What Jesus Did

[Jesus continued,] "I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark."

—John 12:46 NLT

Key Thought​

At one time or another, most of us have been trapped in a darkened room and could not see anything until our eyes adjusted. Then, if we see some light, no matter how faint or far away it is, we began to move toward the light. Light casts out darkness. Light leads us away from darkness. Light triumphs over...

 

Jesus shouted to the crowds, "If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me."

—John 12:44-45 NLT

Key Thought​

Want to know what God says? Listen to Jesus! Want to know how God treats people? Watch what Jesus does! Want to know what God cares about? Pay attention to what Jesus says and does! Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus claims to speak and act as God would. In fact, Jesus claims to be one...

 

Many people did believe in [Jesus], however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn't admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.

—John 12:42-43 NLT

Key Thought​

What would make you afraid to show your faith? To lose one's place in the synagogue was a huge loss for someone in Jesus' day. While we rightfully are disgusted with the lack of courage and integrity by those mentioned in...

 

But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him. This is exactly what Isaiah the prophet had predicted:

"Lord, who has believed our message?
To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?"

But the people couldn't believe, for as Isaiah also said,

"The Lord has blinded their eyes
and hardened their hearts —
so that their eyes cannot see,
and their hearts cannot understand,
and they cannot turn to me
and have me heal them."...

 

[When Jesus referred to his crucifixion, 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?"
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. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children...

 

[Jesus continued,] "The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself." He said this to indicate how he was going to die.

—John 12:31-33 NLT

Key Thought​

The cross was the place where the prince of this world, Satan, lost at his own game. Satan had intended to use Jesus' horrible death to destroy God's work. Instead, God used Jesus' death on the cross to be the...

 

[About his upcoming crucifixion, Jesus continued,] "Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, 'Father, save me from this hour'? But this is the very reason I came! 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." When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him.

Then Jesus told them, "The voice was for your benefit, not mine."...

 

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[After saying his time had come, Jesus continued,] "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. 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. Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who...

 

Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, "Sir, we want to meet Jesus." Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus.
Jesus replied, "Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory."

—John 12:20-23 NLT

Key Thought​

The enemies of Jesus proclaim it. [1] The non-Jewish Greek seekers demonstrate it. Jesus has won. People are now coming from other...

 

Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others about it. That was the reason so many went out to meet him — because they had heard about this miraculous sign. Then the Pharisees said to each other, "There's nothing we can do. Look, everyone has gone after him!"

—John 12:17-19 NLT

Key Thought​

Those opposed to Jesus lost! The will of God won! While clearly hyperbole, the religious enemies of Jesus proclaim the...