John 12:36b-50
Introduction
John 12:36b-50: Even though Jesus had performed miracles in the presence of the people, there were those who did not believe in him. The reading concludes with a summary of Jesus’s teachings and affirms that Jesus came to offer believers eternal life.
Scripture Reading
37Even though he had performed all these miracles in their presence, they did not believe in him, 38 so that what the prophet Isaiah had said might come true:
“Lord, who believed the message we told?
To whom did the Lord reveal his power?”
39And so they were not able to believe, because Isaiah also said,
40 “God has blinded their eyes
and closed their minds,
so that their eyes would not see,
and their minds would not understand,
and they would not turn to me, says God,
for me to heal them.”
41Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him.
42Even then, many Jewish authorities believed in Jesus; but because of the Pharisees they did not talk about it openly, so as not to be expelled from the synagogue. 43They loved human approval rather than the approval of God.
Judgment by Jesus’ Words
44Jesus said in a loud voice, “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in him who sent me. 45Whoever sees me sees also him who sent me. 46I have come into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness. 47If people hear my message and do not obey it, I will not judge them. I came, not to judge the world, but to save it. 48Those who reject me and do not accept my message have one who will judge them. The words I have spoken will be their judge on the last day! 49This is true, because I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has commanded me what I must say and speak. 50And I know that his command brings eternal life. What I say, then, is what the Father has told me to say.”
Today’s Key Verse: John 12:44
Jesus said in a loud voice, “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in him who sent me.”
Reflect
According to verse 42, many Jewish authorities believed in Jesus but did not confess it openly. What was their reason? Reread verses 44-50. How does believing in Jesus impact your life?
Pray
Lord Jesus, I believe in you and the eternal life you offer. You are the true light that has come into the world. I seek to follow you. Thank you for calling me out of darkness into your light. Amen.
And now, join us in celebrating the first Vili New Testament in Congo: Sovereign God, we rejoice with the Vili people for the arrival of the first Vili New Testament last year, after 15 years of translation efforts. For thousands of Vili speakers, this is the first time they can read the Bible in their heart language, and this new translation will help to strengthen their faith as well as increase literacy. We pray for the ongoing work to complete a Vili translation of the Old Testament by 2029. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
John 18:1-18: Jesus is arrested.