 --> 00:28:53.720 We would be thinking resurrection, ascension. 00:28:54.539 --> 00:28:57.400 But we've got to keep it in its context. 00:28:57.500 --> 00:28:58.120 Verse 33. 00:28:58.259 --> 00:29:03.900 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. 00:29:05.360 --> 00:29:06.980 John loves his double meanings. 00:29:07.400 --> 00:29:13.620 He's saying, I'm going to be physically lifted up on that cross and in that moment I'm exalted by God. 00:29:13.619 --> 00:29:16.619 This is what the world thinks of me. 00:29:17.279 --> 00:29:19.239 And this is what God thinks about me. 00:29:20.779 --> 00:29:23.599 In that one act of being lifted up. 00:29:27.379 --> 00:29:32.959 I had this automatic reaction to a pastor I was listening to this week in preparation. 00:29:33.159 --> 00:29:33.739 Dick Lucas. 00:29:34.799 --> 00:29:36.179 Here's what he says about this passage. 00:29:36.179 --> 00:29:41.959 What John wants us to understand, therefore, is that the throne of Christ is his cross. 00:29:43.619 --> 00:29:44.719 I heard that. 00:29:44.779 --> 00:29:45.559 I'm like, that's not right. 00:29:47.500 --> 00:29:49.539 There's something in me that's like, that's not right. 00:29:51.659 --> 00:29:52.799 He's in heaven now. 00:29:52.839 --> 00:29:53.519 That's his throne. 00:29:56.159 --> 00:29:57.919 I wonder if you're struggling with this as well. 00:29:57.959 --> 00:29:59.539 Because it messes with our categories. 00:30:03.339 --> 00:30:09.919 I want to press the paradox in by making sure we just don't have romantic ideas about this cross. 00:30:09.920 --> 00:30:18.200 Using unbelievers words, Tom Holland in Dominion. 00:30:23.420 --> 00:30:24.640 A book called Dominion. 00:30:24.720 --> 00:30:27.560 He describes crucifixion in the Roman Empire like this. 00:30:27.559 --> 00:30:32.639 No death was more excruciating, more contemptible than crucifixion. 00:30:32.700 --> 00:30:44.220 To be hung naked, long in agony, swelling with ugly welts on shoulders and chest, helpless to beat away the clamorous birds. 00:30:44.220 --> 00:30:55.019 So foul was the carrion reek of their disgrace that many felt tainted even by viewing a crucifixion. 00:30:55.019 --> 00:31:12.299 And Jesus is saying, when that happens to me, I'm glorified. 00:31:12.299 --> 00:31:14.819 I'm lifted up. 00:31:16.720 --> 00:31:27.460 That when people see me on that cross, all cultures, all subcultures are going to be attracted, not repelled, attracted and moved to worship. 00:31:27.460 --> 00:31:47.900 People are going to worship me because of that disgusting image and believe that they want to follow me into that and believe that dying like that is the full life. 00:31:47.900 --> 00:31:56.880 That to die to self in service of this crucified one is the fruitful life. 00:31:57.400 --> 00:32:02.440 It is participating in eternal life when we die like him. 00:32:02.860 --> 00:32:04.420 It is the honoured life. 00:32:06.480 --> 00:32:08.500 He sees it as his triumph. 00:32:08.500 --> 00:32:17.180 Father, glorify your name. 00:32:18.339 --> 00:32:19.279 I am. 00:32:20.359 --> 00:32:21.619 Glorify your name. 00:32:21.720 --> 00:32:22.259 I am. 00:32:22.759 --> 00:32:23.880 Name is reputation. 00:32:24.920 --> 00:32:29.440 Reveal who you are, Father, at the cross. 00:32:30.779 --> 00:32:32.220 Not just afterwards. 00:32:34.380 --> 00:32:36.779 It's the greatest display of I am. 00:32:38.500 --> 00:32:48.380 I think Revelation 5 agrees with Dick Lucas that the throne of Christ is his cross. 00:32:51.779 --> 00:32:56.160 Martin Luther describing God's nature this way, the crucified God. 00:32:59.240 --> 00:33:01.259 Who is it we see in Revelation 5? 00:33:01.359 --> 00:33:02.759 Who is in that throne room? 00:33:03.740 --> 00:33:07.460 The one worthy to bring, the only one worthy to bring about all God's plans. 00:33:07.460 --> 00:33:10.900 A lamb standing as though it had been slain. 00:33:11.559 --> 00:33:12.620 Who are the angels? 