Jason Velotta

This Lord’s Day is often called Palm Sunday, the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem mounted on a donkey to the shouts and praises of Jerusalem. This final entry into Jerusalem began the last days before Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. This Sunday, we will look at what is often called “The Triumphal Entry” from John 12:12-26. If you had been in Jerusalem that day, it would have been a scene of victory and glory for Jesus. You would have assumed that Christ had finally reached the pinnacle of his ministry, and this messiah was now bringing the Kingdom promises to God’s people. You would have thought that Jesus was about to be proclaimed King and rule from Jerusalem, inaugurating God’s reign over the oppressing nations. Jesus had just raised Lazarus from the dead, which this crowd knew (v. 17-18), and now they saw the fulfillment of prophecy as Jesus rode into the city mounted on a donkey (Zech. 9:9). Yet, no one in the crowd understood the kind of king Jesus had come to be. His disciples didn’t understand He had come to die (v. 16). Within several days, the crowds who hailed him as king cried, “Crucify Him” before Pilate, and even the Pharisees thought he had come to reign (v. 19). Everyone in this scene understood Jesus based on their own expectations rather than who He really was. Yet, before entering the city, Jesus Himself tells them how all must respond to this King. As Greeks desire to see Him, Jesus explains that He would be glorified in His death (v. 23-24) so that His people would be with Him. Then, He tells them the requirement of this King (v. 25-26). Before we come to Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday, we must ask if we have rightly responded to this King of kings for who He is.

This year, our Christmas Eve Service will be at 10 am on Sunday. I look forward to celebrating our Savior's birth as we sing praises to our King, observe the Lord's Supper, and open God's Word together. Last Sunday, Cameron preached from John 1:6- 13, showing us the light of Christmas. On Christmas Eve, we will continue that passage and examine the glory of Christmas. "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). Although John 1 is one of the most familiar passages in the Bible, it should still amaze us that God would take upon Himself a human nature to bring salvation to sinners. The Son, the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature, who upholds the universe by the word of His power (Heb. 1:3), became a man so that He might be the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. For His birth in Bethlehem, myriads upon myriads of angels filled the skies, singing glorious praises to God. They celebrated this wondrous act of our gracious God, who humbled Himself to redeem us. This Lord's Day, which is also Christmas Eve, let us join their celebration and marvel at the Savior, who is God with us. Subscribe to the Sermon podcast on itunes or search for "jason velotta" in your podcasting app Visit http://www.jasonvelotta.com/for more audio, video, books, and teaching materials https://www.fbcmulvane.com https://www.facebook.com/jason.velotta.1 https://twitter.com/jrv773 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonvelotta

Jesus restores Peter to service giving him an opportunity to affirm his love three times just as he denied Jesus three times. In this we see Jesus' command for all those who love Him. We are called to tend sheep. We are called to make disciples. This call is fueled by a love for Jesus and it is a call that costs your life.

Jesus uses a fishing trip to illustrate how the disciples will live on mission as they serve the now risen Christ. This fishing trip will remind Peter, John, and James of the day that Jesus first called them to follow Him and become fishers of people. They will be forced to face the reality, and practically apply Jesus’ words, "without me you can do nothing." In this event, we will also come to see more fully that Jesus alone is the provider and the nourisher of his weary and hurting servants.

In verses 24-31, the disciples will hit their first roadblock. They will come face to face with the impossibility of living on mission in their own power. One of their own, Thomas, refuses to believe their testimony. How could they ever hope to convince anyone else when one of the 12 won’t even listen? John gives us the answer as He shows us the power of the risen Christ. Only an encounter with Jesus changes hearts. Sunday we examine Thomas’ encounter and see how John himself (in v. 30-31) connects Thomas’ experience with ours today. Our calling to make disciples is a supernatural one accomplished by the word of the gospel, as the Spirit moves upon it. Even in a drastically changing world, we have a mandate from the King of kings who is with us as we fulfill it - even to the end of the age!

