We Would See Jesus

 

 

 

 

“And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.”

John 12:20-21

 

 

“And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:38-42

 

 

“If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let hizm be Anathema Maranatha.”

I Corinthians 16:22

 

 

Introduction:

  1. Are you as these devout Greeks, who were not as interested in the Passover Feast as they were in the holy Fulfillment and Object and Person of the feast? A truly regenerate heart will be seeking the Lord Jesus Christ.
  2. Are you Martha or Mary? Do you waste your time in vain worry about the unimportant things of life? Or do you always choose the better part and stay right there no matter what others are complaining about?
  3. Are you a troublesome and fruitless character in the church of Christ without true love and service to Christ?
  4. We must at all costs avoid being wrapped up in anything but the Lord Jesus Christ, even Jehovah our Savior!
  5. As we come to the Lord’s Supper once a month, it is God’s ordained means of remembering our Lord’s death.
  6. For the definition and nature of delighting in the Lord, see the sermon outline, “Delighting in the Lord.”

Examples of Delighting in Jesus

  1. We have already looked in our introduction at some Greeks, Mary, Martha, and a sober warning.
  2. Paul further blessed all those who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity with grace (Eph 6:24).
  3. What about John the Baptist, who leaped in his mother’s womb at Jesus in Mary (Luke 1:39-45)!
  4. What about John the Apostle, who leaped to be the one on the bosom of Jesus (John 13:23; 21:20).
  5. Paul was fully committed to putting Jesus Christ and His crucifixion first (I Cor 2:2; Galatians 6:14).
  6. Do you grieve with Mary Magdalene at times wondering where they have put your Lord (Jn 20:13)?
  7. True conversion involves turning from false religion to an expectant waiting for Jesus (I Thess 1:10).
  8. When Jesus returns, all true believers will admire Him (II Thess 1:10). Do you admire Him now?
  9. Some true saints rejoice with joy unspeakable and think Jesus precious (I Peter 1:8; 2:7). Do you?

Reminders for Delighting in Jesus

  1. If you want to see a glorious Prince coming for His beautiful bride, then slowly consider Psalm 45.
  2. He was the Desire of All Nations. Do you desire Him as much as the prophet described (Hag 2:6-9).
  3. Do you seek and delight in the Messenger of the Covenant as the prophet described (Malachi 3:1).
  4. If you like great introductions, review the virgin birth of Jesus (Is 7:14; Luke 1:26-38; Mat 1:18-25).
  5. If you appreciate perfect answers to wicked critics, hear Him destroy His foes (Matthew 22:15-46).
  6. If you love personal affection and tenderness, follow Him to Mary in Gethsemane (John 20:11-18).
  7. If you need commiseration and help with the burden of sinful temptations, He is there (Heb 4:15-16).
  8. If you want to see the greatest act of love, then go to Pilate’s Judgment Hall and Calvary with Him.
  9. For the greatest victory, watch Him ascend into heaven for us after His resurrection (Rev 4:1 – 5:14).
  10. If you delight in glorious and conquering strength, then see Jesus on His white horse (Rev 19:11-16).

Obstacles to Delighting in Jesus

  1. Carnal Christianity is enjoying the world too much, which chokes the love of Christ (Matthew 13:22; 24:12; Phil 3:18-19; II Tim 3:5; 4:10; I John 2:15-17).
  2. If you are too busy, occupied, or distracted with the noise of life, you cannot be still (Ps 4:4; 46:10).
  3. Grieving or quenching the Spirit by sin will stifle delight in Jesus (Jn 15:26; Eph 4:30; I Thes 5:19).
  4. Glossing over the depths of your sin and horror of eternal judgment dulls His luster (Rom 7:24-25).
  5. If you do not prayerfully read the Bible about Jesus Christ, you will forget Him, just as other things.
  6. It is easy to get distracted with all other aspects of Scripture and godliness and neglect Jesus Christ.

