This Sunday we are back in John’s Gospel where our text will be John 12:37-50. This text brings Jesus’ public ministry to a close as the remaining chapters chronicle Jesus’ dealings with the disciples before his arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection. For three years Jesus has been proclaiming the truth of God’s Word in his teaching and demonstrating the power of God through his miracles. The point of both his teaching and miracles are to say that he is the Messiah, the Son of God and that whoever believes in him will have eternal life. After three years of this public ministry the Jewish people are still by in large rejecting Jesus, they aren’t believing in him as their Savior. Now, in our verses this week, John will bring some explanation to this perplexing issue of the Jewish people’s unbelief. How can they go on rejecting Jesus when the evidence is so abundant and clear? John will help us understand by pointing back to the prophet Isaiah. He quotes two passages from Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 53:1, 6:10) to help the reader understand the dynamic of the people’s unbelief. When we get down into the meat of what John is saying, it is both staggering and encouraging. It is staggering and encouraging to consider God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility which this text speaks to so clearly. As we read this text and meditate on its truth may we see God high and lifted up, holy, majestic and awesome. May we see the faithfulness of God and the abundance of his grace fulfilled in the gospel of Jesus Christ. May we hear the call to believe and turn away from sin and idolatry to cling to the merciful work of Jesus Christ!
Sermon Title: “Who Has Believed What They Heard From Us?”
Sermon Text: John 12:37-50
Meditation Passage: Psalm 146
Call To Worship: Isaiah 6:1-8
Benediction: Jude 24-25
Songs For Sunday:
How Rich A Treasure We Possess
All Creatures Of Our God And King
O Lord My Rock And My Redeemer