The Lamb Revealed
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Sometimes things don’t always happen the way we expect them to.
I remember, not too long ago needing to replace my headlight so I went to YouTube. The video that walked me through step by step, how to change a headlight but it was too good to be true.
They never showed how incredibly painful position I had to twist my hand in order to take it out.
They never showed how little wire you have to work with in order to put the new one back in.
The video never showed the suffering and the pain that was involved in changing a headlight in a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica.
Some things just aren’t fully known or understood in life.
When we open the pages of the Gospel of John, the disciples are in a similar position.
They are walking with Jesus every day.
They hear Him talk about: suffering… leaving them… being “lifted up”… rising again
But they don’t fully understand the plan.
To them, the cross felt like defeat.
To heaven, the cross was the moment of victory.
You might say:
The disciples were walking toward the most important moment in history…
but they didn’t realize it yet.
For the next few weeks we’re going to walk with them through the final conversations Jesus had before the cross—
and discover how He prepared them for the greatest event the world has ever seen: the resurrection.
“The cross did not surprise Jesus.
He was preparing His disciples for it all along.”
“The cross did not surprise Jesus.
He was preparing His disciples for it all along.”
Jesus uses this same image in John 12.
Let’s stand for the reading of God’s Word.
20 Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration 21 paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, “Sir, we want to meet Jesus.” 22 Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus. 23 Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. 24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. 25 Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. 26 Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.
27 “Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! 28 Father, bring glory to your name.” Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” 29 When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him. 30 Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out. 32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate how he was going to die.
34 The crowd responded, “We understood from Scripture that the Messiah would live forever. How can you say the Son of Man will die? Just who is this Son of Man, anyway?” 35 Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. 36 Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.” After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them.
PRAY
The cross looked like defeat to the disciples—but it was actually the moment life for the world was released.
The Seed That Must Die - Bring a seed and a plant.
If you keep a seed safe in your pocket, it stays a seed forever.
But if you bury it in the ground, something strange happens.
It looks like it dies… but that “death” is what releases life.
The seed cracks and open underground.
The outer shell disappears.
But the life inside the seed multiplies.
When Jesus revealed God’s ultimate plan to die on a cross, it wasn’t what the Jews or HIS followers expected. They didn’t see why Jesus had to die to accomplish HIS greater mission.
Jesus’ purpose was more then just to save Israel but to save all humanity and the cross was the only way that was possible.
God’s divine plan is the Cross before the Crown.
God's plans often differ from our own desires. Yet we are still invited to embrace God's will even when it leads us through suffering.
Jesus anticipated HIS impending crucifixion and revealed HIS glorification could only come through his death.
God’s plans can seem confusing especially for those who expected a different kind of kingdom.
Embracing God's unexpected plans reveals the profound depth of His love and the true nature of discipleship, which often involves suffering, sacrifice and surrender.
Christ willingly became the ultimate sacrifice, leading to HIS glorification, and foreshadowing the redemptive purpose of the cross.
Jesus spoke to his disciples and laid out HIS…
1. Expectations & Eternal Glory
1. Expectations & Eternal Glory
We start off with Jesus and HIS disciples in Jerusalem for the Passover celebration.
Some of Philip’s Greek friends came down to visit him but they also wanted to see Jesus. So Philip and Andrew went to ask Jesus but before they asked, Jesus started talking about HIS death and resurrection.
23 Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. 24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives.
Jesus had an opportunity to do a miracle to show off HIS power to these new visitors but no, Jesus talked about his purpose through sacrifice. Jesus talked about farming and how unimpressive planting a seed is but the seed eventually becomes a plant that multiplies by becoming more seeds; producing more plants.
Farmers bury thousands of dollars worth of seed every spring.
From the outside it looks foolish—they’re throwing it away.
But the farmer understands something others don’t:
Buried seed isn’t lost—it’s planted.
The cross looked like Jesus was lost.
But heaven knew He was planted
The Greek inquirers and his very own disciples were expecting a political kingdom, yet Jesus speaks about his impending death and the spiritual blessings that will result.
God's plans might seem as a paradox from a human perspective, yet they lead to a deeper revelation of His glory through Christ's sacrifice.
Jesus wants us to see beyond our immediate expectations to God's greater plan for redemption.
25 Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. 26 Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.
Jesus demonstrated this perfectly. HE submitted fully to the will of HIS Heavenly Father. Jesus did not seek HIS own glory even though HE had the power to do that.
I love how Paul refers to this…
6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
If Jesus laid down HIS own divine privileges because HE did not think equality with God was something worth holding on to even though Jesus had the power and right to do that. Who are we to think that as followers of Jesus we are somehow exempt from suffering, surrender, and sacrifice.
Giving up this world for Jesus gives us an eternal reward.
Jesus said don’t be so in love with this world that we are unwilling to give up our life for Christ.
It may seem reckless to burry the seed but Jesus saw the larger benefit. Jesus knew that without death, resurrection would not be possible. Jesus is calling us to that same death. We must die to our old self… die to the things of this world… so that we can benefit from the resurrection power of Jesus Christ living in us. When Jesus died, HE give all humanity the possibility of resurrection life.
Don’t hold on to this world… die to this world and cling to Jesus because that’s where life truly is.
2. Embrace God's Assurance
2. Embrace God's Assurance
Even when things are uncertain and trouble is ahead, God still has a plan and HIS plan is so good. It may not appear that way in the moment but hold on the assurance of HIS wonderful truth.
In vs. 27, Jesus shows HIS humanity…
27 “Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came!
It’s like Jesus was having a conversation with Himself but actually HE was conversing with HIS Father in heaven while talking to HIS disciples. Knowing what HE had to face was a weight that no normal human could ever be able to bear. This was such a heavy weight, even for Jesus.
