John 12:37-50

 John 12:37-50

This ends the first half of the Book of John. The rest of the book will be Jesus's passion as the sacrifice and His resurrection. It is interesting that the first half or the public Ministry of Jesus ends with what seems to be a pessimistic note. The moment of the light has passed, the signs have been performed but there is still a lack of faith on the part of the Jewish leaders. Without violating their free will God has done all that can be done and yet the leaders continue in their unbelief.

Jesus points out two kinds of rejection. First are those who have blind eyes and hard hearts. These leaders have the unbelief that is mentioned earlier in John. They suffer not from doubts or questions about who Jesus is, but rather a rejection that stems from the heart. This has more to do with hostility to the Lord than with a lack of information. These people will receive from God not Grace but a further hardening of their heart.  There is a second rejection mentioned by Jesus.  These are those who loved the approval of men more than the approval of God. They have weighed the cost of being a disciple and have that cost too high.  They are lingering at the crossroads of decision. For these that cost was expressed in being put out of the synagogue. They may yet commit themselves to follow Jesus but they do not perceive it as worth it yet.  

What is the cost of following Christ that is highest in our lives? Sometimes it is power, pleasure, un-forgiveness or the approval of men. The list is endless. What trinket do we hold that keeps us from grasping heaven?

“Lord, let me hold all that this world offers as trash compared to the wonder of knowing You. AMEN”