Sermon Central
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Rising Popularity And The Upside-Down Kingdom Series
Contributed by Jim Butcher on May 25, 2021 (message contributor)
Summary: A golden opportunity for increased popularity presents itself, but Jesus uses the occasion to talk about what glory looks like in His "upside-down" kingdom.
THE MOST POPULAR GUY IN TOWN? Jesus’ popularity reaches a new level when even the Greeks are interested in Him.
A RELATED IDEA? Jesus’ response is focused on glory.
- John 12:23.
- Is Jesus interested in glory the way that everyone else is or is He pointing them toward something else?
THE UPSIDE-DOWN KINGDOM:
1. “I will produce overwhelming life . . . through My death.”
- John 12:24.
2. “A person can receive that life by killing their natural desires.”
- John 12:25.
3. “A person can expand that life by following Jesus’ words.”
- John 12:26.
THE RESPONSE: God the Father confirms this is the plan and the crowd confirms they don’t get it.
a. vv. 27-28a – Jesus confirms that this upside-down kingdom is the plan.
b. v. 28b – God the Father confirms this upside-down kingdom is the plan.
c. vv. 29-34 – The crowd confirms they don’t get it.