Jesus sends His disciples just as He was sent. They are given Peace, power, and authority to engage in the mission of making disciples.

Mary discovers the empty tomb and in this section we see what the resurrection means for us. The empty tomb is evidence that the grave has been forever conquered. Because He lives we also have a hope that conquers despair. Mary is called out of her despair when she realizes Jesus is alive. And finally, like Mary, we are given a mission and a message to carry in this world.

Jesus not only died and entered into the tomb, He did so as our covenant head. He went before us, into death itself, to conquer the grave itself on behalf of those who trust in Him. The testimony of this burial still echos with power today. The evidence shows He truly died, He is truly divine, and He truly transforms His disciples

John 19:16-30 shows us the fulfillment of all of Scripture and God’s purposes in the salvation of sinners. Sunday, we examine the crucifixion of Jesus. Up to this point, John has gone to great lengths to show us Jesus’ control of the situation. He has chosen to allow His arrest, His various trials, and now He freely gives His life on the cross as a substitute for sinners. At every point in this text, we are made aware that even the tiniest details have been foretold and are fulfilling the purposes of the Father. Even on the darkest day in human history, there is absolutely nothing out of God’s control. Each detail is a fulfillment of the Scriptures, meticulously accomplishing God’s plan of salvation for us. As we examine the perfect Lamb sacrificed for our salvation, we are also repeatedly shown that God’s Word is faithful and true in all things. His Word was true on the day when all hope seemed lost, and His Word is still true today in all that we face. Believer, His Word will be true after all the stars burn out and we have spent ten billion years in His presence. His word will be true throughout eternity. Therefore, if God is for us - today - who can be against us?

Here we see the coronation of the King. It is not the kind of coronation that you expect. It isn’t a picture of majesty and honor. Instead, this king’s coronation is a brutal mockery. Those crowning this king mean to bring Him shame and humiliation. But in this wicked scene, we see the reason the eternal Son came. Jesus stands completely alone before Pilate and the crowd. He has been beaten and utterly humiliated. Now, in the face of one who looks like the most pitiable soul in the world, those who stand before Him will choose whom they will serve…as will we. Joshua said, “Choose this day whom you will serve.” (Josh. 24:15) As Pilate presents Jesus saying, “Behold your king,” we who are purchased by His blood and shame must say, “Yes! There He is. There is the one who is altogether lovely. There He is, the one who took away my sin.” And as we see the Father’s (not Pilate’s) presentation of His Son, we find the one in whom all our hopes are placed…and we glimpse the suffering which was necessary for our salvation.

Jesus defines THE truth and describes His authority in the face of hostile powers vying for authority. Important worldview questions are at stake - and God provides His passover Lamb

During the events of Jesus’ arrest, we witnessed His power, His care for His disciples, and His resolve to drink the cup the Father had given Him. As we move into John 18:12-27, we will once again see these attributes displayed in the questioning of Jesus, but in this section the focus shifts to another interrogation. While Jesus is being questioned inside, Peter is being questioned outside. The contrast between these two interrogations couldn’t be more obvious. Peter fails miserably and denies the Lord he promised to follow even unto death. This Sunday, we won’t be hearing a "don’t be like Peter" sermon. The problem is that we already are like Peter in so many ways. Yet Jesus stood firm for Peter knowing that at that moment Peter was outside denying Him. Instead of simply saying, "Let’s do better than Peter," we will examine why Peter (who clearly loved Jesus) failed so badly. As we diagnose his disease from Scripture, we find insight into our own life of standing for Christ in an ungodly world. We will see not just that we must stand and confess Jesus, but how we are able to do so - and in this we find the source of our Christian walk.

Having completed His teaching and prayer for the disciples, the hour of Jesus has come. He is arrested in the garden. Yet Jesus is in control of this situation. He is the almighty God, the Good Shepherd, and The Obedient Son.

Jesus prays for the church through the ages who would believe through the Apostles' word. He prays here for us, and His prayer is that we would be one just as the Father and Son are one - and that we would be one IN the Father and Son.

