Emory Baptist Church

Will You Believe?

We are in John’s Gospel, and we are in chapter 12 and verse 37.  This morning, we are going to finish John 12, and today’s text will be somewhat of a transition text. 

 

Here is what I mean.  John 12 begins on the Friday before Palm Sunday.  In the recent weeks, we saw Mary anoint Jesus’ feet with oil and wipe them with her hair. 

 

We then saw Jesus ride into Jerusalem on a donkey, and He was hailed as the promised Messiah.  In chapter 12 is also where Jesus acknowledged that it was time for Him to do what God sent Him to do, and that was to die.

 

John 12 will end Sunday, and some say even Monday.  Next Sunday, we will pick up in John 13, and it will be Thursday night before the cross on Friday, and those events will be chronicled in chapters 13-21.

 

By the way, the Bible isn’t silent about what happened on Monday-Wednesday. Matthew 21-26 has a lot to say about the events of those days.

 

In today’s text, we see several responses to Jesus’ public ministry.  Primarily, we will see how the Jews responded.

 

 

1. Some Jews Couldn’t Believe, John 12:37-41.

37 But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39 Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again: 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, Lest they should see with their eyes, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.” 41 These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him.

 

In verses 37-41, we see that some Jews, and I would even say many Jews, didn’t believe in Him even though they saw so many signs. 

 

Keep in mind, many of them, if not all of them, were familiar with Jesus’ miracles.  See 7:31 and 11:47.

 

31 And many of the people believed in Him, and said, “When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?”

 

47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs.

 

However, these weren’t just any signs, there were seven miraculous signs, and the last was raising someone from the dead.  Jesus turned water to wine, healed the nobleman’s son, healed the paralytic of 38 years, fed the 5,000, walked on water and calmed the storm, healed the man born blind, and raised Lazarus. 

 

They saw signs, and they saw many signs, and they still didn’t believe.  For John, this reminded him of the Jews in the Old Testament in Isaiah 53 as he quoted that passage in 12:38.

 

By the way, John, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, saw the suffering servant of Isaiah 53 as a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ.  In other words, Jesus was the promised Messiah.

 

In verse 39, John said they could not believe.  Why was that true?  It was true because they continued to reject all of the proof and evidence that God was providing them.  The more they rejected, the harder their hearts became, and they couldn’t believe.

 

Again, John is reminded of Isaiah.  This time, he quotes Isaiah 6, and tells us explicitly that these Jews were a fulfillment of prophecy in how they responded to the promised Messiah. 

 

In verse 41, John again equated Jesus with the promised Messiah and God by looking back to Isaiah 6.  When Isaiah saw God, he saw the pre-incarnate Christ. 

 

 

2. Some Jews Wouldn’t Believe for long, John 12:42-43.

42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

 

In verses 42-43, John said some rulers believed in Him, talking about Jesus.  In other words, they believed initially.

 

However, I don’t think they believed ultimately and consequently weren’t saved.  They didn’t confess Jesus as Lord and Savior in the synagogue or in public. 

 

This is problematic because of the words of Christ in Matthew 10:32-33.

 

32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

 

Verse 43 tells us more about their hearts.  They desired compliments from men rather than the Christ who can save.

 

 

3. Will You Believe?

44 Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45 And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. 46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.47 And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”

 

In our last several verses, Jesus reminded us that to believe in Him is to believe in God.  Look at verse 44-45. 

 

Consequently, if you don’t believe in Jesus as God, you only believe in the God of your imagination.  You only believe in the God you created in your mind because Jesus is God.

 

Also, if you do believe in Jesus, the proof or evident of your belief will be your obedience.  Verse 46 says because Jesus is the light, if you believe in Him, you won’t walk in darkness.  In other words, you will be obedient to Him.

 

Christian, is that true of you?  Are you walking according to the light in your marriage and with your kids and at work?

 

Finally, if you believe in Jesus, you receive a pardon from judgment.  Jesus didn’t come to judge you.  He came to save you.

 

However, because of His teachings and His claims, judgment will inevitably come to everyone who doesn’t believe in Jesus because Jesus’ teaching and claims are from God.

 

When I read this end of John 12 and how the Jews responded to Jesus, some couldn’t believe and some wouldn’t believe, I think of Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23 and the parable of the soils.

 

3 Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. 6 But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. 8 But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

 

18 “Therefore hear the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. 20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

 

The first soil is those who couldn’t believe.  They second and third soils are those that wouldn’t believe ultimately even though they believed initially. 

 

The fourth soil welcomed the seed and growth occurred.  When you welcome the claims of Christ as God and believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior, growth will occur because of the new life.

 

 

Invitation

What could be said of these Jews this morning can also be said of so many Gentiles maybe even in this room.  Some Gentiles can’t believe.  Some Gentiles won’t believe. 

 

What about you?  Will you believe in Jesus today? To believe in Jesus is everlasting life in heaven with forgiveness of sins.

 

Thundering Light

The Glory of Jesus

I want you to take your Bibles and turn to John 12:12. Today’s message is entitled, “The Glory of Jesus,” and begins the last week of Jesus’ life on this earth. 

