*John 12:37-50
Despite Jesus’ miracles, many reject him, but he clarifies his purpose as bringing light and warns that his words will be the ultimate judge.
- Persistent Unbelief:
- Despite the many miraculous signs Jesus performed, a significant number of people still do not believe in Him, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah that many would not understand or accept the message.
- Isaiah’s Prophecies of Rejection:
- John quotes Isaiah to highlight that the people’s hearts are hardened, eyes blinded, and ears closed, preventing them from fully turning to God and being healed.
- Isaiah had foreseen this rejection because he had a vision of God’s glory and spoke of the Messiah.
- Belief Amid Fear:
- Some leaders do believe in Jesus but are hesitant to publicly acknowledge their faith due to fear of expulsion from the synagogue by the Pharisees.
- They prioritize human praise over God’s approval, remaining silent.
- Final Public Appeal:
- Jesus passionately emphasizes that those who believe in Him also believe in the Father who sent Him, as He and the Father are one.
- He declares that He is the light that dispels darkness and that those who follow Him will no longer walk in darkness.
- Jesus clarifies that He does not judge those who hear His words but reject them, as He came to save the world.
- However, He adds that those who reject His words will be judged by them on the last day.
- He asserts that His teachings align perfectly with God’s commandments, leading to eternal life.
12:37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: 12:38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? 12:39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 12:40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
12:41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
12:44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
12:45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.
12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
12:47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
12:50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.