When the Light Leaves
Notes
Transcript
Reflections on Judgement and Light
Reflections on Judgement and Light
Light is something that we often take for granted. Every morning when we get up… its there. When we go outside… it’s there. When evening comes… and the sky grows dark… we don’t panic. Why? Because we know in a matter of hours, the sky will brighten and our world will again be flooded with light.
We take light for granted… because it is always here. But what happens when the light leaves?
What would happen if one day… the light told us.... I’m going away… and you won’t be able to find me?
Most of us would probably respond by saying.... Sure… you’re always here… You might go away for a few hours… but you’ll be back. We’ll see you in the morning. Because we take for granted that the light is always here… we would probably respond in disbelief.
Jesus had been with the people now, publicly ministering for about 3 years. For the last 3 years Jesus had always been there, teaching Truth.... healing the sick. making the blind to see… raising the dead!
For years Jesus has been calling people to believe.... to respond in faith to the gospel. Sure, Jesus always talked about some day he would go away… but, he didn’t really mean it. I mean.. after all He’s always here with us. Jesus has been calling people to repent… to respond in faith… but, whats the hurry. As long as Jesus is around… we’ll have plenty of free fish, bread and private healthcare.... why worry about anything else.
We are coming to a point in our study through the Gospel of John when Jesus begins to withdraw... as he prepares for his ascent to the cross. Today, Jesus will challenge us to know how to respond.... When the Light Leaves.
In our last study in John’s Gospel, Jesus presented himself as a new kind of king.... one who rules through self sacrifice… which would be demonstrated on the Cross. A man named Charles Ross Weeds wrote a poem titled: “Christ and Alexander”. His poem gives a great contrast between man’s concept of a king and God’s concept of a King.
Preaching the Word: John—That You May Believe Chapter 38: The Effects of the Cross
Jesus and Alexander died at thirty-three,
One died in Babylon and one on Calvary.
One gained all for self, and one himself he gave.
One conquered every throne, the other every grave.
When died the Greek, forever fell his throne of swords,
But Jesus died to live forever Lord of lords.
Jesus and Alexander died at thirty-three.
The Greek made all men slaves, the Jew made all men free.
One built a throne on blood, the other built on love.
The One was born of earth, the other from above.
One won all this earth to lose all earth and Heaven.
The other gave up all that all to him be given.
The Greek forever died, the Jew forever lives.
He loses all who gets and wins all things who gives.
The great divine paradox.... life comes through death.... Kingship comes through serving.
The reality is that while Jesus no longer hangs on a cross.... He no longer lays in a tomb… He is risen and is in the glory of heaven… seated at the right hand of the Father!… Our Lord Jesus rules through the cross.
As we look to God’s Word in 2020, how do these truths effect us? How do the truths of a 2000 year old gospel impact our lives?
Some of John’s original audience were eye witnesses to the events of Christ’s life.
Some of those reading John’s words had seen the Light of the Word… they had witnessed Jesus walking in the world. Soon, Jesus would be gone… and they would have to stop depending on what they could see, and have to depend on what they truly believed.
In our study today, the text will present us with some of the effects of Jesus’ life ministry and the events that have been set into motion. As Jesus’ earthly ministry comes to a close… As the Light of the World finishes walking in the world.... we will see what kind of impact with the events set into motion have on Jesus, the world, and those who hear Him.
As we look at John 12 27-36 today, we are going to consider… what happens “When the Light leaves?” To do this we are going to listen in on Jesus’ reflections on Judgement and Life recorded in the Scriptures.
If you haven’t already, please open your Bibles to John 12 as we begin our study today.
(Stand with me for the reading of God’s Word)
“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”
When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them.
Lazarus has been raised.... Jesus has triumphantly entered Jerusalem… and the 6 day countdown clock to his crucifixion has begun! People had shouted “Hosanna” in the streets… crowds had flocked to Jesus because they had heard of all the signs (the miracles) he had done.
People had expected their Messiah to be a Crusading King… But the truth that God presents in His Word… is that the Messiah would be a Crucified Christ.
In John 12: 23-26, Jesus presents a kingdom dynamic that no earthly ruler would quickly promote…. gaining by dying…. hating this life in order to gain the eternal…. being honored…. through service.
