John 12:20-26 - Seeing Jesus

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel continues our series in John. We skip the Triumphal Entry, leaving for Palm Sunday, to look at John 12:20-26. At the Passover, some Greeks ask to see Jesus, resulting in His proclamation that just as without burying a seed in the ground there is no crop, so also without the death of Christ no worldwide gathering. Athanasius, a leader of orthodoxy in the 4th Century, said of this truth:
For it is only on the cross that a man dies with his hands spread out. And so it was fitting for the Lord to bear this also and to spread out his hands, that with the one he might draw the ancient people and with the other those from the Gentiles and unite both in himself. (On the Incarnation 25:3-4).



Read Online: John 12:20-26

John 12:1-11 - Extravagant Devotion

In this sermon, Chris Vogel looks at John 12:1-11 where we see the extravagant devotion expressed by Mary, Lazarus’ sister, as she pours perfume on Jesus’ feet. Her actions speak clearly to those reading the Gospel who know what will happen in just a few short days. In contrast to Mary, Judas’ objection illustrates the selfish desires expressed with pious words.



Read Online: John 12:1-11

John 11:45-57 - The Great Exchange

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at John 11:45-57 where the powers that be in Jerusalem conspire to arrest Jesus. As many believe Jesus is the Son of God, the Pharisees and the Sanhedrin fret over losing the Temple and their nation. Caiaphas, the High Priest has a simple plan. It is better for one man to die than the whole nation should perish. He spoke better than he knew, as Jesus in a matter of days would die a substitutionary death to gather not just the nation, but to gather into one the children of God.



Read Online: John 11:45-57