Sir, We Would See Jesus -- John 12:20-21


In this study, we shall try to determine what people should see when they see the real Jesus.

  1. A Man of the People
    1. Jesus was born of humble surroundings - Luke 2:1-7
    2. Jesus was not ashamed to associate with the common man:
      1. Luke 4:16-21
      2. Matthew 11:2-6
    3. Jesus was not ashamed to enter the house of the scorned:
      1. Luke 19:1-10
      2. Matthew 9:9-13
    4. Hebrews 4:14-15 Jesus was tempted in every way like we are, yet without sin.
      1. 1 John 2:15-17 -- lust of the flesh, eyes, pride of life
      2. Matthew 4:1-11 -- all those temptations endured


  2. A Radical Agent for God -- Matthew 10:34-38
    1. A new way of teaching: Matthew 5 -- 6 times "ye have heard it said . . . but I say . . ."
    2. Teaching concerning the heart of man:
      1. Matthew 5:21-30
      2. Matthew 15:7-20
    3. Matthew 16:24-25 the demands of the cross
    4. Matthew 19:21 his dealings with the rich young ruler
    5. Jesus wasn't afraid to "mix it up" with the religious establishment of His day
      1. His confrontations with the Pharisees (Matt 15, 22) and the Sadducees (Matt 22)
      2. His cleansing the Temple -- John 2; Matthew 21


  3. A Man Who Lived His Message: 1 Peter 2:21-23
    1. Before telling others to take up their cross (Matt 16:24) he spoke of his own (v 21)
    2. Before sending men out without cloak or money (Matt 10) He first went out (Matt 8:20)
    3. Jesus commands us to love (John 15:12); He loved us first (John 15:9)
    4. Jesus commands us to serve (John 13:14); He showed us the way (John 13:4-5, 15)
    5. Jesus commands us to forgive (Luke 17:3-4); He was the great forgiver (Luke 23:34)
    6. Jesus will not demand of us what He was not willing to do (cf the Pharisees - Matt 23:2-4)


  4. One Who Will Forgive and Forget Your Past
    1. Luke 7:36-50
    2. John 4:4-42
    3. John 8:1-11
    4. Consider the apostle Paul's past:
      1. Acts 7:58-59; 8:3; 9:1-2
      2. Acts 26:9-11
      3. 1 Timothy 1:12-15
      4. Philippians 3:13-14 - Paul put his past behind him


  5. One Who Changes Futures: 8:1
    1. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 "and such were some of you, but . . ."
    2. Ephesians 2:11-13
    3. Colossians 1:13-14
    4. Will you let Jesus change your future today?


  6. One Who Will Render Judgment Upon the Whole World:
    1. John 5:21-30 (esp v 22)
    2. Acts 17:30-31
    3. John 12:48
    4. 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9