Jesus was 100% God yet 100% human
Jesus was 100% God yet 100% human
Here we see Jesus’ humanity as he faced the reality of impending death. Knowing the difficult suffering HE would face HE spoke to his disciples openly and honestly. Jesus often talked to his disciples about HIS death, but even though they didn’t understand what HE was saying at the time, they could see the anguish Jesus was going through at the time.
Since Jesus was honest and open about his feelings and his humanity, that means as followers of Jesus, we need to do the same. We need to be more willing to share how we are feeling with people who are close to us.
Even when facing moments of turmoil, Jesus still surrendered to God’s will.
Jesus acknowledges HIS troubled soul yet resolved to give HIS Father all the glory.
28 Father, bring glory to your name.” Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.”
What an incredible moment that would have been to hear the thunderous voice of God speak. The Father confirms HIS glory but HE said that HE will do it again but this time through Jesus, HIS one and only begotten Son.
The Cross was necessary for God to be glorified again. Jesus knew what HE needed to do and why HE needed to do it but the Father spoke for the benefit of those listening.
29 When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him. 30 Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine.
God spoke for the benefit of those who were listening. God, the Father, spoke so the disciples so they could have peace and assurance in the midst of suffering and trials. Jesus came to fulfill HIS divine mission and HE invites us to also partner with HIM here on earth.
3. Engage in the Light
3. Engage in the Light
Earlier Jesus warned HIS followers not to love their life in this world so much they they are unwilling to give it up. Those who are willing to loose their life in this world will gain an eternal reward.
Jesus goes on and talks about what’s going to happen to the ruler of this world.
31 The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out. 32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate how he was going to die.
From our perspective we see how Christ’s death brought judgment on those who had the upper hand in the world’s system: Judas, Caiaphas, Pilate, and the Jewish religious leaders.
But the Son had ultimately come to destroy the works of Satan, who, as the prince of this world who controlled the minds of people by producing unbelief. Therefore, the world would be judged in the sense that Satan, the ruler of the world would be driven out and his final weapon was death, but Jesus overcame death.
Jesus was lifted up, referring to the cross that HE would be nailed to, lifted up, and left to die. Jesus knew he would die by crucifixion.
Jesus would draw all people to Himself doesn’t meant that everyone is going to be saved but HIS offer of salvation would be extended to all people, both Jews and Gentiles alike.
The prince of this world, the devil will be held powerless. Jesus will break the power of sin, evil, and death through the power of the cross.
34 The crowd responded, “We understood from Scripture that the Messiah would live forever. How can you say the Son of Man will die? Just who is this Son of Man, anyway?”
The crowd had believed the claims of Jesus being the Messiah. They were just waving palm branches for a victorious Messiah who they thought would set up a political, earthly kingdom that would never end.
When Jesus spoke of his imminent death—and that on a cross, they had a hard time believing that Jesus was the Messiah.
The people heard from the Law that the Messiah would live and reign forever.
17 May the king’s name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun shines. May all nations be blessed through him and bring him praise.
6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
When Jesus was talking about his death they asked Jesus who is this Son of Man you’re referring to? Should we be looking for another Messiah?
Jesus wasn’t upset or taken back at the questions from the crowd…
35 Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going.
Jesus never tried to clear up their confusion about the Messiah but encouraged them and admonished them to live in the light while HE was still with them.
Jesus declares and confirms that HE is the true light who gives light to everyone.
5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
Jesus often refers to HIMSELF as light in darkness.
12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
Those who are enlightened by God would recognize their Messiah. Even when the light of Jesus’ physical presence on earth was about to go out and the darkness of Satan’s evil influence and sin would overtake those who would refuse to accept Jesus’ light.
Jesus said “Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going.”
Walking under the influence of the devil, walking in darkness causes us to stumble through life with no guidance, no help, no protection, no understanding, no ultimate goal or purpose, or meaning for living.
36 Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.” After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them.
Jesus is calling us to live life trusting in the light of Jesus even in the midst of darkness. When our world is full of darkness, put your trust in the light, while there is still time.
Believe in Jesus, who is the light, and become his children. The opportunity was available to all, but not for much longer, for Jesus was about to depart this world.
Then Jesus went away and was hidden from them. This was true both actually and symbolically: Jesus spoke these things, and he left and hid himself from them.
Jesus calls us to walk in the light even when the path seems dark… when the plans seem uncertain… when suffering and pain is ahead.
Jesus is calling us today to walk by faith and embrace the true nature of Jesus’ kingdom as we live in the light, while we still can.
Jesus came to give us peace, joy, freedom from sin, and the power to forgive.
“The Mission They Didn’t Understand”
In 1944, during D-Day, thousands of soldiers landed on the beaches of Normandy. Many of them were incredibly young—18, 19, 20 years old.
Historians later discovered that many soldiers did not know the full plan.
They knew their assignment: Get to the beach… Move forward… Secure their objective
But the bigger strategy of the war was known only by the commanders.
Some soldiers even wondered in those first terrifying hours: Why here? Why this beach? Why so much sacrifice?
That day became the turning point of the war but what looked like chaos and tragedy in the moment was actually part of a larger plan to defeat evil.
Jesus’ plan didn’t make sense in the moment. Even when we don’t understand, Jesus tells us, HIS disciples, to put your trust in the light.
This is the moment that God has called you to live in, following Jesus, and reflecting the light of Christ wherever you go.
TAKE AWAY
The Cross Was God’s Plan, Not a Tragedy
Death Produces Life
Following Jesus Means Dying to Self
The resurrection life begins with surrender
