John 12:20-36 is an amazing passage. In this passage, we have Jesus’ own commentary on His approaching death. Here we have the Savior’s most clear teaching on the meaning of the cross.
This passage is so important because it fills up the events of the Cross with meaning. John 18 and 19 will deal with what happened at the Cross. This passage details why it happened.
Charles Spurgeon once offered this counsel to us: “Abide hard by the cross and search the mystery of His wounds.”
This passage reveals the mystery of the Savior’s wounds.
-The Cross was sovereignly determined by God (v. 23 - "the hour").
-The Cross reveals the glory of Jesus (v. 23).
-The Cross accomplished its intended effects (v. 24, 31-32).
-The Cross is to mark the Christian life (v. 25-26).
-The Cross was embraced by Jesus (v. 27).
-The Cross reflects Jesus’ ultimate passion (v. 27-28).
-The Cross was approved by the Father (v. 28).
-The Cross condemned the world (v. 31).
-The Cross defeated Satan (v. 31).
-The Cross secures and ensures our salvation (v. 32-33).
DA Carson said, “I fear that the cross, without ever being disowned, is constantly in danger of being dismissed from the central place it must enjoy, by relatively peripheral insights that take on far too much weight. Whenever the periphery is in danger of displacing the center, we are not far removed from idolatry.”
4 comments:
This may be a strange question, but in 1 Corinthians 1:17, it speaks about the cross losing its power. What does that mean? Does the cross have power to change and tranform someone?
TS,
In verse 17, Paul is saying that if he were to preach with his own wisdom, he would render the cross powerless.
Verse 18 says the cross is the power of God for those who believe.
So, absolutely yes. The cross most certainly has power to change and transform
Justin, I'm a long time friend of Jonathan Brooks and was pointed to your blog via his wife's blog. I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the "lists" like the one in this post that I've seen on here recently. This on the value of the cross and the one a few days about the value of Jesus have been a great nourishment for my soul. So, thanks a lot and keep up the great work.
Eric Sparks
Thank you, Justin!
Before going to the care group last night, I printed this out because my note from your sermon wasn't clear since I am not good at writing notes during the sermon. Most of the time, I memorize what had been said instead of taking note. This was a tall list for me to memorize the best as I can. This post did help me a lot.
Thank you for putting us to focus on the Cross and the reason for the Cross.
Hungry to eat His Word,
'Guerite ~ BoldLion
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