Throughout the rest of chapter 12, John shares with us some of Jesus’ words… and personal thoughts… as they point towards the cross.
In verses 27-30 John records some of the innermost thoughts of Jesus… some Musings of the Messiah... as he reflects on what will soon happen.
I. Musings of the Messiah (27-30)
First Jesus shares that his soul is troubled as Jesus looks towards the crucifixion that he would soon endure. As Jesus share his concern for what is to come… He reveals that He is not concerned about his own comfort and well being… but the text tells us that Jesus is troubled for our sake.
A. Troubled for our sake (not His)
let’s look at verses 27 again,
John records for us a private conversation that Jesus is having with the Father. Jesus says...
“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” (27-28a)
Jesus shares his heart here. His soul is troubled. The word translated as “troubled” in our text describes a continual state of constant turmoil.
Jesus is verbalizing the reality that he is suddenly overwhelmed by the dread of the coming crucifixion....
Jesus is being flooded with emotions of painful anguish. Here is where the amazing mystery of the incarnation comes out.... The reality that Jesus was 100% man (his humanity) enabled Him to be able to suffer the pain of dread… while also being 100% God.
As our Great High Priest.... Jesus knows what it is like to dread something… to have his heart ache because of something....
We’ve all experienced something like that.... being hit with the realization of what is getting ready to happen and suddenly being overwhelmed as we verbalize the very thing we are not looking forward to.
Our stomachs churn.... our palms get cold… our hearts just seem to ache......
Even though He is the One who holds the world together.... Even though He is the One who healed the masses, with a word cast out demons, calmed the seas....
He is the One who faces the crowds who intend on killing him… yet here in verse 27 He shares with us that His heart is troubled.... in a constant state of deep turmoil....
Why? What was so troubling for our savior. Some say that he was troubled because of the painful death he was preparing to experience. While that may be an aspect of it, if that is all we think is bothering Christ… we aren’t giving Him enough credit and don’t have a full understanding of his ministry.
Jesus said, ‘Now my soul is troubled”. In just a short time, Jesus would bear the sins of the entire world and suffer separation from the Father.
What is troubling his heart is not a fear of the sword or the spear… but a dreadful fear of the separation of sin! One author pointed out that…
“The soul of the very God who holds the universe together was in turmoil because he would bear our sin.”
2 Cor. 5:21 says that “… he made him to be sin who knew no sin...”
Jesus, whose soul had never been tainted by sin, would soon in a moment be flooded with the sins of the entire universe.
He was about to be overwhelmed by the sin of the world against an infinite God… and would have to endure an infinite amount of wrath in order to pay for our sins. For the first… and only time in eternity.... God the Father… and God the Son would be separated.
That’s not all. Christ would not only be separated from the Father… but Galatians 3:13 tells us that “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.”
Jesus, the sinless Son of God… became the Cursed One!
That Jesus is in turmoil over… that is why Jesus’ soul is troubled.
The One who knew no sin.... would soon be overwhelmed by it!
Praise the Lord, that Jesus’ soon coming death would be sufficient to pay for our sins because as an infinite, eternal being.... in one moment of time He could pay the infinite price so that our sins could be forgiven!
— A lot of people think that there are little sins.... That is why we have the phrase “little white lie” in our vocabularies. Theologically what that expresses is a lack of understanding of God’s character… and of sin.
Having a clear view of sin means that we have embraced the reality that our sin and rebellion are committed against an infinite God.. an infinitely Holy God. Therefore, even what we may call a “small sin”.... is an offense of infinite proportions to God.
As finite creations… there is nothing we can do to provide an infinite payment for our offense. We carry an infinite amount of debt… sin debt..... our infinite debt can only be paid for by an infinite payment.... an infinite sacrifice. — That is why Jesus had to come and die. The infinite Son of God… laid down His infinite life… in order to pay for the sins of his finite creations.... so that we could have an opportunity to be reconciled with our infinite Creator… giving Him the glory He deserves as we spend eternity with Him.
Jesus’ soul was troubled...
Later in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus will say, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Mark 14:34). After making that statement we are told in verse 35 that “he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him” (v. 35).
