John 10 – Devoted – as the Good Shepherd is to us, we must be to Him, His sheep.
John 11 – Determined – as Jesus was to die on Passover – we must die as His servants.
John 12 - Discerning - to perceive, recognize, or apprehend. John 8:31-32
John 1:19-21,25, 41, 45, 49; Isaiah 9:6,7; they know who Christ is but do they know Christ?
John 3:2; 5:18; seeking to kill 7:25-26; kill 43 division John 8:59 picked up stones
By their behaviour they obviously know who Christ is but do not Know Christ.
John 10: He is as devoted as the Good Shepherd to His sheep and yet vs.31 picked up stones.
John 11: He is determined to die at Passover for us. John 11:8,16; resurrect Lazarus 45-46; Hornet’s nest!
John 12: Teaches us how to discern - to perceive, recognize, or apprehend, the true purpose of the Christ.
Who is discerning in John 12 and what are they discerning.
1. MARY
John 12:1-8; that Jesus is going to His death. Luke 10:39,42; discerning; Very costly perfume.
Jesus confirms her suspicions in vs.7 saving her from the attack of Judas the thief.
2. The PEOPLE AT JOHN’S RESURRECTION
John 11:45; John 12:17-18;
Believed Jesus to be the Messiah therefore King of the Jews.
3.THE CROWDS IN JERUSALEM
John 12:12-15; Hosanna – save us Lord (from Romans)
Calling Him King of Israel, note Luke 19:38,39;
4.THE JEWISH LEADERSHIP
John 11:53; John 12:10,11,19; Matthew 21:37-38,45; Luke 23:34;
Not willing to give up their position of authority.
5.THE GENTILES
John 12:20-23; see Isaiah 2:1-4; 11:10; The signal for the time was at hand.
Everyone believes he is the Christ, the King of the Jews, but still lost in ignorance.
So how do I get out of my ignorance? How do I become spiritually discerning?
Now Jesus teaches us three ways to become discerning:
1. 24-26 Hate your life, Serve Christ, Follow Christ! Matthew 16:24
Everything learned Feed sheep John 21; Listen & Obey the Good Shepherd
Deny Yourself take up your cross and follow Christ
2. 34-36 Believe in the Light – everything Christ teaches is Truth
37-43 – believing requires action vs.43 – James 2:19,20;
44-46 – leave the old ways, darkness is false teachings, the temple, John 3:5; Acts 2 left temple
3.Trust in God’s Word, vs.31, Genesis 3:1; John 1:17
47-50 discernment comes from God’s Word. John 8:31-32;
To believe Jesus is the Christ, is only the beginning, now to discern what that means, is your life. They thought killing the Christ would end their problems, it only empowered Him to finish His work. Denying yourself doesn’t end your problems, it only empowers you to get on with your work. Don’t focus on Jesus the man, nor on Jesus the king, but Jesus the Word of God, who is our God. John 1:1
We can know we know God by discerning His Word, John 8:31-32; 1 John 5:13
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