Jesus prays for His disciples before going to the cross. He affirms them before the Father and prays for what He knows they will need - It is the same things we need to live out this mission in the hostile world.

Jesus finished his final instructions to the disciples. Now he turns his eyes and voice to His Father as He prays for Himself, the disciples, and those who would believe in the future. In the first 5 verses Jesus' focus and priority is that the Triune God would be glorified.

The disciples proclaim they finally understand what Jesus is telling them. They declare this is why they believe. Jesus immediately points out their weakness and shows that the source of their salvation and their peace is found in Him. Maturing Christians are growing in their dependence upon Him.

Jesus desires joy for His disciples even as their hearts are overcome with sorrow. He shows how this joy comes and what is its source

Jesus shows the disciples how they will be able to stand against the hatred and persecution of the world. The Spirit Himself will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He will guide the disciples and glorify Jesus by revealing more of Him to the disciples.

Jesus continues to prepare His disciples for their mission. He expects them to bear witness even in the face of persecution. The only way they are able to do this is with a heart of faith and by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus prepares His disciples for the mission to come. He warns them that they will be hated by the world and persecuted. The world will hate Jesus' followers because of their identity in Him, because they do not know God, and because Jesus always exposes sin. The same holds true today.

Jesus gives the application of the parable of the Vine. He shows the disciples that their life, their strength, their ability comes from Him alone. The task of the disciple is to abide in the vine - to pursue and cultivate the relationship in which God has placed them in Christ. The Christian life is one of reliance and dependence upon the vine.

Jesus illustrates the relationship the disciples will experience with the Father, Son, and Spirit after Jesus is resurrected. In this illustration, we see the care of the Father for the branches of the vine. He prunes those that are His so they will bear fruit. And pruning often hurts.

Chapter 14 ends as Jesus again assures His disciples that they will not be left alone. The Holy Spirit will teach them all things and guide them. Also Jesus gives them His peace. In the troubled times the disciples endure, they are assured that their gospel is victorious

Jesus comforts his disciples by showing them what reconciliation with the Triune God looks like. He explains the believer's position with the Father, The Son, and The Spirit - the relationship that all those in Christ enjoy

Jesus is still comforting His disciples, as He gives them reasons they should not let their hearts be troubled. We got a glimpse of the perfect love relationship that the Father, Son, and Spirit have eternally enjoyed. It is this perfect relationship that the gospel calls us into. In verses 15-24, Jesus will describe this love relationship between the God-head and the believer. He says the one who loves Jesus keeps His commandments, and He also shows how the Father and Son love the believer and make their home with them. Likewise, the Spirit indwells the one who loves Jesus. In these verses we see what the eternal relationship we are called into looks like.

Jesus comforts the disciples' troubled hearts by showing them that they will not be alone. We have His promises and His person with us. We have His power for our mission and are united with He and The Father. He truly is The Way, The Truth, and The Life.

Jesus prepares His disciples for his departure by speaking of the darkest moment in human history as being glorifying to both the Father and the Son. He also gives them a new command to love one another as Jesus has loved them. This is how His glory will be seen in the world. And Peter begins to hear the all important truth that to follow Jesus is to be desperately dependent upon Him.

A few hours before Jesus' arrest, he reveals that Judas is the betrayer and through these events, we see Jesus' vast love for even this sinner and the danger of sin's deceitfulness. We also realize that regardless of others' faithfulness or any circumstances, our commission from the I AM still stands.

Jesus begins privately teaching his disciples before he goes to the cross. He begins by washing their feet. In this act, Jesus shows the servant's heart and commands His disciples to follow His example. As a testimony to the world, we are called to show His glory and grace through serving one another.

Though Jesus had preached and done many miracles, they did not believe in him. John shows us the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecies in their unbelief. Some of their hearts were hardened, some would not confess him openly. Yet, Jesus gives a final public plea and a warning.

Jesus reveals that God is glorifying Himself in the coming crucifixion and shows the results of this glory to the crowd. He gives a final call to the crowd before he departs from them.

Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey in fulfillment of Zechariah's prophecy. He is hailed as the King of Israel, but no one truly saw what He was coming to conquer. Sin and death. Jesus tells them what they must do to follow Him.

John presents the difference between true sacrificial worship in Mary anointing Jesus' feet, and self serving religion in Judas.

John presents the effects that Jesus' miracle of raising Lazarus has on the people. The same effects are seen today. His word divides, it is always opposed, but it will always be accomplished. Most urgently, His work elicits a response from people. There is no such thing as neutral.

Jesus calls Mary to Himself and is overcome with emotion at the scene which ensues. He demonstrates that although He is Lord and sovereign in His purposes, He also feels deeply with His people who are grieved. And He demonstrates His purpose to bring many to faith, having power over death.

Jesus grows Martha in her faith as He comforts her, drawing her to an understanding that He is the Life. In her pain and frustration, Jesus shows her the only true treasure which is faith in Him.

As Mary and Martha send word to Jesus that their brother Lazarus is sick, Jesus shows in his words and deeds that his highest priority is for all involved to see the Glory of God, follow him, and grow in their faith. Jesus doesn't come when they call but instead waits so that they might receive a greater gift.

Jesus gives a final invitation to the Jewish leadership in the gospel of John. He urges them to hear his words and heed the testimony of the works he has done in the Father's name. However, the leaders respond by trying to silence Jesus and refusing him despite the testimonies. But there are always those who respond rightly in faith to Jesus. Subscribe to the Sermon podcast on itunes or search for "jason velotta" in your podcasting app Visit http://www.jasonvelotta.com/for more audio, video, books, and teaching materials https://www.fbcmulvane.com https://www.facebook.com/jason.velotta.1 https://twitter.com/jrv773 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonvelotta/

Jesus answers the demand to declare himself plainly by showing the characteristics of His Sheep. His sheep believe, they hear and follow him, and they are secure eternally as His sheep.

Jesus continues speaking of the Good Shepherd as one who lays down His life for the sheep. He brings his own into the fold and gives them life.

Jesus illustrates His mission with the picture of the shepherd. The shepherd has the right to the sheep because he enters through the door. The thieves jump over the wall to steal and destroy. The shepherd also has relationship with the sheep, and the shepherd is responsible for the safety and protection of the sheep.

The man who had been healed of his blindness is interrogated about the miracle and about Jesus. We are told at the end of this chapter that what we are seeing is a man growing more and more into the light, and another group is growing deeper and deeper into blindness. The man, although not knowing everything about Jesus, holds to his confession that he once was blind but now can see.

Jesus heals a man who is born blind. He tells his disciples that the reason the man is blind is so that "the works of God" would be displayed in him. Then he tells his disciples, "We must work the works of God while there is time." - He demonstrates the priority and urgency of the disciples in making disciples, weeping with those who weep, and being instruments by which God changes lives.

Jesus recommissions Peter with a public, three fold confession of love for him. This was in direct contrast to Peter's earlier three fold denial of Jesus. Here in this short exchange, Jesus gives both the priority and the necessity of Love for Jesus as the impetus for service to the flock.

Jesus concludes his conversation with the religious leaders by explicitly revealing His identity to them and even now, giving them the invitation of promise. In this section, the believer finds great assurance that Jesus is able to fulfill His promise and there is nothing that can cause His promise to fail.

Jesus shows his opponents that they are neither Abraham's children, nor are they God's. To do so He gives them evidence of what God does in His children. They bear fruit, they love Jesus, and they respond to God's Word.

Jesus shows the evidence which is present in the life of one who has been made His disciple. They abide in His word and they have been freed from the slavery to sin. What does this look like? How do I know that I am one of these disciples?

Jesus gives both the warning and the invitation of the gospel to the religious leaders who are questioning Him. Those who do not know Christ will be separated from God for eternity. Wrath and divine judgment are owed but Christ stands in their midst to deliver the invitation of the Father's salvation.