Who Asked for You?

(A Message to the Members of the Body of Christ)

(Preached Wednesday Afternoon, August 19, 2020)

“The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him. And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: the same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.”

(John 12:19-26)

Introduction

Today, we will allow this passage, this history, these words recorded in the living Word of God to speak to us. You do believe in God, don’t you? You do believe that the Bible is “quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword” don’t you? Then hear him; hear God; hear what he has to say… to you, today!!

But first, oh, christian, oh, would be soulwinner, hear his utterly correct description of those for whom Christ died, of those to whom you have been sent to win. Here then is the inmost soul of men, revealed to you through the Word of God in Psalm 107:23-32.

“They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit’s end. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.” (Psalm 107:23-32)

I. What kind of soul winning is that?

“And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: the same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.” (John 12:20-22)

A. The Greeks

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

B. The Christian

“Philip cometh and telleth Andrew:” (John 12:22a)

“And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; and wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.” (Mark 9:17-18)

C. The Church

“And again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.” (John 12:22b)

“He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.” (Mark 9:19)

II. Jesus knew that they would have to be able to look beyond you!

“The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him. … And Jesus answered them, saying, ‘The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” (John 12:19 and 23-24)

A. Jesus knew of the few who would want Jesus!

“The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.” (John 12:19)

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)

B. Jesus made it possible to see beyond Christians or the Church!

“And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.” (John 12:23)

“Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die.” (John 12:30-33)

C. They will be able to receive life from him because he did right?

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” (John 12:24)

“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37-38)

III. Leave your life, your way and your results.. for his!

“He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” (John 12:25-26)

A. Jesus shares with you his life!

“He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” (John 12:25)

“In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4)

B. Jesus shares with you his presence!

“If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be:” (John 12:26a)

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20)

C. Jesus shares with you his joy!

“If any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” (John 12:26b)

“Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:24)