00:33:12.980 --> 00:33:14.400 Thousands upon thousands. 00:33:14.519 --> 00:33:16.220 What are they doing with all their might? 00:33:17.660 --> 00:33:21.079 They're saying, worthy is the lamb who was slain. 00:33:23.640 --> 00:33:27.559 What is every creature in heaven and on earth and in the sea? 00:33:27.680 --> 00:33:29.660 Who are they acknowledging as Lord? 00:33:29.920 --> 00:33:32.400 To him who sits on the throne and to the lamb. 00:33:32.400 --> 00:33:40.400 I think you only believe in the real heaven, the true one, the one that's actually there. 00:33:41.140 --> 00:33:47.259 If you're looking forward to praising the lamb forever and ever and ever. 00:33:47.259 --> 00:33:53.519 I think this means we shouldn't leave the cross behind. 00:33:53.700 --> 00:33:59.640 It's not just the start of our Christian pilgrimage, the means, the mechanism of how we're saved. 00:34:00.019 --> 00:34:03.660 All scripture is pointing to this hour and back to this hour. 00:34:04.299 --> 00:34:06.819 When we look at the cross, we see the crucified God. 00:34:07.140 --> 00:34:09.099 We see God on his throne. 00:34:09.099 --> 00:34:13.039 We see the greatest display of I am. 00:34:13.339 --> 00:34:15.500 This is God's nature at the cross. 00:34:15.500 --> 00:34:29.300 It means faith in Jesus' miracles alone is not genuine faith. 00:34:30.139 --> 00:34:31.420 John's Gospel brings that out. 00:34:31.619 --> 00:34:32.699 People believed in his miracle. 00:34:33.519 --> 00:34:35.820 Not, that's not enough. 00:34:37.099 --> 00:34:41.099 You can't believe in Jesus to have power to fix your problems in life. 00:34:41.099 --> 00:34:45.380 That's not, you haven't seen the glory yet. 00:34:45.500 --> 00:34:51.739 And you can't be driven to Jesus in fear of punishment. 00:34:53.059 --> 00:34:55.119 You have to be drawn to him. 00:34:56.400 --> 00:34:59.820 When I'm lifted up, I'm going to draw all men to myself. 00:34:59.920 --> 00:35:00.699 I'm going to. 00:35:01.420 --> 00:35:05.539 I know right now I've got no power to draw you to Christ, but he can. 00:35:06.519 --> 00:35:07.380 His cross does. 00:35:07.500 --> 00:35:09.360 You can't be driven to him in fear. 00:35:10.760 --> 00:35:13.440 So the question is, are you drawn to him? 00:35:13.440 --> 00:35:14.719 Are you drawn to him? 00:35:15.500 --> 00:35:22.679 Are you drawn to him? 00:35:23.059 --> 00:35:26.059 We can all detect false love when we see it, can't we? 00:35:26.059 --> 00:35:46.659 When, or sometimes where we realise later on, but when you need something but someone withholds what you need, like the truth, or what they're actually thinking, or whatever help they need. 00:35:46.659 --> 00:35:48.219 When they withhold something. 00:35:48.219 --> 00:35:52.719 When you realise someone's manipulating you. 00:35:52.719 --> 00:35:55.480 That's false love, isn't it? 00:35:55.480 --> 00:35:58.099 They're treating you as a means to some other end. 00:36:01.099 --> 00:36:03.799 Or when someone's not, they're just uninvolved. 00:36:04.259 --> 00:36:07.839 They see you and you're suffering and they're unaffected. 00:36:07.840 --> 00:36:12.120 We can detect false love, can't we? 00:36:12.120 --> 00:36:22.400 In the Passover lamb, don't we see the greatest display of the authentic love of God? 00:36:24.240 --> 00:36:26.220 His love is drained out. 00:36:26.360 --> 00:36:27.140 It is spent. 00:36:27.480 --> 00:36:29.740 There's nothing left in the can. 00:36:29.739 --> 00:36:34.459 It is limitless self-giving. 00:36:38.959 --> 00:36:40.539 His love isn't manipulating. 00:36:40.959 --> 00:36:43.059 He's trying to draw you to himself. 00:36:44.299 --> 00:36:45.319 It's your choice. 00:36:48.000 --> 00:36:50.439 He's not using you as a means to some other end. 00:36:50.519 --> 00:36:51.239 You're the end. 00:36:51.239 --> 00:36:57.919 And how involved can you get? 00:36:59.619 --> 00:37:01.679 How affected can you get? 00:37:08.559 --> 00:37:09.979 One person put it this way. 00:37:10.059 --> 00:37:11.919 The son suffers dying. 