The Gospel Revealed: Responding to the Call of Christ

Bible Passage: John 12:37–50

Summary: In this passage, we witness the contrast between belief and disbelief in Jesus’ message, even among those who have witnessed His works. It emphasizes the consequences of rejecting the light that Jesus brings, and it underscores the importance of responding to the Gospel call with faith rather than indifference or skepticism.

Application: This sermon serves as a powerful reminder for Christians to actively respond to God's revelation in Christ. It encourages believers to share their faith boldly, knowing that rejection may occur, but underscores the necessity of inviting others to experience the life-changing light of the Gospel.

Teaching: The teaching from this sermon could focus on the importance of recognizing and responding to Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God. It can teach that believing in Jesus transforms not only the believer’s life but also their mission to share this truth with others.

How this passage could point to Christ: Jesus is depicted as the ultimate light in a world filled with darkness, fulfilling the role of the promised Messiah and fulfilling the law and the prophets. In every Gospel narrative, He invites us to find life in Him and shows that belief in Him is synonymous with believing in the Father who sent Him.

Big Idea: Rejecting the light of the Gospel leads to greater darkness, while embracing Christ offers hope, transformation, and the call to share His light with others.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, it may be beneficial to delve into the Jewish context of unbelief using your Logos library, especially regarding how ancient expectations of the Messiah shaped the responses to Jesus. Also, consider examining various commentaries on the Greek terms for 'light' and 'darkness' to draw deeper theological insights about the nature of faith and its implications for believers today.

Introduction

1. Persisting in Unbelief

John 12:37–40 ESV

37 Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him, 38 so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Lord, who has believed what he heard from us, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39 Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said, 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them.”

Unbelief is not simply an infirmity of fallen human nature, it is a heinous crime.

Arthur Walkington Pink

An Exposition of John Chapter Forty-Four: Christ’s Ministry Reviewed (John 12:37–50)

They would not believe; in consequence, God gave them up, and now they could not believe. The harvest was vast, the summer was ended, and they were not saved. But the fault was entirely theirs, and now they must suffer the just consequences of their wickedness.

Maybe this passage suggests a sober reflection on the reality of unbelief despite witnessing miracles. It highlights that many still hardened their hearts, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy. You could focus on how rejecting the light leads to spiritual darkness, emphasizing the need to open our hearts to the Gospel light. This point can invite us to self-examination and to consider our response to Jesus’ works and words, encouraging us to embrace faith while there's opportunity.

2. Pursuit of Praise

John 12:41–43 ESV

41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him. 42 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

Perhaps these verses illustrate the allure of human praise versus divine approval. Here, you might explore how fear of social rejection can prevent belief. Despite acknowledging Jesus' identity, some leaders chose the praise of men over God. This sermon point can challenge us to prioritize God’s approval in our faith journey, reminding us that embracing Christ's light might mean swimming against the cultural current.

3. Proclaiming the Light

John 12:44–46 ESV

44 And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.

You could unpack Jesus' proclamation of being the light, destined to guide people out of darkness. This section reinforces the christocentric message that Jesus is the fulfillment of divine revelation. Here, encourage believers to find hope and purpose in the transformative power of Christ's light, urging them to reflect this light in their interactions, particularly in sharing the Gospel with others.

4. Promise of Salvation

John 12:47–50 ESV

47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.”

Maybe this passage reveals Jesus’ mission not as a condemner but a savior. You might stress that ignoring Jesus' words leads to self-condemnation, highlighting the urgency of responding to His call. Your audience can be urged to make a decisive choice about Jesus' message, reassured by the promise of life and forgiveness for those who embrace it, and inspired to share this saving message boldly with others.