If you were to study that Mark 14:34-35 passage you would learn that the in verse 35 when we are told that Jesus “fell to the ground”, that word expresses that he was repeatedly casting himself to the ground as he asked God to deliver him from the cross.
Luke 22:44 tells us that Jesus was in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
The closer Jesus came to the reality of his separation from the Father, the more Jesus’ soul was in turmoil.
The phrase “My soul is troubled” gives us just a glimpse in to the very heart of Christ as he anticipates the horrible separation He would soon endure.
Jesus was experiencing such turmoil.... such trouble in his soul....
What would drive Jesus to move ahead with something that he was so dreading? What would cause Jesus to continue down a path that led to anguish and turmoil? Joyful Submission and Glory Given
B. Joyful Submission and Glory Given
Look at verse 27 again.
“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.
In this conversation with the Father, Jesus says.... my soul is in a constant state of anguish and turmoil… so what should I do? should I ask you to change your plan that was set in motion before time began?
Now that things are getting real.... Should I ask that we reconsider everything?
No! It was for this very reason that I came into the world.... it is for this very reason that this moment has come!
The Cross was Jesus’ destiny. Jesus must go to Calvary. That is why, with his next words in verse 28 Jesus says… “Father, glorify your name.”
Jesus knew that the time had come for his death. He told the crowd that in verse 23. With that in mind, We can understand what Jesus is praying.... ‘Father, my soul is in turmoil and I don’t want to endure the torture and agony of being the sin-bearer for the entire world.... but, I will… so give me the cross!’
Why did Jesus submit to such suffering? — He tells us in verse 28. — “Glorify your name”
Jesus joyfully submitted to the plan of God... for the Glory of God.
If that was Jesus’ motivation… shouldn’t it be ours too? … so that God might be glorified?
Is that why you do things? Is that part of your decision making matrix? When presented with a decision in life… how often do we think.... how will this decision bring glory to God?
Unfortunately, we probably do that less than we would like to admit. — Today is a great day to change that… Make it a point to think of God’s glory first..... it may not make your life any easier.... but it will help you grow in your relationship with God..... and in your desire to be pleasing to Him!
We are told in Hebrews 12:2 that it was “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Even though Jesus’ soul is in turmoil.... He joyfully went to the cross for God’s glory!
When was the last time you approached a difficult task with that attitude?… God… I am going to do this with Joy.... not because I want to… or become it feels good… but just because it will bring you Glory!
So far in this passage John has recorded Jesus’ side of his conversation with God. Now, in verse 28, we hear God’s side of the conversation.
God the Father answers Jesus’ request for God to glorify His name.... when a voice from heaven says
“I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”
God’s name had been glorified through the life and ministry of Jesus… and it would be glorified again through His death… and resurrection.
Jesus then tells us that this voice from heaven came, not for His benefit, but for the benefit of those listening (the disciples). Most of this section is focused on helping the reader connect the truth that the will of the Father is being lived out… submitted to... and accomplished by Jesus, God the Son.
Jesus’ soul was troubled.... his heart was in turmoil..... not for his benefit… or fear of pain or discomfort.... but his soul was troubled… for us! His soul was in a constant state of turmoil because he knew that He would soon bear the punishment… take on the penalty for your sins.... and for mine!
What a comfort to know that Jesus loves us so much that he would go to such lengths to redeem us… to pay for our sins… so that we can be forgiven.
If you are in a place of doubt, dispair, or if your soul is discouraged… think about all that Christ went through to secure your salvation and peace.
Then, remember that you are now God’s object of redemption and Christ continues to lavish that same self-sacrificing care on you.
When we go through difficult times, (____________________), we must look to Jesus and remember that his soul was troubled… for our benefit.... driven by a hunger and desire for God’s glory.
As we continue reading through this passage, John turns his thoughts from the thoughts of Jesus... to how the truths of the coming cross will impact the world.
II. Impacts on the World (31-33)
Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.
John shares with us how Jesus’ soon coming death on the cross would impact those in rebellion against God… as well as those who truly believe.
A. On all who rebel
Verse 31 tells us about all who rebel. Jesus says, “Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.”
Very often, when John uses the word “world” he is referring to the sinful system of the world… ruled by Satan, the prince of the power of the air.
Through Christ’s death.... the sins of the world… and the sinful system of the world would be judged and its leader… would be cast out.