Seeing Jesus in His Life

  1. His life is our righteousness, so we may study His perfect life as our own before God (II Cor 5:21).
  2. He is fairer than the sons of men, so we may study His perfect life as the infinite best (Ps 45:2).
  3. Joseph and Mary were told about His spectacular conception (Is 7:14; Mat 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38).
  4. So special was this conception, John leaped for joy by the Holy Ghost in Elizabeth (Luke 1:41-44).
  5. He was the Son of David by Joseph and Mary, making Him twice eligible (Matt 1:1; Lu 2:4; 3:31).
  6. Though His birthplace was exceeding humble, the heavenly host announced Him (Luke 2:8-20).
  7. Though few knew Him in His country, yet wise men came from far to worship Him (Matt 2:1-12).
  8. He was always most concerned about His Father’s business, even at the age of 12 (Luke 2:41-50).
  9. He was subject to His parents as a perfect Son, which is a great example to every child (Lu 2:51).
  10. Though He was the Lord of glory, He asked His cousin John to baptize Him (Matthew 3:13-17).
  11. If you look to the wilderness when He was tempted by the devil, you see His virtue (Luke 4:1-13).
  12. He read and fulfilled Scripture most graciously in his wicked hometown of Nazareth (Lu 4:16-22).
  13. The most profane and wicked enemies in the universe came and worshipped Him (Luke 4:31-36).
  14. When men despised sinful women, Jesus was there to defend them (Luke 7:36-50; John 8:1-11).
  15. James and John wanted to incinerate the Samaritans, but He had a different spirit (Luke 9:51-56).
  16. Though sorely tempted in all points, as are we, He never succumbed to the temptations (Heb 4:15).
  17. If you think of the power of miracles, you cannot be disappointed (Mark 4:35-41; 6:35-44).
  18. If you think of the compassion of miracles, He is glorious (Matt 15:21-28; 20:29-34; Lu 7:11-15).
  19. He never promoted Himself, but told those witnessing His miracles to keep them quiet (Matt 8:4).
  20. If you measure Him by His zeal, the house of God ate Him up (John 2:12-22; Matthew 23:1-38).
  21. If you measure Him by prayer, He was a faithful man of much prayer (Luke 6:12; 9:28; 22:39-46).
  22. In forgiveness, see Peter before and after his denials (Luke 22:28-34; Mark 16:5-8; Jn 21:15-19).
  23. He wept for Lazarus and allowed beloved John to lie on His bosom at supper (John 11:35; 13:23).
  24. He was diligently at His Father’s assignment until it was finished (Mark 6:31; Jn 4:34; 9:4; 17:4).
  25. When wicked enemies tried to confound them, He destroyed them with questions (Matt 22:15-46).
  26. We are greatly blessed that He knew He would gather those outside the Jewish fold (John 10:16).
  27. He does not require of us things we cannot easily bear, for He is meek and lowly (Matt 11:28-30).
  28. His affection is most secure, for He promised to be with us forever (John 10:27-30; Heb 13:5-6).
  29. Knowing our affection and desire for Him, He has promised to return for us (John 14:1-3,18-24).
  30. His relationship toward us is like a shepherd with sheep, seeking and saving (Luke 15:4-7; 19:10).
  31. He is condescendingly kind, in that He called His disciples friends, not servants (John 15:13-15).
  32. He is come not to bring judgment and death, but rather to bring the abundant life (John 10:10).
  33. There were no skeletons in His closet, or anything even close to imperfection (Luke 23:4,14-15).
  34. He had most tender regard for sinners, even a woman, Mary Magdalene, after rising (Jn 20:11-18).
  35. When He had conversation with two disciples about the Scriptures, their hearts burned (Lu 24:32).
  36. Using hyperbole similar to John, it would take eternity to tell of all His beauty (John 21:25).

