John 12:20-33

”The Passion of Christ”

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all our hearts be acceptable in thy sight, Oh Lord, Our King, Our Strength and Our Redeemer! AMEN. In the name of the Father and the son and the Holy Spirit- Amen.

A large part of the book of John is set at the end of Jesus' ministry. Today, we note in the gospel reading - John, Chapter 12, 20-33,Jesus explains what would happen in those last days, of His human earthly life.

As well as His disciples, some Greeks, probably Greek Jews, having heard about Jesus come to see Him for themselves. Jesus explains that,

He, as a kernel of wheat or any seed, will die, but that will be for the bringing into life of many, many sons and daughters of God. Many things that God does works on this principle of “Seed Time and Harvest”, that God established at the start of the age. He planted His Son

Jesus to harvest a church!!

My brothers, and sisters,do you ever ask yourself....Who am I ? What am I here for? Or what is my purpose in life? Many do....and...when confronted with these mysterious puzzles some brush them aside,others panic,get frightened, yet others .pause for a few moments to reflect, meditate, ask others what is their view, and some go as far as seeking scientific meaning or applications or views. Very few actually go to the Manual, The Bible, for the answers to seek the deeper meaning to all of the questions or to verify the word of the Saviour of the world!

As 21^st Century Christians,it is of paramount importance that we ask ourselves....what we do believe .or more pertinently, Do I believe? Do I really believe that Jesus died for us rose again and ensured salvation for all who believe in him and live lives according to his purposes for us?

Many who say they believe live lives that belie their claims. Many live in the hope that they may have time before they die to ask forgiveness-they out off the opportunity of accepting Jesus as their personal Saviour, and yet others try to take shortcuts in the hope that they can have an easy ride as a Christian.

If we are ever tempted to think in like manner,I urge today to consider afresh the death of Jesus - a triumph of God not a catastrophe!

He died at the time of His choosing, and in the manner of His choosing. The Pharisees wanted to kill Jesus but not at the Passover. Jesus forced their hand by telling Judas He knew what was planned and they brought the plan forward! They wanted do do it at a quiet time. Jesus forced them to do it at the busiest time of the year in Jerusalem.

In fact the Bible,even tells us that if Satan had realized what a triumph it was going to be he would not have killed Jesus! We can read 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 to see this stated categorically in your Bible!

I Cor 2:7-But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

That word glory is a good one to think of in relation to Jesus' passion.

God would be glorified by the triumph of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Even at this time God thundered from the heavens telling all around that He would glorify His name. This was to show them that God was involved in this incident.

God's name was being glorified and Satan was being defeated once and for all.

God said openly that He HAD glorified His name and would glorify it again.

Well, throughout Jesus' life the healings and signs and wonders showed the glory of God. The wisdom and grace and compassion of Jesus glorified God.

And Jesus said that the believers would do all the works that He did and even greater.

We have been sent into the world just as the Father sent Jesus into the world. Again and again, as we dare to demonstrate the power of God, God will be glorified through us.

Similarly every new generation that comes along seeing the signs and wonders displayed by God through believers will have their faith built up as they join the ranks of true believers.

Jesus did not flinch from doing the duty which He came into the world to do. He knew He would suffer an agonizing death but according to God's will He went through it for the JOY that was set before Him. His sacrifice would bring many sons and daughters to glory.

He also knew that this was the time when judgement would come on the earth. Satan would be judged and our sins would be judged also. Satan would have his judgement confirmed on him and Jesus would take our judgement into Himself on the cross.

Jesus expands this in John 16:8-11.

Joh 16:8-11 And when He (Holy Spirit) comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgement: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgement, because the ruler of this world is judged.

This then explains what many believe John 12:32 is really referring to; that when Jesus is lifted up on the cross He will draw all judgement regarding humans to Himself, so that WE will not be judged..

That is what the Grace of our Lord Jesus has provided for us through His passion

As a believer, no one can take that away from you.!

And so...the questions still reains to be answered... Who am I ?.I close this sermon with the grace.

“May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy spirit, be with us and remain with us all, now and forever.

AMEN

Janetta.