Sermon Snippet – Both Sides of Life – Part III
INTRODUCTION – The Bible, God’s Word, is realistic, dealing with all aspects of existence. In its pages, we meet both the worst and the best of life. The thoughtful Christian, then, will not be surprised that Jesus was “troubled” (outraged) as He walked this earth. Before we come to the Lord’s table for communion, let us briefly consider this trouble.
1. JESUS WAS TROUBLED BY THE REALITY OF DEATH
In John 11:33, at the grave of His friend Lazarus, Jesus “groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.” Our Savior God is a giver of life, creating it and offering eternal life with Him to all. Death is not His plan for anyone, for He says, “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live” (Ezekiel 33:11). Still, “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a), and Jesus experienced the bereftness that all of us have felt when family and friends have died. He would soon restore Lazarus to life – would that we could! – but the sorrow surrounding death is not casually set aside. “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Jesus “was troubled” at this sad reality, and He “wept” (John 11:35).
2. JESUS WAS TROUBLED AS HE PROPHESIED HIS OWN DEATH ON THE CROSS
John 12:20-33 (and beyond) is a fascinating passage, revealing numerous truths. We will focus on the statement of Jesus in verse 27a: “Now is my soul troubled.” The use of “soul,” indicating the totality of being, reveals that this trouble was no momentary emotion, no passing feeling. Rather, at the very core of His impeccable character, Jesus grieved that the only way that He could offer everlasting life was by dying for us and in our places on the Cross (verses 32-33). It is no light thing for the God of life to die. The troubled soul of Jesus demonstrates the horror that our sin has wrought.
3. JESUS WAS TROUBLED BY THE BETRAYAL THAT FACILITATED HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS
As Jesus sat at the table with His disciples, celebrating the Jewish Passover and instituting the Christian communion service (John 13:21-30), “He was troubled in spirit” (verse 21) at the impending betrayal by Judas. Probably all of us have experienced some form of betrayal, and we understand this perturbation of spirit. However, none of us, obviously, have been betrayed unto death. Moreover, even in death, none of us could suffer the billions of spiritual deaths that led Jesus to cry from the Cross, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46b). How could Jesus not be troubled?
CONCLUSION – As we ponder these things, we should be moved; it would take a heart of stone – Satanic stone – not to be. Yes, we should be moved but not miserable. In John 14:1a, Jesus commanded, “Let not your heart be troubled”; He then proceeded to unfold the Gospel message (verses 1-6). If we trust in Him and His finished work of salvation, we do not have to be troubled about the future – it is secure in Jesus. Later, in verse 27, Jesus promises, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” In simple terms, Jesus was troubled so that we never have to be. May we now remember His goodness – His eternal goodness – to us as we partake of the emblems of His sacrifice for us.