*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.
John 12:37-50 reminds us that even when people see God’s truth, some still choose not to believe. Jesus came to bring light, not judgment, and He calls us to trust in Him so we won’t remain in darkness. This passage encourages us to open our hearts to God’s truth and not let fear or pride keep us from following Him. It also reminds us that Jesus’ words come from God, leading to eternal life. We can apply this by listening to His teachings, choosing faith over doubt, and sharing His light with others.
John 12:37-50 (WEB)
12:37 But though he had done so many signs before them, yet they didn’t believe in him, 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke:“Lord, who has believed our report?To whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”39 For this cause they couldn’t believe, for Isaiah said again:40 “He has blinded their eyes and he hardened their heart,lest they should see with their eyes,and perceive with their heart,and would turn,and I would heal them.”41 Isaiah said these things when he saw his glory, and spoke of him. 42 Nevertheless, even many of the rulers believed in him, but because of the Pharisees they didn’t confess it, so that they wouldn’t be put out of the synagogue, 43 for they loved men’s praise more than God’s praise.44 Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me, but in him who sent me. 45 He who sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness. 47 If anyone listens to my sayings and doesn’t believe, I don’t judge him. For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 He who rejects me, and doesn’t receive my sayings, has one who judges him. The word that I spoke will judge him in the last day. 49 For I spoke not from myself, but the Father who sent me gave me a commandment, what I should say and what I should speak. 50 I know that his commandment is eternal life. The things therefore which I speak, even as the Father has said to me, so I speak.”