 

If you are visiting with us today, we have been studying John’s Gospel verse-by-verse and chapter-by-chapter.  Remember that John 1-11 highlights parts of Jesus’ life during His three-year earthly ministry.  John 12-21 covers essentially the last week of His earthly life.

 

 

Last week, Jesus went to Bethany on Friday night and stayed with Lazarus and Mary and Martha.  On Saturday, there was dinner hosted by Simon the Leper in honor of the Lord.  It was here that Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with oil and wiped them with her hair. 

 

Today, we begin in John 12:12.  This would have been what we call “Palm Sunday” and Jesus’ Triumphant or Royal Entry into Jerusalem. 

 

 

Exposition

Actually, let’s begin with verse 23.  On multiple occasions in this gospel, we have seen Jesus say that it wasn’t His time yet.  He usually said that in relation to His enemies trying to trap Him or arrest Him. 

 

In verse 23, He said now was the time.  Specifically, He said, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified.”  In other words, it was not time for the events to be set in motion for His purpose in coming. 

 

It was time for Him to be glorified.  However, what does that mean?  Now, we will go back to verse 12.

 

 

13. The Glory of Jesus is that He came to Save, John 12:12-13.

12 The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna!  ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’  The King of Israel!”

 

As I said previously, verse 12 begins by moving us to the next day.  Mary anointed Jesus with oil on Saturday.  Therefore, this is Palm Sunday, and begins the last week of Jesus’ life on earth. 

 

The great multitude had come to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast.  In verse 13, we see that the large crowd took palm branches and waved them at Jesus and begin to shout.

 

They shouted, “Hosanna!  Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! The King of Israel.”  There shout was a quotation and fulfillment of Psalm 118:26.

 

Hosanna meant Praise God! Save us now!  The large crowd was declaring Jesus to be the Messiah they had been waiting for. 

 

Of course, we know that Jesus came to be the Savior of Israel.  However, verse 20 foreshadows the fact that Jesus not only came to save Israel but to save Gentiles as well.  These Greeks mentioned in verse 20 remind us that Jesus came to save the entire world.  Consequently, anyone who would believe in Him would be saved.

 

 

15. The Glory of Jesus is that He came in PEACE, John 12:14-15.

14 Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: 15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, Sitting on a donkey’s colt.”

 

Verse 14 says Jesus then found a young donkey and rode on it into the city.  Verse 15 is the quotation and the fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9.

 

Jesus coming into Jerusalem on a donkey is ironic.  It is a paradox.  This large crowd hailed Him as the King of Israel.  Normally, the king would come riding on a war horse dragging his conquered kings behind him or perhaps in a chariot leading his army. 

 

That is not what is happening here.  The donkey was a sign of peace and humility, and this King is not a warrior-king they assumed but the Prince of Peace.

 

Think about this and how it relates to you in 2023.  Do you want the glory of Christ on display in your life?  If so, remember that does happen when you win all the time and run rough shod over your spouse and your family and your coworkers or employees with your words and your social media.

 

If you want the glory of Jesus, live a life of peace.  Paul commanded the same in Romans 12:18.

 

18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

 

 

In verse 16, there appears to be a second group of disciples, and John is writing about their experience well beyond their actual happenings in real time.  These disciples didn’t originally understand all of who Jesus was. 

 

However, after He was glorified, which refers to His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, they did remember that these things were written about Jesus, and He was who He said He was.  They realized He was the one Lord and Savior.

 

These particular disciples were onlookers or eyewitnesses of Jesus calling Lazarus out of the tomb.  As a result, they bore witness about Jesus.  Their response was telling others what happened.  Consequently, verse 18 tells us that people were coming to Jesus to meet Him because He had performed these signs.

 

Unfortunately, when the Pharisees saw the popularity that Jesus was gaining and how His followers were increasing, these opponents of Christ were very upset.  They were very angry.  They were resentful. 

 

Look at verse 19.  They were talking to one another and claimed that they had done no good since many were coming to Christ.

 

 

• The Glory of Jesus is that He came to DIE, John 12:20-26.

20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. 21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”  22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus.  23 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

 

Verse 20 tells us that some Greeks or Gentiles had come to Jerusalem.  It is says there were there to worship.  Perhaps they were close to being converts to Judaism. 

 

By the way, some commentators believe we have now moved to Monday.  That debatable and probably not that significant, but I wanted you to know.

 

They then came to Philip and told him that they wanted to see Jesus.  Perhaps they went to him because his name is a Greek name, and they knew he was a disciple of Jesus.  Philip then told Andrew, and they came and told Jesus.

 

When they told Jesus, in verse 23, He said that the hour had come for the Son of Man to be glorified.  Remember that Jesus had escaped and eluded His enemies on several previous occasions because it wasn’t His time.  Now, it is.

 

In verse 24, Jesus used an agrarian illustration of a grain of wheat falling into the earth and dying or being buried.  If it doesn’t die and isn’t buried, it remains alone.  If it does die and is buried, then it bears much fruit.

 

He then applied this illustration personally in verses 25-26.  He who loves his life, loses it.  He who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. 

