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Sunday School Special : Lesson 113

Text: John 12:37-41
22 May 2022

SUNDAY SCHOOL SPECIAL 22 May 2022

Text: John 12:37-41

Subject: The Problem of Unbelief I

INTRODUCTION

1. Unbelief and Faith

They are clear opposites!

2. Faith is enjoined

It requires the individual to exercise personal faith

3. The problem of Unbelief nevertheless continues to exist!

AN ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEM OF UNBELIEF

37 But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him,

38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke:

“Lord, who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?”

39 Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again:

40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts,
Lest they should see with their eyes,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.”

41 These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him.

John 12:37-41

1. Many signs

a) The Lord Jesus had indeed performed many signs
b) But there were those who continued in unbelief

2. Struggles with Faith

a) Everyone struggles with Faith
b) Even John the Baptiser struggled to hold fast to his faith
1 Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, that He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities.
2 And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 3 and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”
4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”
7 As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he of whom it is written:
‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.’
11 “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear!
16 “But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions, 17 and saying:
‘We played the flute for you,
And you did not dance;
We mourned to you,
And you did not lament.’
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.”
Matthew 11:1-19
c) A corresponding text is Luke 7:18-35
d) There is a text that may be added to Matthew’s account
And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. Luke 7:21

3. Doubts may arise

a) Uncertainty may come
b) Questions may be raised

4. The Answer of the Lord Jesus

4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see:

5 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”   

Matthew 11:4-6

a) The blind see
b) The lame walk
c) The lepers are cleansed
d) The deaf hear
e) The dead are raised
f) The poor have the gospel preached to them

5. The Challenge of the Lord Jesus

a) To not be offended 
b) To not stumble

A GENERAL PROBLEM

1. A generation like spoilt children

a) They are contrary
b) They refuse
c) They reject

2. The way they regarded

a) John the Baptiser
“18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ He has a demon”
Matthew 11:18
b) The Lord Jesus Christ
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.” ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’
Matthew 11:19

3. The truth

“But wisdom is justified by her children.” Matthew 11:19d

a) Are these the words of the children of wisdom?
b) Wisdom’s children are known by how they speak

CONCLUSION

1. The problem of unbelief is serious

 It needs to be studied carefully

2. We have one perspective noted in Matthew 11:1-19

 We have another perspective in John 12:37-41

3. The Lord Jesus performed many signs

a) Some believed
b) Some would not believe!