The final I am statement of Jesus illustrates His life giving role and clarifies how the Father brings about fruitfulness in our lives.

In Jesus' final conversation with the disciples He explains the Holy Spirit will comfort them by enabling them to do greater works through His presence.

Jesus comforts the disciples letting them know that though He's leaving, He's making a way for them to join Him. When they're confused Jesus makes it clear that He is THE WAY.

John's life, ministry, and scriptural writings would be characterized by love. Perhaps all of that began with this transformative experience when Jesus washed the disciples feet on his final evening with them. Jesus showed them radical love in the face of heartache and betrayal and then called them to show that same love to others.

In John 12 Jesus tells us He will draw all unto Himself through being lifted up on the cross. Because of His sacrifice, everyone is welcome! He is now working to draw all unto Himself, no matter their background or disfunction. We should respond by following Him. When we do, we are with Jesus.

Pastor Daniel spoke on John 12 at the National Association of Free Will Baptists in Cincinnati this past Summer. Now that we've made our way to John 12 in our Sunday morning sermon series, we are posting the message from Cincinnati and our Sunday services.

The worth of Jesus does not depend on our understanding or appreciation of Jesus. In John 12 we see the worth of Jesus demonstrated in the acts of worship by Mary and the people of Jerusalem. Though these were moments of joy and excitement, Jesus was worthy of worship before and after their response.

Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, confirming once again that he is the Son of God. He also shows us that He has the power to dissipate all the darkness and sin. He can fix all that is wrong with our world.

The religious leaders of the day did not care for the people but rather wanted to steal, kill, and destroy them. In contrast to these "shepherds," Jesus is the good shepherd who lays his life down for us sheep. When we follow the Good Shepherd, we find a life abundant with meaning and significance in the midst of an evil and broken world. 

Jesus gives sight to a man blind from birth but the religious leaders refuse to see their need of Jesus. We'll be plagued by blindspots until we open our eyes to Jesus.