 

He was talking about gaining a future eternal life.  However, you don’t gain like you would think.  It comes to those who lose their life and to those who hate their life. 

 

However, Jesus isn’t speaking literally but relatively.  Jesus died so that He would live. 

 

 

Conclusion

And so here is the conclusion and invitation for us.  In order for us to live, we must die too.  It can’t be about us and what we want, but about Him and what He wants.

 

Verse 26 then is an invitation to follow.  If you want to serve Jesus, you must follow Him.  You will then be with Him in heaven, and God will honor you for serving His Son.

 

Paul understood this idea as he wrote to the Galatian Church.  See Galatians 2:20.

 

20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

 

A God-Honoring Life

What constitutes a God-Honoring Life?  I think we will see our answer in today’s text. 

 

John’s Gospel is an interesting read.  John used 11 chapters to talk about 3 years of Jesus’ life.  Chapters 12-20 cover just over 1 week.  Needless to say, he is going to slow things down a lot.

 

Today’s story is also found in Matthew 26 and Mark 14.  A similar story is found in Luke 7, but it is not the same.

 

 

1. Scene One: A Party with Friends, 12:1-3

1 Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. 

 

The setting was a few days before Golgotha in a private home in Bethany.  Jesus probably got to Bethany on Friday night.  Perhaps He was staying with His close friends: Lazarus, Mary, and Martha.

 

On Saturday, there was a supper in Jesus’ honor.  Mark’s Gospel tells us it was at Simon the leper’s house.  It seems that this party was honor Jesus and celebrated Lazarus and Simon.  Can you even imagine them sharing healing stories?

 

Martha was doing her thing…serving others while verse 2 says that Lazarus was at the table with Jesus.  Because Matthew’s Gospel says that all of the Twelve were there, this is a party with friends that included at least 17 people.

 

The Lord Jesus was reclining at the table with His disciples and Lazarus.  Then Mary entered the room and brought to Him a pound of very costly oil of spikenard. 

 

This was about 11 ounces of perfume that had been imported from India.  She knelt at Jesus’ feet, broke open the flask, and poured it out upon His feet.  She then wiped His feet with her hair. 

 

Think about this act.  A Jewish woman touches another person’s feet.  This other person was a man that was not her husband.  She undid her hair in public and did the unthinkable.  Why?  Because of her love and appreciation for Jesus. 

 

This nard was used to anoint kings.  Jesus was Mary’s King of Kings.

 

Picture them reclining at a center table that was maybe 18 inches off the floor.  They would have been leaning on one elbow while eating with the other hand, and their legs and feet would have been extended away from the table.

 

The fragrance filled the whole house not just the room where they were.  Everyone was touched by the smell.  Sooner or later, everyone in the house would know what Mary had done because of the pleasing smell. 

 

 

2. Scene Two: A Perturbed Foe, 12:4-6

4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.

 

From Judas’ perspective, he couldn’t understand why this perfume was not sold.  In Matthew 26:8, he called it “a waste.”  By the way, Judas is always described in Scripture as a foe, the one who would betray Jesus. 

 

He gave the perception that he was concerned about the poor, but in reality, he had other plans for the money that the oil would have received. 

 

300 denarii was considered to be a year’s wages.  In thinking about this, you might see this perfume as being worthy $20-$25-$30,000. 

 

By the way, Judas was thinking with his pocketbook rather than his heart.  In 2023, don’t be a Judas.  Be more like Mary who acted on her heart and not her pocketbook. 

 

 

3. Scene Three: A Prediction about the Future, 12:7-8

7 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. 8 For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”

 

In Matthew’s Gospel (26:10), Jesus said, “For she has done a good work for Me.”  Of all those in the home that night, Jesus offered the lone compliment or praise.  His was the one that counted.

 

Notice that this offering was “for Me.”  It wasn’t for the giver or the audience.  It was for Christ. 

 

However, we can’t help but think about the future as Jesus said she had kept this for the day of burial.  Little did they know that in a week’s time, Jesus would be dead and buried.

 

Verse 8 isn’t a derogatory remark about the poor.  Jesus simply stated the facts.  He wouldn’t always be with them, but the poor would.

 

 

Conclusion

So what can we take away from this story from three of the four gospels?

 

First, a God-Honoring Life will be pleasant to many.  Undoubtedly, what Mary did inspired many.  Her offering filled the entire house.  Listen to Matthew 26:13.

 

Matthew 26:13, “Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”  She is remembered forever because of the offering she gave.

 

If you’re living a God-Honoring Life, you will inspire many.  I look back and think about people like Bill Beasley and Dave Craddock.  They inspired me.

 

I think about Phyllis Friday and Carolyn Potts.  They inspired me.  Will you live a God-Honoring Life in 2023 that will be pleasant to many?

 

Second, a God-Honoring Life will perturb others.  Mary didn’t mean to perturb Judas, but God convicted Judas with Mary’s act.

 

That happens today as well.  When you live a life that is honoring of the Lord, you will irritate others.  Why?  Because they aren’t living a life that is honoring the Lord. 

 

You didn’t mean to do that.  However, that is how the Holy Spirit sometimes works to convict others of their sins.

