Daily Bread John 12
Daily Bread John 12
The Jews Continue in Their Unbelief
37Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. 38This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: "Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?"
39For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: 40"He has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn—and I would heal them." 41Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus' glory and spoke about him.
42Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
Observation:
We see the various reactions to Jesus’ ministry. There were some who were blinded and could not see, even though Jesus’ signs of His being the Messiah were so clearly shown to them. There were others, even among the leaders who believed, but they were afraid to show their faith because they were more concerned about man’s applause than God’s smile.
As Jesus faces the last hours of his life, there are not many there beside him to provide support as He faces the hour of trial. Jesus does not take it personally. He says, “Whoever does not believe my words does not believe the one who sent me.” Jesus was faithful to transmit the message His Father gave to Him. He said I do not judge people, but my words if they are rejected are the judge of a person
Application:
Jesus’ mission was to save people with the words of eternal life. But the biggest barrier was people’s unbelief, or their tendency toward self preservation rather than trusting in the one thing that would secure their eternity.
When we speak God’s Word if people reject it, it is not us they reject but the one who gave us this Word to speak. This is the Truth that sets people free. This is the Light that shines in the darkness. Therefore the test of a servant of God is not always results, but faithfulness. If Jesus was judged only results he would have been seen as a big failure.
Jesus doesn’t call us to be successful only faithful. Where is God challenging you to share His Word in your world? Would you be willing to confess your faith to the Pharisees in your life? What is more important to you, God’s approval and the applause of the crowd?
Prayer: God open the eyes of our hearts so we can see you high and lifted up. Give me courage to confess my faith to those who you call me to share Your Word with. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The Jews Continue in Their Unbelief
37Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. 38This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: "Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?"
39For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: 40"He has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn—and I would heal them." 41Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus' glory and spoke about him.
42Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
Observation:
We see the various reactions to Jesus’ ministry. There were some who were blinded and could not see, even though Jesus’ signs of His being the Messiah were so clearly shown to them. There were others, even among the leaders who believed, but they were afraid to show their faith because they were more concerned about man’s applause than God’s smile.
As Jesus faces the last hours of his life, there are not many there beside him to provide support as He faces the hour of trial. Jesus does not take it personally. He says, “Whoever does not believe my words does not believe the one who sent me.” Jesus was faithful to transmit the message His Father gave to Him. He said I do not judge people, but my words if they are rejected are the judge of a person
Application:
Jesus’ mission was to save people with the words of eternal life. But the biggest barrier was people’s unbelief, or their tendency toward self preservation rather than trusting in the one thing that would secure their eternity.
When we speak God’s Word if people reject it, it is not us they reject but the one who gave us this Word to speak. This is the Truth that sets people free. This is the Light that shines in the darkness. Therefore the test of a servant of God is not always results, but faithfulness. If Jesus was judged only results he would have been seen as a big failure.
Jesus doesn’t call us to be successful only faithful. Where is God challenging you to share His Word in your world? Would you be willing to confess your faith to the Pharisees in your life? What is more important to you, God’s approval and the applause of the crowd?
Prayer: God open the eyes of our hearts so we can see you high and lifted up. Give me courage to confess my faith to those who you call me to share Your Word with. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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