My sermon notes for Sunday, Feb. 18th as we continue our study through The Gospel of John. Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon. To see the sermon each week or subscribe to the weekly sermon podcast please visit http://www.fbcap.net
John 12:1-11
How do we respond to all we have seen and heard?
Intro remarks
- Jesus had been in Ephraim (12 miles north of Jerusalem) waiting on the Heavenly timetable.
- Home of Simon the Leper (Matt. 26:6, Mark 14:3)
- Chapter 12 is the close of the public ministry of Christ (the meal then the triumphant entry). Then we see Christ spending personal time with the disciples. Then the passion narrative.
- Here in vv. 1-11 we have a gathering for Him by his closest companions. Naturally, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus would want to express their gratitude to Him.
- After all the miracles, sermons, and lesson the reactions are so different. It is hard to imagine, especially after seeing Lazarus been raised form the dead, that anyone could deny who Jesus was and what He came to do. (AFTER ALL THEY HAVE SEEN AND HEARD)
- Acts 4:19–20 – [19] But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, [20] for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” (ESV)
- How do we respond/worship/acknowledge Christ after all we have seen and heard?
- Martha v. 2 – Serving
- Mary v. 3 – Worshiping
- Judas vv. 4-8 – Idolatry
- Crowd v. 9 –Fickleness (superficial/curiosity)
- Religious leaders vv. 10-11 – hostility
The serving of Martha – v. 2
We are called to serve.
- Romans 12:11 – Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
- Matthew 20:26–28 – (mother request for James and Joh )[26] It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, [27] and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, [28] even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (ESV)
- 23:11-12 (to the Pharisees and Scribes) The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Previously we learned (Luke) that Martha could get preoccupied with her serving, but what a great picture of the Gospel. NOT ABOUT ME BE ABOUT OTHERS.
- As we so many things within the Christian live there is a good healthy balance)
The worship of May – v. 3
More reflective and emotional than Martha. (Both were loved by Jesus….remember…..balance, balance, balance)
Costly worship
- 300 denarii. Years wages
Humble worship
- hair down – Jewish women would not let hair down.
- wiped feet – lowest servants cleaned feet of disciples.
Too often we fit Jesus/Church when time allows.
- Hobbies, Future, Success (GOOD THINGS) seem to take precedent in our life over our daily walk with Christ/His church (BEST THING)
The idolatry of Judas – vv. 4-8
- One of his disciples yet intending to betray him.
- First words of Judas spoken (how sad is this)
Judas problem was idolatry (HE WAS SELF RIGHTEOUS)
- Anything we put on the throne of our life before the Lord Jesus Christ can become an idol (ANYTHING)
- Idol Of The Heart (Book by Elyse Fitzpatrick) – LONGING FOR GOD ALONE…God’s Word tells us that idolatry is something more than temples, incense, and food offerings. idolatry has to do with love… our love for God, our love for others, and our love for the world.
- Colossians 3:5 – [5] Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. (ESV)
Delusional mind
- Wrong view of Jesus – I his mind Jesus was to be a political leader that would take the Jews back from the Romans. (the I am’s and the miracles were the demonstration of who he truly was)
- Who He is
- Who sent Him
- What He came to do
Selfish motive
- Once Jesus was in place and the ruler of “Judas’ Kingdom then Judas would have a spot.
- What is in it for me
Missed opportunity
- Walked with Jesus for 3 years
- Rejected Him
- Betrayed Him
- Then Judas went to the chief priest in order to betray Him (Mark 14:10-11)
- Overcome with guilt
- Went to his own place Acts 1:25 (Hell)
- Woe to the man (Matt 26:24)
The fickleness of the crowed – v. 9
Jews (here is reference to the common people)… they came
- Due to the miracle
- An emotional curiosity
- What is in it for me
Not against, but not committed to
- I believe, but I am not a follower
- Luke warm (Rev. 3:16)
- Triumphant entry
- Crucify Him
- Is belief alone enough?
The hostility of the religious leaders – vv. 10-11
A great picture of the HARD HEART
- After all the messages and miracles
- After being face to face with the Savior of the universe.
- After KNOWING Lazarus was raised from the dead
NOPE …I DO NOT BELIEVE HIM. HE MUST GO
What a picture of the world and heart of the world we live in.
What is the answer. What is needed?
- A supernatural work by the Spirit of God to open the eyes of their mind to the truth.
- A supernatural work of people turning to God and from sin… in Repentance and Faith.
- A supernatural work of believes trusting in the work of God and the power of the Gospel to change lives.
- TRUSTING, PROCLAIMING, PERSUADING