00:37:13.019 --> 00:37:16.179 The father suffers the death of the son. 00:37:17.059 --> 00:37:21.139 The grief of the father here is just as important as the death of the son. 00:37:22.079 --> 00:37:28.539 The fatherlessness of the son is matched by the sonlessness of the father. 00:37:30.619 --> 00:37:36.339 There is no greater demonstration of the love of God than at the cross. 00:37:40.059 --> 00:37:44.419 So Jesus, his cross is simultaneously judging the world 00:37:44.419 --> 00:37:48.599 while drawing people from all over the world to himself. 00:37:48.599 --> 00:37:53.380 And I'm going to use John 3 to explain that. 00:37:56.440 --> 00:38:00.059 Because what does it mean that now is the moment of judgment? 00:38:00.900 --> 00:38:01.679 What does that mean? 00:38:01.759 --> 00:38:06.159 Because John 3, God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, 00:38:06.259 --> 00:38:08.699 but in order that the world might be saved through him. 00:38:10.579 --> 00:38:11.639 This is the judgment. 00:38:11.639 --> 00:38:17.980 The light has come into the world and people love the darkness rather than the light 00:38:17.980 --> 00:38:19.420 because their works were evil. 00:38:19.420 --> 00:38:23.680 I'm picturing it in my mind. 00:38:23.740 --> 00:38:24.920 I don't know if it's helpful to you or not, 00:38:25.000 --> 00:38:30.480 but it's like this tsunami of light has gone out into the world from the cross. 00:38:30.480 --> 00:38:34.019 And the question is, are you drawn to it? 00:38:36.920 --> 00:38:38.599 Or are you hiding from it? 00:38:38.599 --> 00:38:39.639 Do you prefer the darkness? 00:38:40.320 --> 00:38:51.079 Do you love the fact that he takes judgment for you as the Passover lamb? 00:38:51.079 --> 00:38:55.599 Or do you not want that? 00:38:55.719 --> 00:38:59.779 And if you're repelled by such a demonstration of the love of God, 00:38:59.860 --> 00:39:02.259 then really you're judging yourself. 00:39:09.259 --> 00:39:12.539 Your natural self is fighting tooth and nail. 00:39:12.699 --> 00:39:14.719 It knows that if this gets into you, 00:39:14.719 --> 00:39:20.739 this kind of love, it kills your self-centeredness. 00:39:20.819 --> 00:39:24.179 This kind of love, it kills your self-will. 00:39:25.279 --> 00:39:27.599 So either you're repelled by the cross, 00:39:30.000 --> 00:39:32.099 but I really pray that you're drawn. 00:39:36.639 --> 00:39:39.439 In the lamb, you see I am. 00:39:43.239 --> 00:39:43.980 Let me pray. 00:39:43.980 --> 00:39:51.880 Lord, forgive our hearts that treat your cross as, 00:39:52.360 --> 00:39:54.340 for those of us who have grown up in the church 00:39:54.340 --> 00:39:57.380 or been in the church many years, 00:39:58.920 --> 00:40:01.699 we can feel like we can learn nothing new 00:40:01.699 --> 00:40:03.380 and not be drawn afresh. 00:40:03.559 --> 00:40:08.099 So forgive us for any attitude in me and us in that. 00:40:09.539 --> 00:40:11.420 But I pray for your spirit's power. 00:40:11.420 --> 00:40:13.420 Lord, I pray for your love. 00:40:13.420 --> 00:40:17.559 As you called Lazarus out of the tomb, 00:40:17.740 --> 00:40:24.659 you might awaken us to your great love seen at the cross. 00:40:25.900 --> 00:40:28.960 Lord, I pray that you'd make us never tire of it. 00:40:30.240 --> 00:40:32.420 I pray that the cross would get bigger and bigger 00:40:32.420 --> 00:40:35.340 so that following you, 00:40:35.539 --> 00:40:40.820 our lives would be shaped by such a love. 00:40:42.220 --> 00:40:46.260 And Lord, we just look forward to your return 00:40:46.260 --> 00:40:49.680 and when we see you in all your glory 00:40:49.680 --> 00:40:55.200 and that we'll be praising your sacrifice for endless days. 00:40:55.199 --> 00:40:57.559 So we look forward to your coming back. 00:40:59.179 --> 00:41:00.339 In Jesus' name, amen.