The Weight of the World and the Voice of God

Message Title: The Weight of the World
and the Voice of God

Pastor Frank Winans

Series: Journey Through the Gospel of John

Key verses: John 12:20-29

Sermon Notes:

1. In Jesus’ day, non-Jews were threatened with death if they crossed their segregated area at the Temple.
2. Jesus understands that He is the Savior of the world.
3. Each time God the Father spoke, it was a public acknowledgement of the Sonship and authority of Jesus, wrapped in the applause of heaven!
4. Christ is both peace with God and peacemaker with each other!
5. In Christ, we are all family!

Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

Getting to Know You:

When was the last time you were under a lot of pressure or stress. What was the situation and how did it effect you?

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. Read John 12:20-22, What do you think is the motivation of these Gentiles that brings them to Jerusalem at Passover? Why do you think they want to meet Jesus and what do you think they want to ask Him?
2. When you realize that there was a segregated area at the Temple where non-Jews could only go, what does this tell you  about the mindset of the Jewish people at that time?
3. How do you define racism?
4. Read John 12:23-24. Jesus said several times that “His time had not yet come” (John 2:4, 7:6,30), but now after hearing this request, Jesus now says His time has come. What do you think He is talking about?
5. In Jesus’ parable, who is the kernel of wheat and how does this relate to Gentiles?
6. What is Jesus calling His disciples to do in verses 25-26 and what promise do they receive?
7. As Jesus prays in John 12:27-29, God the Father speaks to Him for all to hear. Why do you think He did that? What do you think would have been your reaction if you had been there that day?
8. The Apostle Paul later speaks about the dividing wall at the Temple in Ephesians 2:14-19. What did he say Jesus did to it and how should this apply to our lives?
9. What has been your journey in dealing with racism in your heart?

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?