John 11:47-57

1. We should observe the desperate wickedness of our natural hearts.
2. We should observe the blind ignorance with which God’s enemies often act and reason.
3. We should observe what importance bad people sometimes attach to outward ceremonies, while their hearts are full of sin.

"To fancy, as some do, that if they saw something wonderful done before their eyes in confirmation of the gospel they would at once cast off all indecision and serve Christ is a mere useless dream. It is the grace of the spirit in our hearts and not miracles that our souls require."

"In days of trouble, rebuke and blasphemy, believers may rest patiently in the Lord. The very things that at one time seem likely to hurt them shall prove in the end to be for their gain."

"Let us settle it firmly in our minds that a religion which expends itself in zeal for outward formalities is utterly worthless in God’s sight."

Questions:

1. We see the hardness of human hearts as the Pharisees see undeniable proof that Jesus is God, and yet harden their hearts against him. Ryle declares that we must not be surprised when people reject the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that is the question: are we surprised at such things or are we surprised when someone believes?
2. The Pharisees declare that if they leave Jesus alone, they will be ruined, and yet, it was their interfering which brought their downfall. We see here God's sovereign hand at work in history working all things for the good of those who love him. In times of trouble, do we see and trust God's hand, or fret wondering how God can let such things happen?
3. As the Jews were contemplating the death of Christ, they were also seeking to be ceremonially clean. Ryle points out that outward formalities without inward realities are utterly worthless in God's sight. Do we seek outward acceptance or inward purity before God? Which do we value most?