The Altar of the Troubled Soul
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Learning to glorify God, not only despite our troubles-- but in our troubles.
Text: John 12:27-30
Date: 10/28/2018, the Traditional service.
Series: "John: Encountering Love" Part 108
Description:
The short discourse sparked by the arrival of a group of Greeks continues as Jesus nears the end of His public ministry in John's Gospel. His mind has turned momentarily to His impending Crucifixion and as a result His soul is troubled. What follows is a profound and revealing exchange between the Son and the Father which we will analyze carefully and use as an example to follow. When Jesus finds His soul troubled, His response is to passionately seek His Father's glory. We will discuss what it means for us to do the same as we endeavor to place our own troubles on the altar of the troubled soul.
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I. Introduction
II. Exposition of the text, John 12:27-30.
A. Context
B. Glory from a troubled soul.
1. The trouble in Jesus' soul, vs. 27.
a. Getting the punctuation right.
i. Noticing the two question marks.
ii. The interpretation with two questions.
iii. The problem with two questions.
• A super-human picture of Jesus.
• Running contrary to the Synoptics.
b. The inner struggle over the Cross.
i. The reason for the trouble, John 12:23.
ii. A contemplative question.
iii. A contemplative prayer, Matt. 26:38.
iv. A strengthening resolve, Matt. 26:39.
c. Humanness, not rebellion or weakness.
2. The second petition, vs. 28a.
a. Defining some words.
i. Defining "name".
ii. Defining "glory".
b. A revealing petition, John 7:18, 8:29, 8:50.
c. A petition of passionate love.
3. The Father's response, vs. 28b.
a. Considering the timing.
b. Glorifying the Father in life.
i. The incarnation, John 1:14.
ii. The mighty works of the Son, John 2:11, 11:40.
iii. The pleasure of the Father, Matt. 3:17, 17:5.
c. Glorifying the Father in death.
4. The confusion of the crowd, vs. 29.
a. The makeup of the crowd.
b. Varying levels of confusion.
i. Nothing but thunder, Psa. 29:3, Acts 22:9.
ii. Discernable speech, Dan. 10:6,9.
5. The beneficiaries of the Voice, vs. 30.
a. Some benefit for Jesus as well.
b. Post-Resurrection understanding.
i. Jesus as Mediator.
ii. A common Gospel theme, John 2:19,22, Luke 24:27, Acts 1:3.
iii. A delayed benefit.
c. Revealing Jesus.
III. Application
A. The altar of the troubles of the soul.
B. Glory to the Father.
1. Jesus as an example.
2. Paul as an example, Phil. 1:20, 1Pet. 4:16.
IV. Conclusion