 

Third, above else, let me challenge you to live a life that pleasing to One.  That is Jesus.  Mary’s act wasn’t for her.  It wasn’t for the audience.  It was for Jesus, and that is all that matters.

 

Today’s story ends with some Jews believing in Jesus because of the miraculous sign of Lazarus being resurrected from the dead.  Others continued to reject Jesus.  What will you do with Him today and in 2023?

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Story of Christmas

Statisticians tell us that the world’s population will exceed eight billion people in 2023.  That is an eight with nine zeros. 

 

Those same statisticians tell us that in all of human history, approximately 105-110 billion people have ever lived.  That is one hundred and five with nine zeros.

 

Of that one hundred and five billion people, some have been male, and some have been female.  Some have been red, and some have been yellow, and some have been black, and some have been white.  Some have gone on to be doctors and lawyers and Indian chiefs.

 

However, there is no more significant birth in all of human history than the one that we celebrate this time of year, and that is the birth of Jesus Christ.  This morning, we consider the Christmas story.

 

 

1. A Baby was Born, Luke 2:1-7.

1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.  4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

 

In the first three verses of this chapter, we see the context for Joseph and Mary getting to Bethlehem.  A census was being taken, and we can conclude that Joseph owned property in Bethlehem. 

 

Therefore, he had to go there to register his family.  Rather than leave Mary behind and be absent at the birth of his son, Mary went with him to Bethlehem.

 

The first detail about the incarnation of God that I want you to see is that it was prophesied in Scripture.  By leaving Nazareth, Joseph was following the predetermined plan of God that we know of from Micah 5:2.

 

Micah 5:2, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”

 

The second detail that I want to remind you of is that the incarnation of God was conceived by the Spirit.  Verse five tells us that Mary was with child on this trip. 

 

It is very difficult for us to even imagine this young, teenage mother to be walking and or riding on a donkey for any prolonged period of time at nine months pregnant.  However, that is what we have here, but don’t forget how this happened. 

 

Had she been with another man and unfaithful to Joseph?  No.  Had she and Joseph consummated their marriage?  No, they were still in the betrothal period and sexually pure.  See Luke 1:35.

 

Luke 1:35, And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.

 

Jesus was conceived by the Spirit of God. 

 

In verses 6 and 7, Jesus was born.  God became flesh incarnate.

 

A baby was born that was a fulfillment of prophecy and conceived by the Holy Spirit.

 

 

2. God was Glorified, Luke 2:8-14.

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”  13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” 

 

Beginning in verse eight, we are introduced to a group of shepherds.  They were herding their sheep which is what shepherds do, and an angel of the Lord appeared to them and scared them. 

 

In verse ten, the angel began to speak.  He tried to calm the shepherds down and let them know that he had good news.  He literally uses the phrase, “good tidings” in verse ten.

 

The first reason that God is to be glorified and is glorified is because when Jesus was born, He was God’s provision for all people to be saved.  He isn’t just the Savior for a few or for a certain denomination or a certain race or a certain social-economic class.  Regardless of who you are and where you’re from and what you’ve done, Jesus came to be your Savior.

 

However, the salvation that Jesus offers is only applied to those who believe.  He is a Savior sent for you, but you have to make the personal decision to receive Him into your life or trust in Him as Lord and Savior or call on Him to be saved from your sins.  I can’t do it for you.  It isn’t applied to you just because of what your parents have done or who your grandfather was. 

 

Second, God is to be glorified and is glorified because having a personal relationship with only Son is the only way to be at peace with God.    Look at verses 13-14.

 

Suddenly, a multitude of the heavenly host appeared with the original angel.  Was this fifty more?  Was this one hundred more?  Was this one thousand more?  Probably, it was the latter. 

 

Thousands and thousands of angels began to exalt the Lord in song, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” 

 

Every man since Adam has been at odds with God because of sin.  No man has been at peace with God on his own. 

 

God has now provided a way.  The way is Jesus.  He is the one and only way to be at peace with God the Father. 

 

Morality won’t do it.  Ingenuity won’t do it.  Ancestry won’t do it.  The angels exalted God in heaven because only Jesus would do it.  He is the only way.  See John 14:6.

 

John 14:6, Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

 

Romans 5:1, Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Today, on Christmas Sunday, I extend an invitation to you to be saved.  Jesus came to save you, but you have to receive Him.  You have to accept His invitation. 

 

The salvation that Jesus offers is only applied to your life when you personally believe in Him.  Will you do that today?

 

 

3. Worshippers Witnessed, Luke 2:15-20.

15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

 

In verse fifteen, the shepherds go on their way after the angels left.  Verse sixteen says they came to Joseph and Mary and the baby, and they told them all that the angels had said.  Therefore, the shepherds witnessed Jesus personally.  

 

In verses seventeen and eighteen, they told others about this Savior.  In other words, they witnessed for Jesus publically.  Isn’t that all that evangelism or witnessing is…sharing your experience with Jesus? 

 

In verse twenty, the shepherds then left, and they went back glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard.  The worshippers witnessed.

 

 

Conclusion

As I conclude this morning, I want you absolutely, positively remember the true story of Christmas on this Lord’s Day.

