John 12:12-19 - Behold Your King

In this sermon, Rev. Ben Sinnard looks at John 12:12-19 where we see the triumphal approach and entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. This opens the passion week, which will culminate with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. In this passage, there is a blind enthusiasm present among the people as they celebrate this one “who comes in the name of the Lord.” But do they know who this One is? Do they know the One before them riding on a donkey? The triumphal entry, much more of a humble entry, lacks the marks of a regal, kingly entrance, but so is the case with Christ. He came to rescue the people, and you and I, not simply from political oppression but from spiritual bondage.



Read Online: John 12:12-19

John 13:1-30 - A Picture of Sacrifice

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel begins the second half of John's Gospel as the Twelve gather with Jesus to celebrate the Passover (John 13:1-30). In preparation for the Last Supper, Jesus assumes the role of a servant and washes His disciples feet. What Jesus does is both a picture of the saving cleansing that would be accomplished in a few short hours as well as a model of Christian conduct.



Read Online: John 13:1-30

John 12:44-50 - The Final Notice

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at John 12:44-50 where Jesus continues to summarize his public ministry, returning to the themes of the first half of the gospel. Jesus, as the representative of the Father, speaks on His behalf, reminding us to both hear and obey what we are told, for the command that Jesus offers is eternal life.



Read Online: John 12:44-50

John 12:37-43 - Hidden in Plain Sight

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel continues in the book of John. Jesus summarizes his public ministry in John 12:36-43 with the words of Isaiah 53 and 6, that the disbelief comes as God hardened hearts. John then explains that some did believe, yet it was the fear of the religious leaders that kept them from confessing their faith in Jesus. Both God’s sovereign dealings with people and their unbelief remind us to examine our own hearts as we respond to the Gospel.


Read: John 12:37-43

John 12:27-36 - The Divine Purpose

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at John 12:27-36 where Jesus calls out to the Father that God would be glorified. The confirming words of the Father gives another evidence that Christ will be glorified by His being lifted up. The victory over Satan and the good news for the world are found in the suffering that Jesus endured for us.


Read Online: John 12:27-36

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

John 11:38-44 - A Matter of Life and Death

In this sermon, Rev. Ben Sinnard looks at John 11:38-44. Jesus continues his discourse centering on the death and resurrection of Lazarus. Jesus has comforted Martha (11:17-27) and Mary (11:28-34) in unique ways and now he comes to the tomb. Again moved to great emotion, he begins the battle with death. This section is one of the most meaningful passages to Christians because it gives hope to the believer that Jesus is truly the Resurrection and the Life (11:25) and that he is the firstborn among the dead (Colossians 1:18). Christ the Victor has gone to battle against humanities great enemy, Death, and has delivered the resounding blow, that in Him even the dead will be raised. That in Christ sin is defeated and fully dealt with on the cross. Verse 37 is the Victor’s cry, on behalf of his people, to sin and Satan himself, “Unbind him, and let him go.” Hallelujah!


Read Online: John 11:38-44

John 11:28-37 - Comfort in Death: Mission and Mourning

In this sermon, Rev. Ben Sinnard looks at John 11:28-37. Jesus continues his discourse centering on the death of Lazarus. He talked with Martha in the previous section and now he is reaching out to Mary, her sister. With Mary he comforts her differently then he did Martha. His comfort comes at an emotional level with weeping, and feeling the pain and sting of death. Death is a foreign enemy to humanity, we were never intended to feel its touch, but through sin we now experience its weight. In this brief interchange we see the comfort of Jesus through emotionally connecting with his people in the finality of death. Jesus alone is both the comforter and conqueror of the pain of death.


Read Online: John 11:28-37

John 11:17-27 - The Comfort of the Resurrection

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at John 11:17-27. Jesus arrives in Bethany, four days after Lazarus dies. His comforting words to Martha in the face of death call us to believe that our resurrection and life today is found in Christ alone. When Jesus declares this final great I AM in v25 we sense the intimate nature of our life in Christ.



Read Online: John 11:17-27

John 11:1-16 - Perplexing Compassion

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel returns to John’s Gospel, where in 11:1-16 Jesus receives news from Martha and Mary that their brother, Lazarus, Jesus’ friend, is sick. Jesus proclaims that his illness does not lead to death but is for the glory of God, yet in a couple days Jesus announces that Lazarus has died and they are to go to Bethany. This sets up the great scene of Jesus’ conversation with Mary and Martha wherein life is found in Christ alone.



Read Online: John 11:1-16