Seeing Jesus

Dennis Tuuri

Outline: John 12:20-37 Seeing Jesus Sermon Notes from Pastor Dennis Tuuri for October 6, 2002 Introduction Bernard Lewis and the difference between Christianity and Islam The Text A. The Greeks Wish to See Jesus vv. 20-22 B. Jesus’ Death and Glory Is At Hand vv. 23,24 C. To Be With Jesus Means Loss and Honor vv. 25,26 B’. John’s Gethsemane Account vv. 27-30 A’. The Lifting Up of Jesus and the Drawing of all Men vv. 31-33 Evaluation and Exhortation: Darkness and Light vv. 34-37 Comments 1. In this closing narrative of the first half of John’s Gospel, there is, ironically, much Gospel. - Jn. 1:9-13 His own do not receive Him - The Greeks and all men bracket the work of the Savior with world missions. (Magi at birth, Greeks at death) India and St. Petersburg - “Now is the judgment.” Satan is dethroned, Christ is enthroned. The cross judges the Jews, not the Jews the cross. The cross crushes the skull (Golgotha). - The new creation is at hand, the judgment is unto life. 2. Seeing Jesus, we see His divine self-giving death, His exaltation as King and His sovereign control of all history. We see that “Jesus Christ is Lord.” -Death and Glorification -Lifted Up -Dragging All Men 3. Seeing Jesus, we see ourselves, following Him in self-sacrifice, having true life, and receiving honor from the Father. Our one purpose is to glorify the Father. He will honor those who seek His glory. Jacob and Talia 4. The central question for today is, what kind of God is your Savior? Do you see Jesus? -His Kingdom, not ours, is the focus. -Take up your cross, knowing that God’s most visible manifestation of closeness is at the point of our deepest need.