 

However, as the Body of Christ, we don’t remember the story of Christmas but also the why of Christmas.  Why was Jesus born?

 

He was born to die.  He was born to die on the cross and for our sins.  His mission wasn’t just about the cradle but also the cross.

 

Therefore, how will you respond to the story of the most significant birth in all of human history?

 

For some of you that means accepting the invitation that God offers to you of eternal life through a personal relationship with Jesus.  He came to be the Savior of the world.  Is He your personal Lord and Savior?   

 

For others, during this Christmas season, will you share your Jesus experience with others?  That is what the shepherds did.  That is what God calls us to do. 

 

Jesus’ birth is the most significant of one hundred and five billion.  What will it mean for you?

Only Two Choices

This morning, we come to the end of chapter 11, and I want to share with you a sermon entitled, “Only Two Choices.”  Today’s text will be John 11:45-57.

 

If you will remember from last Sunday, we look at John 11:1-44.  A close friend of Jesus’, Lazarus, was sick.  Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha, seemed to want Jesus to come.

 

However, Jesus didn’t get to Lazarus until he had already died, but God had a plan.  Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.  Obviously, Mary and Martha witnessed this miracle as did others were present comforting the two sisters.

 

How did they respond to this miracle?  How will you respond to this miracle?  There are only two choices.

 

 

1. The Choice to Believe, John 11:45

45 Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him.

 

Notice verse 45.  I’m not sure why Mary is mentioned and not Martha.  However, many of the Jews who had come to Mary, presumably to comfort her, saw the things that Jesus did and believed in him.  In other words, they were saved.

 

Remember, John’s Gospel is built on these seven miraculous signs.  They began in John 2.  Look at 2:11 after Jesus turned the water to wine.

 

11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

 

When Jesus turned the water to wine at this wedding demonstrating that He could bring something from nothing, that was the first miraculous sin.  Raising Lazarus from the dead was the seventh miraculous sin demonstrating He was Lord over life and death.

 

Let’s remember all of the signs.  First, He turned water to wine demonstrating He could bring something to nothing.  Second, He healed the nobleman’s son who was some 15-20 miles away.  Jesus was master over distance.

 

Third, Jesus healed the paralytic who had been that way for 38 years demonstrating He was master over time. Fourth, Jesus fed over 5,000 people with two sardines and five biscuits demonstrating He was the bread of life that could satisfy for eternity.

 

Fifth, Jesus walked on water and calmed the storm demonstrating He was master over nature.  Sixth, Jesus healed the man who was born blind demonstrating He was the light of the world that can enable the spiritually blind to see.

 

Seventh and finally, Jesus raised Lazarus demonstrating He was the master over life and death.  When He did these signs, many believed in Him along the way.

 

By the way, remember again that was the purpose of this book and these signs.  See John 20:30-31.

30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

 

 

2. The Choice NOT to Believe, John 11:46

46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did.

 

However, the choice to believe is yours, and no one can force you to believe.  Therefore, there is the choice of not believing.  That is what we see in verse 46.

 

There are many who saw Lazarus raised, and they believe in Jesus, but some choose not to believe and went to the Pharisees to rally the troops. 

 

There are some of you in this room this morning who have never believed in Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior.  I wish I could make that decision for you, but I can’t.  Only you can.

 

However, I invite you to do that again today.  Consider all of the miraculous signs Jesus did.  Those miracles affirm all that Jesus said, and last Sunday, we read these words and this invitation from Him.  See John 11:25-26.

 

25 “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

 

 

Conclusion

From the rest of this text, I want to draw your attention to one final observation and a very ironic one at that. 

 

In verses 47-50, those that chose not to believe in Jesus and the Pharisees were worried.  They were worried about His popularity and a potential uprising.

 

However, Caiaphas, the high priest at the time, talked them off the ledge with some ironic logic.  He convinced them to seize Jesus and ultimately murder Him rather than their entire nation be overthrown.

 

John then added his own editorial comments in verses 51-53.

 

51 Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad.  53 Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death.

 

Under the sovereignty of God, Caiaphas prophesied about the substitutionary death of Christ.  What does that mean?  It means that Jesus died on the cross and in the place of sinners.  He died so that we wouldn’t have to die.

 

That’s the message for this morning.  You don’t have to die spiritually.  You can decide for yourself and make the choice to believe in Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior.  If you do, you will be at peace with God, receive forgiveness of sins, and a home in heaven with God for eternity.

 

However, if you make the choice not to believe in Jesus, you will die physically, and you will die spiritually and spend eternity in a Christless hell separated from God. 

 

You have only two choices!

Confident Hope

Safe and Secure from All Alarm

This morning, we come to the end of John 10.

 

In the recent Sundays, we have heard Jesus telling an allegory of a shepherd and his sheep.  We know that Jesus is the shepherd, and we are His sheep.

 

Today’s text is related to that allegory, and we will finish John 10 today.  The next time we are in John’s gospel, it will be in John 11.

 

I want to share a message with you this morning entitled, “Safe and Secure from All Alarm.”  In today’s text, I am going to show you three proofs.

