The Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ

John 12. 20-36

This was at the time of the Passover Feast. Jesus was about to transform it into the LORD's Supper, something we will continue to celebrate until He comes again.

As with each feast in the first 67 years of that first century there were God fearing Jews as well as converts to Judaism from all over the world.

After being anointed on Saturday by Mary and riding into Jerusalem on what we know now as Palm Sunday or the Triumphal Entry, these events took place. We see several truths in this passage this morning. It is very evident that...

1. God So Loved The World - John 3.16/12.20-22
Here we see the Greek people, worshiping Greek people seeking Jesus.
Their request is simple but profound... "we would like to see Jesus."

I can go to a baseball game at Citifield and see all the Mets. I have seen them.
Years ago Dave Howard arranged for a group of us from Bay Shore and Patchogue Nazarene Churches to meet a few players. We met Orel Herschiser. He signed autographs, shook hands. But I am sure he doesn't remember any of us today.

One time years ago, a person told me that they had dinner with Norman Rockwell one night in New England. I was impressed. I love his paintings. However when I pressed for more information the truth came out. It turned out that he had eaten in a restaurant at the same time as Norman Rockwell. They were seated a few tables away. Their waiter said, "Do you know who that is?" They did not. They said, "He is the famous artist Norman Rockwell."

These Greek men came and asked to see Jesus.
See means more than just what I have described. It means in the original Greek language to
have an interview with, to visit, to get to know

I absolutely love how approachable Jesus is Whoever desires can come and dine with the Master. He is ready to meet with people who want to meet with Him and get acquainted deeply with God! He welcomes sinners!

The desire for conversation with God is at the heart of all true prayer. We want to see Him, know Him, visit with Him, ask Him questions and hear His responses.

God desires this. He cares about Japan this morning and the 10/40 window. He loves those on Wall Street and Main Street. He loves the Nicodemuses and the Josephs' of Arimithea but He points out with special care the widow who gave all she had to live on to the LORD. He loves saint and sinner and bids sinners come to find life.

God loves the world so much He gave His One and Only Son to die for us!

2. The Kingdom of God is about Death and Eternal Life. vs.23-28
So opposite of natural thinking. Dietrich Bonhoffer wrote, "When Jesus calls a man He bids him, "Come and die."

Jesus set the example, blazed the trail, established the plan of salvation by His Own Life and Death and Resurrection.

Give up your life- yourself and you will find life.
We can't follow Jesus without denying ourselves.

II Corinthians 4.11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake so that His Life may be revealed in our mortal body.
Only the LORD can bring New Life after the death of our old life. Lazarus was an example of this and an analogy. He gained notoriety because of Jesus. People came to see this man whom Jesus raised from the dead. There are all kinds of "unknown" people. Ones who never make the headlines, who have given all for Jesus. God knows who they are and they will be rewarded richly in heaven one day.

If we listen carefully while we are here on earth we'll hear...

3. Voices From Heaven. vs.28-36
God speaks to us today through His Word to our hearts. This is for our benefit, for our sakes.

Sometimes He will take a specific passage or line from scripture. I remember when I was a young man, our pastor spoke on the prodigal son. The words, "I will arise and go to my father." All afternoon and into the evening those words burned into a man's heart who was there that morning. He had drifted far from God and had just begun to attend church. Before that night was over He had recommitted his life to Christ. He had a heard a voice from heaven.

Talk to missionaries about their call and you will find this as well. They heard, some in very mystical ways, a voice from heaven.

There are times when a person or place is laid on our heart. I remember hearing as a little kid about China and how the missionaries had to come back a few years before I was born. God laid that nation on my heart when I was very young. Back about 20 years ago I began to read more books about it, about Hudson Taylor and the missions of the 1800's. This grew with intensity. We sent money to bring Bibles to China... I have got to go there twice (and we talk regularly to our family there through Skype) and LORD willing will go again, God speaks and if we listen He will open doors for us to share in His work.

Here the Voice from heaven, the Father speaking of Christ's death and resurrection. We need to hear from Heaven daily!
Believe as children of the light.

God loves the whole world and He sent Jesus to die for it. Jesus is sending us into is today!