Seeing Jesus in His Death

  1. Here is the most stupendous event of history – the immortal God dying for His incorrigible enemies!
  2. Why did the blessed God do this? In order to display the glory of His grace and kindness in Christ!
  3. Delighting in His life shows the imputation of righteousness; His death shows the imputation of sin.
  4. Here also we see sin as we should see it – here we see what Justice calls for us to suffer eternally!
  5. The apostle Paul made it very important to exalt Christ’s death (I Cor 2:2; II Cor 5:14-17; Gal 6:14).
  6. Jesus knew He could call twelve legions of angels to destroy the world, but He did not (Matt 26:53).
  7. Though fully conscious of coming suffering, He served by washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:1-5).
  8. Even on the cross suffering a very painful death, He tenderly considered His mother (Jn 19:25-27).
  9. What a dowry He paid for you! He gave His precious life to Justice to purchase your salvation.
  10. He was able, by the faith we are to have, to look past the cross to the reward following (Heb 12:2).
  11. Physical aspects: we are familiar with the obvious bodily aspects of our Lord’s physical suffering.
    1. He was SCOURGED by the Romans, who were known for their cruel efficient punishments.
    2. He had a CROWN OF THORNS planted on his head and driven into his scalp with a reed.
    3. He had His BEARD PLUCKED off His face, which is not disclosed in the gospels (Isaiah 50:6).
    4. His FACE WAS BEATEN by the hands and fists of Roman soldiers, who mocked Him about it.
    5. He was STRIPPED of His garments in public and exposed to all in total NAKEDNESS.
    6. He was kept up all night WITHOUT SLEEP by torture and fraudulent trials to condemn Him.
    7. He was forced to CARRY HIS OWN CROSS after being physically abused all night.
    8. He had NAILS driven through His tender HANDS AND FEET into the wooden cross.
    9. He was SUSPENDED ON THAT CROSS with those four nails supporting His body weight.
    10. He was EXTREMELY THIRSTY from the hours of trial and torture and fluid loss.
    11. He was fully conscious of pain by REJECTING THE SEDATIVE offered before the cross.
    12. Though these physical sufferings are horrific, other men have suffered similarly.
  12. Psychological aspects: we often overlook the emotional and personal aspects of His suffering.
    1. He was tortured in His soul with knowledge of the future (Mat 26:1-2; Luke 9:51-53; Jn 12:27).
    2. He was neglected in that the disciples could not discern the hypocrisy and treachery of Judas.
    3. His honored disciples slept instead of responding to His requests for alertness and prayer.
    4. And this after the Last Supper, where he intimately told them of coming trouble and death.
    5. And this after Peter had grandly promised Him to remain faithful even unto death.
    6. They argued at the Supper as to who would be greatest in the coming change (Luke 22:21-30)!
    7. One of His closest friends betrayed Him with a kiss for just thirty pieces of silver, a slave’s price.
    8. His disciples forsook Him and left Him alone and defenseless with the angry mob in the Garden.
    9. We see no efforts to give their lives to save His life, as Secret Service agents do for presidents.
    10. We read of no defense on His behalf at trial, as a listing of His many good deeds and words.
    11. He was forsaken by all His followers in His great hour of need. There was no rebellion for Him.
    12. He was ridiculed and mocked and tortured about His true identity, with clear evidence available.
    13. He was unappreciated for the incredible amount of good He had done and taught for 3 ½ years.
    14. He was disowned by a dear friend, who denied Him three times with oaths and cursing.
    15. He was humiliated with nakedness, mock titles, a purple robe, crown of thorns, and railing.
    16. He was sarcastically mocked as a king, even though He was the King of kings and Son of God.
    17. He was dared by ignorant, presumptuous, and wicked men to prophesy as to who had hit Him.
    18. He was tempted to revenge with twelve legions of angels for His rescue, but He did not.
    19. He was rejected by His Own nation, who screamed for a Roman oppressor to torture Him.
    20. He was denied by the office and man of authority He had ordained to protect the innocent
    21. He was sacrificed in order to free Barabbas, a proven and convicted murderer and seditioner.
    22. He was ridiculed as an imposter, which could not possibly be known or helped by God.
    23. He was slandered by many false witnesses called against Him to lie, rather than hear His truth.
    24. He was despised with spit in His face, though He sent His sun, rain, and fruitful seasons to them.
    25. He was humiliated by two previous enemies – Pilate and Herod – becoming friends by His trial.
    26. He was deserted by the governor, who knew Jesus was innocent and the Jews merely envious.
    27. He was tempted to accept a sedative offered before the cross. He drank rather of God’s cup.
    28. He was railed on by the two thieves, whom were crucified for their evil deeds at His sides.
    29. He was ignored and not rescued, though there was darkness over all the land for three hours.
    30. He was shamed and tortured to suffer and die naked before His women friends and mother.
    31. He was humiliated by being crucified between two common thieves, though being Lord of all.
    32. He was suffering not for those who loved Him, but rather for enemies that hated Him (Rom 5:8).
    33. No man has suffered such emotional and psychological pain in such a short period of time.
  13. Spiritual aspects: we most always miss Satan’s devilish attack against Him in an invisible conflict.
    1. We are ignorant of the great conflict between spirits in high places (Ep 6:12; Dan 10:20; Jude 9).
    2. We do not respect Satan, when God looses him (Job 1-2; I Chr 1:1; Zech 3:1; Luke 22:3,31-32).
    3. Satan’s demonic host is the most unified and efficient hostile force in the universe (Matt 12:26).
    4. Animosity and conflict between Satan and Jesus was prophesied very early (Genesis 3:15).
    5. Just as soon as the Lord Jesus was born, Satan was there to devour Him (Rev 12:1-5; Matt 2:16).
    6. Recall the subtle, arrogant, and malicious efforts to tempt our Lord Jesus to sin (Matt 4:1-11).
    7. Satan only left Jesus “for a season” after the temptation in the wilderness (Luke 4:13).
    8. Jesus knew the conflict with Satan was coming and told His disciples of it (John 14:30).
    9. It was the time for Satan to be cast out (John 12:31; 16:11). Was he happy with this change?
    10. Satan was at the Last Supper! Do you understand the angelic conflict implied (John 13:2,27)?
    11. The hour of the power of darkness is a foreboding description from Jesus (Luke 22:53).
    12. Satan is filled with such malicious hatred for Jesus Christ regardless of the future (Rev 12:12).
    13. As the elect angels cannot believe salvation for men, Satan cannot stand salvation by a Man.
    14. And he knew that Jesus Christ was manifested to destroy him and his works (I John 3:8).
    15. If we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, what did Jesus wrestle with? With principalities, powers, the rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12).
    16. “Deliver my darling from the power of the dog” refers to the singular dog Satan (Ps 22:20).
    17. “Save Me from the lion’s mouth” refers to the roaring lion Satan (Psalm 22:21 cp I Peter 5:8).
    18. He was strengthened in the Garden by an angel (Ma 4:11 cp Luke 22:43-44 cp 22:53 cp Jude 9).
    19. Devils have no pity; they did not consider Him; they did not comfort Him; they tortured Him.
    20. If they could just get Him . . . to curse God . . . to beg for mercy . . . to quit . . . to be afraid . . . to ask for help . . . to use His Strength to deliver Himself . . . to violate a Scriptural promise . . . to retaliate against His persecutors . . . to ask them for help . . . to speak against the elect.
    21. But never forget that our blessed Lord Jesus Christ triumphed openly over Satan (Col 2:15).
    22. No man has ever even imagined, let alone endured, such a spiritual conflict for His soul; yet we are vaguely familiar with this war, because we wrestle against them in a limited sense every day.
  14. Divine aspects: but the most horrific suffering of all was God’s rejection of Him for our many sins.
    1. We must here admit Paul’s description of the incarnation as a great mystery (I Timothy 3:16).
      1. Jesus had a human spirit subject to all our temptations yet without sin (Heb 2:18; 4:15).
      2. He had a full human nature subject to growth, pain, thirst, tiredness, weakness, and death.
      3. Jesus had a full Divine nature, Which was the Word of God and the Everlasting Father.
      4. We do hold to the doctrine of the impeccability of Jesus, meaning that He could not sin.
      5. But the Divine nature of communion with His Father was withdrawn to leave His humanity.
      6. His divine nature upheld His human nature sufficiently to bear our sins without failing.
    2. Remember clearly that no man has ever had a relationship with God as did Jesus of Nazareth.
      1. He had always pleased His Father in all things without guilt or shame (John 8:29; Matt 3:17).
      2. He became guilty, fearful, lonely, and condemned for the first and only time in His life.
      3. It pleased His Heavenly Father to bruise Him, put Him to grief (Is 53:10), and forsake Him.
      4. He endured for a few hours the infinite loss of God’s departure from Him (Cp Matt 7:23).
      5. His anguished cries for His Father’s presence and help are terrible (Ps 22:1; Matt 27:46).
      6. Yet His human nature was in God’s presence that very day, with the thief (Luke 23:43,46).
    3. Many martyrs have died more painful deaths, but with joy and singing from God’s presence.
    4. He became sin for us (II Cor 5:21), as our iniquities were laid on Him by imputation (Is 53:6).
    5. He suffered these things in infinite quantity and quality, though for a very finite period of time.
    6. No man can even weakly imagine the spiritual pain and suffering of this part of His crucifixion.

