Expository Thoughts On John - JOHN 12:27-33
J.C. Ryle expounds on John 12:27-33 to reveal how Jesus embraces His impending suffering to glorify the Father and draw all people to Himself, highlighting the profound mystery and purpose of Christ's death.
In this expository sermon on John 12:27-33, J.C. Ryle explores the profound moment when Jesus faces His impending suffering and death. Ryle highlights how Christ's submission glorifies the Father and initiates the judgment of the world, defeating Satan and drawing all people to salvation. The sermon encourages believers to embrace the mysteries of Scripture with faith and reverence, understanding the deep spiritual truths behind Christ's crucifixion.
Text
"Now my soul is greatly distressed. And what should I say? ‘Father, deliver me from this hour’? No, but for this very reason I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again." The crowd that stood there and heard the voice said that it had thundered. Others said that an angel had spoken to him. Jesus said, "This voice has not come for my benefit but for yours. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." (Now he said this to indicate clearly what kind of death he was going to die.)
These verses show us what Peter meant, when he said, "There are some things hard to be understood" in Scripture. (2 Pet. 3:16.) There are depths here which we have no line to fathom thoroughly. This need not surprise us, or shake our faith. The Bible would not be a book "given by inspiration of God," if it did not contain many things which pass man\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Distress of Jesus' Soul
- Jesus expresses deep sorrow and wrestles with His impending hour
- He does not ask to be delivered but submits to the Father's will
- This reveals the humanity and obedience of Christ
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II. The Voice from Heaven and Its Meaning
- God the Father glorifies Himself through Jesus' obedience
- The voice confirms the divine purpose behind Jesus' suffering
- The crowd's reaction shows varied understanding of divine revelation
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III. The Judgment of the World and Defeat of Satan
- Jesus declares the hour of judgment has come
- The ruler of this world will be cast out through Christ's death
- Christ's lifting up draws all people to salvation
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IV. The Mystery of Scripture and Faith
- Some scriptural truths are difficult to understand
- This should not shake faith but deepen reverence
- The Bible contains divine mysteries beyond human comprehension
Key Quotes
“Now my soul is greatly distressed. And what should I say? ‘Father, deliver me from this hour’? No, but for this very reason I have come to this hour.” — J.C. Ryle
“This voice has not come for my benefit but for yours.” — J.C. Ryle
“Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Trust in God's sovereign plan even when facing trials or suffering.
- Embrace the mysteries of Scripture with faith rather than doubt.
- Recognize Christ's death as the means by which all are drawn to salvation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jesus mean by 'this hour'?
Jesus refers to the time of His suffering, crucifixion, and glorification, which is central to God's redemptive plan.
Why did the voice from heaven speak?
The voice affirmed God's glory and purpose, not for Jesus' benefit but to strengthen the faith of those present.
What is meant by 'the ruler of this world will be driven out'?
It signifies the defeat of Satan and the judgment upon the world through Christ's sacrificial death.
How should believers respond to difficult passages in Scripture?
Believers should accept that some truths are mysterious and trust in God's inspired Word without losing faith.
What does 'lifting up' Jesus signify?
It refers to Jesus' crucifixion, exaltation, and the drawing of all people to Himself for salvation.