Discipleship Will Cost You, Part 6 Series

John, Part 32

Series: Discipleship Will Cost You, Part 6 Passage: John 7:31-36

Welcome to Seasons; intro; thankful you have come to worship with us

FOCUS: Continuing our focus on Discipleship and its personal cost to us

Discipleship: the process of becoming like Jesus through obedience / submitting

Set the Stage: Jesus is teaching in the synagogue; last 6-months of earthly life

? His teachings are becoming more direct (repent & to come to God)

? People’s conclusion is: Jesus must be opposed to “our idea” of God!

? Why? Because He challenges what they hold sacred: “religious identity”

? RE: If your identity is in religion, or in your things, it is NOT in Christ!

Today, we have a dual response from Jesus: KNOW: it is hope AND a warning

Read John 7:31-36 & Pray

We’ve heard the people, now see the religious & civic leaders reply v32

Point 1 – The Pharisees’ Response

a) RE: The Chief priests are the primary rivals (re: they submit to Rome)

In 4 Gospels: They stood against Jesus; strongly resisted His words of repentance

AND - they understood that this revolution could bring negative Roman attention

b) Jesus’s teaching forced them to become opposers of Jesus John 5:16

c) NOTICE: What disturbed them most: “the murmuring of the people”

Leaders don’t want to lose power – the people murmuring is a problem! (doubt)

UND: Jesus threatens their way of life (power) – He cannot be allowed to succeed

Point 2 – How does Jesus Reply?

Jesus’s reply was hopeful but tragic - especially for the unbeliever v33

1st, Jesus foretold His destiny: “I am with you for only a short time …”

? There is a clarity here about what is going to happen – He is leaving

? 2026: It is a challenge to understand and see the whole invitation

2nd, (hope) He predicts resurrection AND ascension: “and THEN I am going …”

? For the Disciples, this would be information they may’ve heard

? For the people, they are confused and misunderstand the application

Now, Big Ques: What does this have to do with those who oppose Him?

ANS: He was affirming they could get rid of Him (warning)

• However, when they do – He will NOT cease to exist! Why?

• He is going to where God is – saw last week; v29: Jesus was sent by Him!

Now, pay CLOSE attention here: Jesus is predicting their future! v34

• A day is coming - future, not immediate, but applies to all of us - WHEN

• They will seek Him; they won’t find Him; and they cannot go where He is

• Need example? Luke 16:19-31 (Story of Lazarus and the Rich Man)

SUM: The rich man cried for mercy … God responded: “It’s too late”

WARNING: Your last breath is the end of God’s mercy being available to you

RE the Ark: Scariest part was not the rain; but when God shut the door (it was too late …)

Jesus tells these standing before Him that they will not be with Him where He is!

• As God calls you today, He gives you an opportunity to change your life

• Consider the implications and prayer of David in Psalm 51:10-11

Look at the clarity of the words v34b: “Where I am, - you - cannot - come!”

• Where Jesus will be is a place of life, of peace, of safety, of love, mercy

• Where those who do not know Him will be separation, agony, w/o hope

SEE: When this life ends, the unbeliever WILL look for Jesus (Lord, Lord …)

The horror of His response is that one day - the unbeliever will NOT find Him!

BIG IDEA

There is no other comment that the leaders could give – but to choose vv35-36

They choose doubt! EXP So if this is their response - what do you say to Him?

• To accept Jesus offer would be difficult; it would mean surrender; change

• BIG: This is the only thing Jesus asks: for us, for you, to come to Him

• Heads bowed in prayer / Invite Worship Team

Ask yourself: “Do I need to surrender to God’s gift of mercy, today?”

Do you need to repent of sin? Do you need to draw closer to Him?

Are you looking to grow? Maybe you are here seeking a church community?

Or perhaps you need to humble yourself and worship Him for a few moments …

This is your time … Holy Spirit, have your way in our hearts today, Amen.