The Gospel and Hardened Hearts

Message Title: The Gospel and Hardened Hearts

Pastor Frank Winans

Series: Journey Through the Gospel of John

Key verses: John 12:37-47

Sermon Notes:

1. At the end of chapter 12, John reflects on __________ his people won’t __________ in Jesus.
2. John links the __________ of John’s Gospel to God’s __________ of __________ from Isaiah 53:1 and yet  the Jewish people __________ believe. (verses 37-38)
3. John says the Jews __________ not believe in verse 37 and then __________ not believe in verse 39, quoting Isaiah 6 about their __________hearts.
4. John says the __________ of hardened hearts in Isaiah 6 was being __________during Jesus’ ministry.
   a. Miracles do create __________ in the heart of some.
   b. Miracles also create __________ of __________ in others.
5. Jesus __________ His public ministry in John 12 by declaring what was spoken of Him in John 1
   a. He is the __________ of the World
   b. He is __________

Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

Getting to Know You:

Who was the first person that shared Jesus with you on your spiritual journey?

Quick Review:

Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

Digging Deeper:

1. In John 12:37-38, John the apostle reflects on the ministry of Jesus and His miraculous signs of power He displayed, and his frustration of the people’s unbelief. Can you name the seven signs/miracles recorded in this gospel? Which ones do you wish you had seen? Which one do you think would have had the most impact on your faith?
2. John equates the power Jesus displayed by His signs/miracles to the arm/power of God prophesied in Isaiah 53:1. What is your experience in reading Isaiah 53? How does Jesus fulfill the prophecies of this chapter?
3. In John 12:37-38, John gives commentary that the Jews WOULD not believe (as he quotes Isaiah 53) and then says they COULD not believe in verses 39-40 (quoting Isaiah 6:8-10). What do you think is the point John is making in these verses?
4. When you hear of a “hardened heart,” what do you think it means and how do you think people get this way?
5. What is Jesus claiming in verses 44-46 and how do these verses relate to John 1:1-12?
6. How has Jesus been like a Light in your life?

Taking it Home:

What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?