Remedies for Delighting in Jesus

  1. Do you love His appearing? Paul promised a crown of righteousness to all such men (II Tim 4:8).
  2. Are you looking for His appearing? The saints of God look for this event (Titus 2:13; Heb 9:28).
  3. Our delight and love of Christ is something we must soberly examine and correct (Rev 2:1-5).
  4. Talk about Him to others, as did Philip and the woman of Samaria (John 1:43-51; 4:28-30).
  5. How often do you take a hymnal or psalter and sing about Jesus Christ and His salvation?
  6. How often do you listen to music that glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ and His great salvation?
  7. Do you have a favorite passage about the Lord Jesus Christ? If no, find one. If yes, read it now.
  8. Do you have a favorite song about the Lord Jesus Christ? If no, find one now. If yes, sing it now.
  9. Pray for it, and pray for it some more. Paul prayed so for the Ephesian church (Eph 3:14-21).

Conclusion:

  1. Are you as these devout Greeks, who were not as interested in the Passover Feast as they were in the holy Fulfillment and Object and Person of the feast? A truly regenerate heart will be seeking the Lord Jesus Christ.
  2. Are you Martha or Mary? Do you waste your time in vain worry about the unimportant things of life? Or do you always choose the better part and stay right there no matter what others are complaining about?
  3. Are you a troublesome and fruitless character in the church of Christ without true love and service to Christ?
  4. We must at all costs avoid being wrapped up in anything but the Lord Jesus Christ, even Jehovah our Savior!
  5. For the definition and nature of delighting in the Lord, see the sermon outline, “Delighting in the Lord.”
  6. How offended should He be, if you neglect His Person and His love for you? Is this not a very great crime?
  7. What is the Lord’s Supper to believers? It is the God-ordained event to remember His death until He comes.

For further study:

  1. Sermon Outline: He Is Altogether Lovely
  2. Sermon Outline:  Worlds Greatest Lover