 

 

1. The First Proof is the Proof of Jesus’ Deity, John 10:22-25, 30

22 Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. 24 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”  25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me.  30 I and My Father are one.”

 

In this first section, John tells us that it was winter.  Keep in mind, there is probably a three-month gap between John 10:21 and John 10:22. 

 

Jesus was in Jerusalem, and it was the Feast of Dedication.  This feast was not one of the main three in Judaism, but it was the celebration of the rededication of the temple by Judas Maccabeus.  Today, it is known as Hanukkah. 

 

Jesus was in Solomon’s porch under the covering and out of the cold weather and rain.  The Jews surrounded Him and told Him to verify His identity.  Specifically, they wanted to know if He was the Messiah. 

 

Notice Jesus’ answer.  Essentially, He said yes, and I have already told and shown you.  Two proofs of Jesus’ deity were His words and His works.

 

As for His words, I have told you about the 7 I AM Statements in this Gospel.  So far, we have seen four. 

 

In every instance, Jesus is claiming to be God, the Promised Messiah, the Christ.  I am the bread of life.  I am the light of the world.  I am the good shepherd.  I am the gate for the sheep.

 

In verse 30, He said He and the Father are one.  That doesn’t mean the same person, but it does mean the same purpose.  They are unified in their purpose as they are both God.

 

In addition to His words, Jesus’ works are also proof of His deity.  The gospel of John is not only built around 7 I AM Statements but also 7 Miraculous signs. 

 

So far, we have seen six of the seven.  Jesus turned water to wine. He healed the nobleman’s son from a distance.  He healed a man who was a paralytic for 38 years.  He walked on water and calmed a storm.  He fed 5,000 men.  He healed a man born blind.  When we get to John 11, He will raise the Lazarus from the dead.

 

Jesus did what no else had done and what no one else could do.  His words and His works were proofs of His deity.

 

 

2. The Second Proof is the Proof of the Believers’ Security, John 10:26-30

26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.”

 

In our next few verses, we see two proofs for the Believers’ eternal security.  There is an external proof, and there is an internal proof.

 

The external proof is the believers’ intimacy with the Shepherd.  Unlike the Pharisees and false prophets who did not believe, Jesus’ sheep hear His voice and know Him and follow Him.  There is an intimacy between the Good Shepherd and His sheep. 

 

It is that intimacy that is the external proof of a believers’ security.  Our obedience and following Jesus is what the watching world sees and proves that our salvation is secure, and when were not obedient and living in rebellion, the watching world begins to wonder.

 

On the other hand, the internal proof is remembering the authority of the Son.  In verse 28, Jesus gives us eternal life, and the thieves and or robbers will never snatch us from Jesus’ hand.  We are safe and secure from all alarm. 

 

But please remember, we aren’t safe and secure because religiosity or generosity or genealogy or ingenuity.  Our security is based on Jesus and the authority He has that was given to Him by His Father, and no one is able to snatch us from Jesus’ hand or the Father’s hand.

 

Our intimacy with the Shepherd and the authority of the Son are the two proofs that a believer is secure for eternity in heaven.  He or she is safe and secure from all alarm.

 

 

3. The Third Proof is the Proof the Unbelievers’ Futility, John 10:31-42

31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. 32 Jesus answered them, “Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?”  33 The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.”  34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods”’? 35 If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), 36 do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? 37 If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; 38 but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” 39 Therefore they sought again to seize Him, but He escaped out of their hand.  40 And He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was baptizing at first, and there He stayed. 41 Then many came to Him and said, “John performed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about this Man were true.” 42 And many believed in Him there.

 

In verse 31, the Jews took up stones to stone Jesus.  Jesus asked them why, and it was because He claimed to be God. 

 

The unbelievers’ first proof of futility was the charge of blasphemy.  They didn’t think Jesus was God so when He said He was God, that was blasphemy in their minds. 

 

Jesus challenged the logic of their charge by taking them back to the Scriptures.  In Psalm 82:6, God called Jewish judges gods…with a little “g.”  They were gods because they made judgments, and this is what the Bible says.

 

Therefore, if the Bible says this, and the Bible can’t be wrong, and God the Father called them gods with a little “g,” then surely it should be ok to call the One that God sent the Son of God.  Again, Jesus put them in their place.

 

Not only do we see their charge against Jesus as a proof of their futility, but we are so their lack of belief in Jesus as a proof of their futility.  In verse 37-38, Jesus took them to His works again. 

 

If they believe remember and believe His works, they can believe that God sent Him.  However, verse 39 says they attempted to seize Him again. 

 

Chapter 10 ends with a brief description of Jesus’ ministry in another area.  Some believed Jesus because of the witness of John the Baptist.

 

 

Conclusion

Do you need proof that Jesus is God?  Think about His words and His miraculous works.

 

Do you need proof that you as a believer are security for eternity?  The proof for the world is our intimacy with Shepherd.  The proof for us is remembering the authority of the Son.

 

Do you need proof that unbelievers will end their lives in futility?  They will when they claim Jesus isn’t God, and the fail to believe what He did.

 

 

Will You Enter through the Gate?

