Why was Jesus so widely rejected by his own people? That?s the question John takes up as Jesus?s public ministry draws to a close. And his answer is crucial for us as we face unbelief in ourselves and in those around us.

Jesus came to win glory?the glory of his death, the glory of his Father, and the glory of all those who trust in him.

These three stories point us to the irony we have to recognize if we want to understand Jesus and what it means to follow him: he is the death-defeating king who conquers by dying, the champion who wins by losing, the one who gains his glorious throne by embracing the shameful cross.

To see the glory of Jesus?to fully believe in him and rest in his power?we must see him in light of the problem he came to solve, the problem of death. And when we?ve seen the glory of Jesus?when we?ve tasted the sweetness of what he offers by his life, death, and resurrection?we come to see the problem of death in a whole new light.

If we want to understand the full significance of Jesus and what he came to do for us, we have to look squarely at the awful reality of death. It?s in the context of this most basic human problem that the glory of Jesus shines most brightly.

Following Jesus as shepherd means he?s more than an accessory; his call demands your whole life. But the same shepherd who demands our lives also gives life to all who rest in him.

Jesus claims that he is the door into the good life?a life of safety and satisfaction. He claims that everyone else offering the good life will ultimately bleed you dry, not fill you up. And he claims that he will deliver where all others fall short because he is the Good Shepherd who loves his sheep enough to die for them and who?s powerful enough to conquer death for them.

Only Jesus can give us true sight.

Moses?s life gives us an important window to see faith.

Jesus offers freedom to everyone who hears his word and embraces him. But in what sense do we need freedom? How do we know Jesus can deliver? And how is it that he can set us free?