Gospel Outreach International

This Bible study explores John Chapter 12, focusing on Jesus’ final week before the crucifixion and the profound theological implications of His approaching sacrifice. The study addresses the crucial question: “What does it mean for Jesus to be glorified through the cross, and how should believers respond to this truth?” Through examining the Greeks who sought Jesus, the paradox of life through death, and Jesus’ unwavering obedience to the Father, we discover that true discipleship requires courage, service, and complete trust in God’s plan.

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. John 12:32

• Greeks Seeking Jesus: The arrival of Greeks (possibly proselytes) to see Jesus represents the first real indication that the Gospel would extend beyond Israel to the Gentiles, approached through Philip and Andrew who consistently brought people to Jesus.
• The Hour of Glorification: Jesus declares that His hour has come to be glorified, referring not to resurrection but to the cross itself, which demonstrates true obedience to the Father and God’s love for humanity.
• The Paradox of Life Through Death: Using the analogy of a grain dying to produce life, Jesus teaches that only through spending our lives in service do we retain them, and that persecution often strengthens rather than weakens the church.
• Jesus’ Troubled Soul: Despite His divine nature, Jesus experienced human emotions and struggled with His approaching death, yet remained committed to God’s plan, demonstrating that true courage means doing right despite fear.
• The Voice from Heaven: God spoke audibly to affirm Jesus at this critical moment, similar to His baptism and transfiguration, providing divine confirmation of the mission.
• The Blindness of Unbelief: Many people, including Jewish leaders, refused to see Jesus as Messiah because they held a one-sided view expecting only a conquering king, not a suffering servant.
• Secret Believers: Many rulers believed in Jesus but failed to publicly confess their faith due to fear of excommunication, choosing human approval over God’s glory.
• The Cross as Magnet: The cross has an attractive power that draws people to Christ when believers live in contrast to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of faith.
• Authority from God: Preachers and teachers must speak not on their own initiative but with God’s authority, delivering His message faithfully as messengers rather than creating their own content.
• No Middle Path: There are only two ways - God’s way or rejection of God - with no neutral ground or third option available to humanity.
• Eternal Consequences: Everyone lives forever; the crucial question is where one spends eternity, determined by their response to Christ.

I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. John 12:46

This Bible study powerfully reminds us that Jesus Christ stands at the center of all truth and salvation. The speaker emphasizes throughout that Jesus knew His mission from birth and willingly embraced the cross as the means of glorifying the Father and securing eternal life for believers. What strikes me most about Jesus in this study is His unwavering commitment to obedience despite the emotional and physical cost. He didn’t back away when “his hour had come,” demonstrating perfect love and courage. The study challenges us to examine whether we’re secret believers afraid of public confession, or bold witnesses who reflect Christ’s light in a dark world. As the speaker noted, Jesus wasn’t always “gentle and mild” - sometimes He wielded the “big stick” of truth. This reminds us that following Jesus requires courage to stand up for truth, even when it’s unpopular, because ultimately we’re called to be His messengers, speaking with His authority rather than our own.

Brtish Transport Policy Statement. Officers were on patrol at the station when they came across a group preaching on private land with a loud speaker which requires permission from Network Rail, and as such they asked them to leave. We fully appreciate anyone’s right for religious expression, and the incident in full is currently being reviewed by a senior officer.

Bible References

• John 12:20-50
• John 12:48
• John 1:40
• Psalm 22
• Isaiah 53
• Isaiah 50
• John 12:42-43