Scripture Reading: John 12:31-41

Why Do People Reject the Evidence that Jesus is the Son of God?

Intro.

1. Part 1 began by question, why do you believe in God? (1 Pet. 3:15)

a. Evidence that establishes faith (Heb. 11:1; Rom. 1:16).

b. 1 Jno. 1:1-4 – Heard & saw the evidence: Announced to us.

2. We considered some of the evidence for Jesus as the Son of God (Matt. 16:16-17; Jno. 5:36-37). The words, works & life of Jesus is a body of evidence that has stood for 2,000 years.

3. Our intent was to show that Jesus must be considered by all who would otherwise discount the existence of God & the Bible as His word (Jno. 12:44-48).

4. “We have found the Messiah” (Jno. 1:41, 45).

5. Why do people refuse to believe Jesus is the Son of God? (“Lord, who has believed our report?” – Jno. 1:11; 12:37-38; Rom. 10:16-17)

I. WHY DO PEOPLE REJECT THE EVIDENCE THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD? (Jno. 12:37)

A. It Does Not Agree with Human Wisdom – 1 Cor. 1:21-25; 2:1-5, 6.

1. Pride – Psa. 10:4; cf. Prov. 14:12 (28:26).

2. God is excluded from consideration (Rom. 1:22, 28).

B. It Means there is an Objective Standard of Truth & Morality to which One is Obligated (Jno. 18:38) – Jno. 14:6 (1:1, 14).

1. Jesus is definite, absolute truth – Jno. 12:46.

2. Calls us to walk in His light – Jno. 12:35-36 (8:12).

3. Many love darkness of sin rather than light of truth – Jno. 3:19-21.

C. Some are Unwillingness to Do What He Says – Jno. 7:16-17.

1. Jesus demands a decision of conscience & faith from all who encounter Him (words & works) & the evidence about Him.

2. You cannot remain neutral about Jesus! Matt. 12:30

3. Will you have faith built on evidence, or will you deny Him?

D. It is Not What Some Have Always Believed – Jno. 1:45-46.

1. Unwilling to come to the truth because it admits past error.

2. Jesus calls on everyone to do so to be saved! (Believe & repent – Lk. 13:5; Acts 20:21)

E. It Means Loved Ones Who Do (did) Not Believe in Jesus are Lost in Sin – Jno. 3:16-18.

1. Truth about Jesus does not make anyone a sinner (Rom. 5:12).

2. Jesus is the way of salvation for all (you & loved ones).

3. If you reject the truth about Jesus, you lost in sin, too! (Jno. 3:18)

F. Because of What Others will Say or Do – Jno. 12:42-43 (cf. 16:1-2); Jno. 9:16-22; cf. Matt. 10:27-31.

1. Lord will not leave you – Heb. 13:5-6.

2. Lord will deliver you – 2 Tim. 4:16-18.

Conclusion

1. “Who is the Son of Man?” (Jno. 12:34) Jesus of Nazareth!

a. “Do you believe in the Son of God?” (Jno. 9:35-38)

b. Will you believe the report? (Jno. 12:38)

2. If you believe, then obey Him & have everlasting life (Jno. 12:48-50).