Little did the Pharisees know when they passed judgement on Christ and sentenced him to death… they were actually judging themselves.
When mankind passed judgment on Christ by way of the cross, it judged itself.
The cross also provided the final blow through which Satan, the serpent of old would have his head crushed.... and be ultimately defeated.
There is an interesting contrast in this section that is worth pointing out.
Verse 31 tells us that through Jesus’ death, the ruler of this world (Satan) would be cast out. The word means to expel and carries with it the reality that Satan will lose his authority and influence. Later a very similar phrase is used to describe a time when Satan would be “cast” into the bottomless pit… and then cast into the Lake of Fire. Satan’s defeat is signed and sealed through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. — As Christ ascends to the cross… the judgement on sin and Satan is assured.
In contrast to Satan being cast out, Jesus will be lifted up.
Verse 32 Jesus tells us that he will be “lifted up from the earth.” Through Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection He will be glorified and demonstrate His authority and influence as he is exalted to heaven.
Jesus’ lifting up on the cross will pronounce judgement on the world… and its ruler. While Judgement is pronounced through Christ’s death… the promise of hope is given to all who believe.
B. On all who believe
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.
This is the same truth that Jesus expressed back in John 3:14 when he prophesied ...
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
Jesus is saying… Just like the bronze serpent in the wilderness.... When I am lifted up on the cross… as the sin-bearer… the solution to sin, I will draw all who believe to myself”.... anyone who looks upon me by faith.... will be saved!
Jesus being lifted up as our atonement… is what draws people to Jesus. He is the One who took upon himself our sins.
People come to Jesus for a variety of reasons. People may come to Jesus for a time through the social gospel, but it wont last and they won’t remain.
One author put it well when he said.... “Liberalism doesn’t draw people. Moral activism does not draw people. We may proclaim that Jesus is a great ethical teacher, but ethics alone will create no more power in us than do the Ten Commandments handing on a wall. We may proclaim Jesus as a young reformer, but he will not be able to lift man from his sins if that is all he is. Jesus the radical may draw cheers, but the uplifted Christ draws follower for eternity.”
Jesus said, “when I am lifted up… I will draw all people (all those who truly believe) to myself.”
Christ is not saying that the whole world will be saved… but that all who will be saved will be saved by looking to and depending completely on Him for salvation.
Jesus, with his troubled soul became a curse for you… suffered separation from His father.... as he lovingly bore the penalty for your sins.
The Love of Jesus is wonderful. Let me try and express it in another way for you.
“A little boy wanted a model sailboat. So he began saving his money until finally he had enough. He went to the toy shop and picked out his kit, making his selection with great care. He spent weeks perfecting the boat, and finally when it was finished, he took it down to the lake. It sailed beautifully — right across the lake and out of sight! Naturally, the young boy was distressed and began a frantic search. But despite his efforts, he was unable to find his boat. Several weeks later he was walking past a store window and to his amazement saw his boat with a sizable price tag attached to it. He went in and told the owner, “Sir, I would like to have my boat back.” The owner said, ‘Well I’m sorry, but I paid good money for it. You will have to pay for it.” The poor boy worked and worked until finally he got enough money together, again, and bought his boat back. As he walked out of the store he said ....
‘Now you are twice mine — once because I made you and once because I bought you.”
That is the amazing love of Christ for you!
Jesus created us, and he purchased us by his death on the cross, and now we can be twice his.
The Love of Jesus is amazingly wonderful! To be created… and then purchased by our Creator at such a great cost!
As we finish our study for today, let’s look at verses 34-36 as Jesus closes his conversation with a final invitation to believe.
III. A Final Invitation (34-36)
Jesus gives one last public call to repentance in verses 35-36… He calls those who hear Him… to respond in faith and become Children of Light.
A. Children of Light (35-36)
So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”
When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them.
Christ clearly tells the people that he will die on a cross in verse 32. John makes sure that the readers understood this when he gives us his note of clarification in verse 33.
The crowd then shares that according to their theology, the Messiah could not die. So, they were a bit confused. If Jesus was the Messiah, then why was he talking about his death?
