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The Hour has Come

Text: John 12
20 March 2008

(I) THE SPECTRE OF DEATH

1. Many fear death

2. Many unable to cope with the though of dying in the prime of life

3. Many are in bondage to the fear of death

“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is the devil,
and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”

Hebrews 2:14-15

(II) JESUS CAME TO COMBAT DEATH

1. He defeated death

2. He defeated Satan

(III) JESUS’ ATTITUDE TOWARDS DEATH

1. He calls it “The hour” (John 12:23)

2. He calls it “The hour that the Son of Man should be glorified” (John 12:23)

(IV) JESUS’ APPROACH TO DEATH EXPLAINED

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.” John 12:24

1. It is drawn from nature

a) Kernel must die

b) Only at death can new life spring forth

2. It is applied to His life and ministry

a) He must accept death or remain alone (no matter how successful He may be)

b) Through His death, He will “produce much”

(V) JESUS’ CHALLENGE TO ALL DISCIPLES

“He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honour.” John 12:25-26

1. The challenge to be the Lord’s servant

“Let him follow Me”

2. The challenge to live for eternity

a) Losing this life on earth

b) Gaining it for all eternity

3. The Challenge to be fully identified with Jesus

a) To live as Jesus did

b) To dare to die as He did

c) To seek God’s honour as He did