If you are visiting EBC this morning, we study God’s Word during our Sunday Morning Worship Service verse-by-verse and chapter-by-chapter.  Today, we are in John 10.

 

1. In John’s Gospel, Jesus makes 7 “I AM” statements declaring He is God. We know that because of the language He used and because of the OT Name of God.
2. His fourth I AM statement is the one we will look at this morning. He said He was the gate for the sheep.

• Before that, He first said He was the bread of life. Next, He said He was the light of the world.  Fourth, He said He was the good shepherd.

1. Jesus is using an allegory or symbolic story to help His first century hearers understand who He was. This allegory is that of a shepherd and his sheep.  Jesus is the shepherd, and we are the sheep.
2. During the summer months, shepherds would lead their sheep and stay with their sheep overnight in the pasture. They would carry temporary fencing with them that might be akin to the temporary orange construction fencing that we often use.  Once all of the sheep were accounted for, the shepherd would literally lie across the opening and act as a gate for the sheepfold.  In this allegory, Jesus said, “I am the gate.”

 

 

Exposition

1. Entering through Jesus as the gate is salvation, John 10:7-9.

7 so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. 9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.

 

Notice again Jesus’ I AM statement in verse 7.  Jesus is the gate for the sheep.  Knowing a little about first-century shepherd helps us picture exactly what Jesus was saying. 

 

Compared to thieves and robbers, true sheep follow their shepherd and not those they don’t know.  These thieves and robbers were the Pharisees and the false shepherds of Ezekiel 34 that we looked at last week.  They only looked out for themselves and not the sheep of God.

 

Again, in verse 9 now, Jesus said He was gate.  When the sheep would enter the sheepfold and the shepherd was their gate, they were safe or saved.  The shepherd saved them, and the thieves and robbers couldn’t get to them because the shepherd acted as the gate.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, that is true today as well.  Jesus is inviting us to be saved by entering through Him as the gate. 

 

That invitation is comprehensive in that it is open to anyone.  That invitation is consensual in that you can never be forced to enter Jesus as the gate.  You are only invited.  The result of that invitation is certain if you accept it.  You will be saved.

 

This morning, I extend that invitation to anyone and everyone in the room that is not saved.  Enter through Jesus as the gate, and you will be saved. 

 

That means admitting that you are a sinner and recognizing that your sin separates you from God.  Believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sin.  Call on Him as your Lord and Savior.  Your entrance to heaven is through Jesus as the gate.

 

 

2. Entering through Jesus as the gate is ONLY way to be saved and to have access to the Father.

 

In theological terms, this idea is called the exclusivity of the gospel.  Salvation and eternal life in heaven come exclusively through Jesus Christ and no other way.

 

Jesus said this of Himself in John 14:6.

 

6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

 

Peter said this about Jesus in Acts 4:8-12.

 

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, 9 are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? 10 Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. 11 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’  12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”

 

Thirdly, this is what the majority writer of the New Testament, Paul, said in Romans 5:1.

 

1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

 

Therefore, Jesus is not one of many ways.  We all aren’t trying to climb the mountain of God and some get up the Christian side and some get up the Jewish side and some get up the Muslim side.

 

There is only one way to heaven and eternal life and forgiveness of sin and peace with God.  It is exclusively through Jesus as the gate.

 

 

3. However, entering through Jesus as the gate is not an easy or popular choice, Matthew 7:13-14.

13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

 

Toward the end of the sermon on the mount, Jesus told another parable and equated Jesus with narrow gate.  Verse 14 says taking the gateway of life is very narrow, and the road is difficult or not easy. 

 

Furthermore, it’s not the popular choice.  Only a few find it.

 

To be more explicit, you have to turn from your sin and self and turn to Jesus.  You have step down off the thrown of your heart and allow Jesus on the throne.  You have to die to self and allow Jesus to live in you.

 

The other choice is the highway to hell.  It is broad or easy with plenty of room even through many choose this way.

 

However, it leads to eternal destruction.  It leads to an eternity in hell separated from Christ.  Please don’t choose that way today.

 

 

Invitation

I have tried to be as explicit and clear and simple as I can be today.  Now, as I have preached publicly to you the Word of God, I am going to invite you to publicly respond to the Word of God and the invitation to walk through the gate that is Jesus to heaven and eternal life and forgiveness of sin.

 

Jesus, Our Good, Good Shepherd

In John 10, Jesus was still speaking to the man who born blind but was healed and the Pharisees.  He told them a parable or a parable-like story about shepherds and sheep. 

 

This was a very common and familiar analogy as Genesis tells us that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were all shepherds, and Moses and David were both shepherds.  Therefore, the people knew this language and imagery. 

 

Furthermore, Ezekiel 34:1-10 serves as a backdrop for Jesus’ analogy.  He indicted some bad shepherds in John 10 that were similar to those indicted in Ezekiel 34.

 

1 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God to the shepherds: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? 3 You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock. 4 The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them. 5 So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered. 6 My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill; yes, My flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for them.”  7 ‘Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: 8 “As I live,” says the Lord God, “surely because My flock became a prey, and My flock became food for every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, nor did My shepherds search for My flock, but the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock”— 9 therefore, O shepherds, hear the word of the Lord! 10 Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require My flock at their hand; I will cause them to cease feeding the sheep, and the shepherds shall feed themselves no more; for I will deliver My flock from their mouths, that they may no longer be food for them.”