They had read their Old Testaments. They had connected the truths that the Messiah would institute an eternal kingdom… sit on an eternal throne… and therefore must be eternal.... Which is true! Messiah is Eternal! But.... they missed important sections of the OT like Isaiah 53, Zechariah 13 and Psalm 22 which describe the Messiah, not as a conquering king… but as a suffering servant.
Jesus doesn’t waste time correcting their poor theology… He immediately gives them a gospel presentation connected with His divine proclamation as the Light of the Word.
Jesus says.... You are going to have the light with you just a little bit longer. Respond in faith while you have an opportunity. Walk in the light now… before the darkness overtakes you. Respond in faith while I’m here… believe before the light leaves!
The person who rejects the truth of the gospel and walks in darkness has no idea where he is going.
Be like Israel of old who followed the flaming pillar of fire in the wilderness.... be like the man born blind who knew he was in darkness and believed in me.... and was given his sight!
Jesus says… put your trust in me today… while you have an opportunity.... so that you will become part of my redeemed and reconciled family… so that you will becomes sons of light!
As Jesus presents this crowd with one last chance to repent and believe.... He is basically saying..... you have heard my message. You have seen all of the signs that prove that the Father has sent me..... there is no doubt.
You have a choice to make. Light or darkness..... your pick.... Which one will you choose?
Verse 36 ends by telling us that “when Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them.”
A final invitation is given.... A final call to become children of light..... then the light leaves! ....
unfortunately for some in the crowd… Jesus’ departure marked the Sunset of opportunity to believe.
B. Sunset of opportunity (36)
Jesus, the Light of the World had been with the people day after day. The religious leaders have had plenty of opportunity and plenty of information to be able to respond in faith.
Yet, as you continue to read in the Gospel of John… They don’t believe. They have willfully chosen to rebel against God’s plan of redemption and reject Jesus as Messiah!
The “Jews” were acting out John’s statement from chapter 1 verse 11.
He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.
The phrase in verse 36, “He went away and hid himself from them”, marks the tragic climax of Jesus’ public ministry to Israel. All of the warnings that Jesus has given are becoming a reality…
“I go away and you will seek me and will die in your sin; where I am going you cannot come (Jn. 8:21)
“You will not see me until you say, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matt. 23:39)
Unlike other times, Jesus is not just withdrawing from the crowd to pray… He is intentionally and consciously removing himself from the presence of the people.
In his final invitation to believe.... Jesus had called the crowd to believe in Him… the Light… while He was there with them… because He was not going to be with them much longer…
As Jesus goes away… as the Light leaves.... Jesus is acting out the the very judicial warning he had just given.
Conclusion/ Application:
According to Jesus, how are children of light born? How are people born into the family of God?
Main Idea: Christ, the infinite God of the universe suffered (the curse of sin and separation)… for God’s glory… and our salvation.
Children of light are born through faith in Christ alone.
When John penned these words.... how did he want his readers to respond?
Intended Response: Respond (in faith) to Christ… while you have an opportunity!
How do these truths play out in our lives?
For the unbeliever:
Repent and Believe now when there is opportunity
Faith in Christ is the only way of salvation
For the believer: — You might say… listen I am a Christian.... I have already trusted in Christ. If so, that is great! if that is the case, then hearing the gospel again… should be nothing short of a joy for you as you rehearse in your mind all that Christ has done for you… and how you are to continue in a posture of repentance and service to Him. Even though we are saved.... we still struggle with sin… we struggle with doubt… we struggle with motivation and obedience.
Assurance to those who struggle with doubt: — God is not trying to trick you.... He loves you as only an infinite God… who twice owns you can. He has created… you and then bought you! You are twice His.... and nothin you do can ever change that!
Motivation to Multiply: How many of us are sharing the gospel… making disciples in our neighborhoods and communities? We are children of light! We have the Light of the gospel message in our minds… and in our Bibles.... How many of us have witnessed to someone this week.... this month.... this year? — If we truly believe the gospel.... If we truly believe what the gospel saves us from.... then we will be reminded of the urgency of our witness. someday it will be too late… Who will you give the gospel to this week?
How are we processing our decisions? How often is God’s glory the main factor in your decision making process. As Christians.... it should be… it should be the main deciding factor in all of our decisions.... and life choices.
Let’s bow our heads and pray together as the musicians come.