April 3, 2005
Morning Sermon Outline
”Evil Planning Thwarted”
John 11:45-57
I. In this passage we see first the correct response to a miracle – :45
1. This is the correct response to any presentation of the Gospel
2. This response comes as a gift from God as they were seeking to serve their friend
II. We also see in this passage, the incorrect response to a miracle - :46
1. Notice how stubbornly these persist in their unbelief
2. Notice how Christ’s glory only drives them to His enemies
III. We see too here, the madness of madmen who would fight against Christ –
1. They gather together – : 47; Hebrews 10:24-25, yet for hatred and evil works
2. They gathered “a council” - :47
3. They ask a revealing question - :48
A. They should have repented
B. Yet, repentance for them was not an option
4. They express some revealing expectations:
A. “if we let Him alone …” implies they have some power, shows pride
B. “everyone will believe in Him …” implies a knowledge of Christ’s power & influence, yet they still don’t believe
C. “the Romans … will take … our place and nation” implies the Chief priests and Pharisees found a comfortable place in this world, and they weren’t giving it up – Matthew 23:6-7
IV. Yet, all this mad plotting was under God’s sovereign control - :49-57
1. Caiaphas did not know he was fulfilling prophecy – Psalm 2; Acts 4:25-28; Isaiah 53
2. Yet, this plotting not only put events in line with prophecy but also in line with the typology of the Passover - :55-57; John 1:29
3. The Lamb of God would take away the sins of the world and it is the chief priests who unwittingly make sure this happens!
4. We should expect that God will ALWAYS overturn madness – Romans 8:28-29
