HE CAME - AND THEY RECEIVED HIM NOT

Text:  John 1:10-13.

Purpose:  To show who Jesus really is, the greatness of His invitation, and the urgency of receiving Him by living faith.

Introduction

Some of the most poignant words in the Gospel are these in our text. "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not." Yet the sad note is followed by one of comfort and joy: "but as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God...." Let us see who "He" is, how He "came," how His own people "received Him not," and then see the blessing waiting "as many as receive(d) Him.

Body

I. HE came to His own. Who is this "He"?

   A. He is the eternal God (verse 1). He is called the Logos, the Word. When all things began, He was already there, beside God, and He was Himself divine.

   B. He is the great Creator (verse 3). God's agent in creation, the Word brought into being all that exists. See Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:2. It was His "own" world to which He came, for He had Himself created it.

   C. He is Life for sinful man (verse 4). Because of sin, we live under the curse of death (Romans 5:12). Only Jesus can give life, for only He has lived a responsible human life without sin. He is our life (Colossians 3:3,4; 1 John 5:20).

   D. He is Light in a world of darkness (verses 4,5). This is a favorite theme for John. See 1:7-9; 3:19-21; 5:35; 8:12; 9:5; 11:9,10; 12:35, 36,46).

II. He CAME to His own. How did He "come"?

   A. He came with prior announcement, both ancient and immediate.

        1. The prophets had long spoken of His coming, from God's promise in the Garden of Eden to the closing chapter of Malachi.

            a. The Seed of woman (Genesis 3:15).

            b. The Blessing of Abraham (Genesis 12:3).

            c. The Shiloh of Jacob and Judah (Genesis 49:10).

            d. The Star and Sceptre of Balaam (Numbers 24:17).

            e. The Prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15).

            f. The ruling Son of David (11 Samuel 7:12, 13).

            g. The Suffering Servant of Isaiah (Isaiah 53).

            h. The Righteousness of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 23:6).

            i. The Good Shepherd of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 34:23).

            j. The Son of Man of Daniel (Daniel 7:13,14).

            k. The Ruler of Micah (Micah 5:2).

            l. The Fountain of Zechariah (Zechariah 13:1).

            m. The Sun of Righteousness of Malachi (Malachi 4:2).

        2. Heavenly messengers announced His enfleshment as Mary's baby.

            a. An angel came to Mary (Luke 1:26-38).

            b. An angel appeared to Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25).

            c. Angels announced it to the shepherds (Luke 2:1-20).

            d. A star led the wise men (Matthew 2:1-20).

III. His own RECEIVED HIM NOT. How was He rejected by His own people?

   A. In the inn there was no room (Luke 2:7).

   B. There was no place for Him in Herod's jealous heart (Matthew 2:3ff).

   C. He was rejected in His home synagogue (Luke 4:28,29).

   D. He was forsaken by many after feeding the 5000, because of His "hard" words (John 6:66).

   E. His fleshly brothers did not receive Him during His personal ministry (John 7:1-5).

   F. He was rejected by Pilate, who found no fault in Him but feared the people; He was rejected by His own people who demanded that He be crucified by the Romans (Matthew 27:15-23).

IV. But AS MANY AS received Him ...

   A. The rejection of many is a sign, not of Jesus' desire, but of man's sin. Christ wants all to be saved.

   B. "As many as received Him" - then or now - He gives power to become sons of God through faith in His name.

Conclusion

When you think who He is, does not your pride melt, your will feel drawn to receive Him and find life? HE wants you to know God and God's love each day. Receive your Creator as your Savior - take hold of Him now in the obedience of faith, and in HIM find eternal life!

Back to the Table of Contents Forward to Chapter 2