 

As we think about Jesus as our Good, Good Shepherd, I want you to see that He pastors us intimately, provides for us abundantly, and protects us sacrificially.

 

 

1. As our Good, Good Shepherd, Jesus pastors His Sheep INTIMATELY, John 10:1-6.

1 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them.

 

Verse 1 is a nighttime scene, and we are introduced to the thief or the robber.  He does not enter the door of the fold, but climbs over the top trying to be stealth. 

 

In verse 5, he is called a stranger.  In verse 10, he comes only to steal, kill and destroy.

 

These are simply false prophets or false messiahs or false teachers.  They attempt to lead astray and be something they are not.  The thief is not necessarily Satan, but what is true of the thief is also true of Satan.

 

The sheep are Jews.  However, verse 16 mentions “other sheep,” and we will talk more about them in just a moment.

 

The shepherd is mentioned in verse 2, and the shepherd is Jesus, and Jesus is our Good, Good Shepherd.  We know that also because of verse 11.

 

That word shepherd comes from the same root word that means pastor.  Therefore, my position and my ministry is sometimes referred as the shepherd shepherding the sheep or the people. 

 

Very quickly and almost without notice the scene switches to morning shepherding.  Shepherds would often use mountains and cliffs and caves as their pins with two or three flocks in the same pin. 

 

The shepherd would access his flock through the door, and enter the pin after the doorkeeper opened the door.  We aren’t told specifically who the doorkeeper is, but the shepherd goes into the pin.

 

Demonstrating his intimacy with his sheep, the shepherd would specifically call for his sheep.  Maybe at the same time, another shepherd would call for his sheep out of the same pin. 

 

His sheep know his voice, and he calls them by name.  He then leads them out. 

 

The shepherd is not driving the sheep from behind but leading the sheep from the front.  The sheep will not follow unless they recognize the unique voice of their shepherd.

 

Verse 6 tells us that Jesus told this story, but it wasn’t understood.  Therefore, the remainder of our text is a further explanation of the story.

 

As our Good, Good Shepherd, Jesus pastors us intimately. 

 

 

2. As Our Good, Good Shepherd, Jesus provides for His Sheep ABUNDANTLY, John 10:10.

10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

 

I’m going to come back to verse 7-9 next week.  Jesus’ first IAM statement was I am the bread of life.  Then He said I am the light of the world.  Today, we see that He said I am the good shepherd.  Next week, for Friend Day, we will see Him say I am the door of the sheep.

 

In verse 10, the safety of the shepherd is contrasted with the danger of the thief.  The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. 

 

On the other hand, Jesus came to give live and give it abundantly.  We often take that to mean physical or material blessings, but I don’t think that is what Jesus had in mind here.

 

The life that Jesus spoke of here is certainly eternal life.  However, it is also abundant life on earth that doesn’t come from more money or a bigger house or the latest toys.

 

The abundant life that Jesus provides for His sheep is peace and satisfaction and fulfilment in living your life in the middle of God’s will and according to God’s word.  There is no satisfaction like it in the world.

 

Jesus wants that for you, and has provided the way for you to have by giving us His word.  However, we have to be obedient.  We have to say no to self and yes to Him. 

 

As our Good, Good Shepherd, Jesus provides for His sheep abundantly.

 

 

3. As Our Good, Good Shepherd, Jesus protects His Sheep SACRFICIALLY, John 10:11-21.

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.  17 “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”  19 Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these sayings. 20 And many of them said, “He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?”  21 Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

 

In verse 11, Jesus said He was the good shepherd and He lays down His life for the sheep.  He is foreshadowing His substitutionary death. 

 

Verses 12-13 speak of the hired hand.  He is the opposite of the shepherd.  The shepherd is concerned about the sheep.  The hired hand is concerned about himself.  Therefore, if danger ensues, the hired hand will run to protect himself, but leave the sheep behind unprotected. 

 

In verse 15, Jesus again speaks of laying down His life for His sheep.  He sacrificed His life for His sheep. 

 

In verse 16.  Jesus said He had other sheep which are not of this fold.  He must bring them in and make one flock with one shepherd.  If you understand that His immediate audience was Jewish, the other sheep seem to be Gentiles. 

 

Again, for the third time, Jesus said in verse 17 of laying down His life for His sheep. 

 

In verse 18, Jesus did what He did in dying not because anyone forced Him to do it.  He went to the cross on His own initiative.  He protects His sheep sacrificially. 

 

All of these comments confused and divided the Jewish listeners.  They couldn’t completely figure out Jesus.

 

As our good, good shepherd, Jesus protects His sheep sacrificially. 

 

 

Conclusion

As I close this morning, is Jesus your good, good shepherd?  He wants to be.  He wants you to be one of His sheep.

 

How does that happen?  Admit that you are sinner.  Believe that Jesus died on cross for your sins.  Call on Him to save you.