Prophesied

By Ed Pilapil Jr.

John 12:37-43 • May 26, 2024 • English Service 10:00 AM

Sermon Introduction

Christ's claims have resulted in two things: some believing and some not believing. Jesus explained that it is the Father who draws people to Him (John 6:44). The opposite is also true; those who do not believe or will not believe do not belong to Him. John, the writer, would explain that believing and unbelief are acts of God’s sovereign will, not human will.

Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

John 12:37-43

37 Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him, 38 so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Lord, who has believed what he heard from us, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39 Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said, 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them”. 41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him. 42 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

Notes

Prophesied Unbelief
The narrator once again emphasized the fulfillment of prophecy by quoting Isaiah (Isa. 53:1; 6:10). The Lord Jesus performed many signs, yet many did not believe. But it is clear that their unbelief was due to the Lord’s sovereign act.

37 Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him, 38 so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
“Lord, who has believed what he heard from us,
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

39 Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said,
40 “He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their heart,
lest they see with their eyes,
and understand with their heart, and turn,
and I would heal them” (John 12:37-40).
Application: Let us trust in God's profound wisdom. Some people will believe and see, yet others will remain spiritually blind. And such is due to His sovereign act. What are His reasons? No man can know His mind other than what is revealed in Scripture.
Glory in Concealing
What did Isaiah the prophet foresee? He saw the glory of the Messiah. The text reveals that the glory of the Messiah includes concealing matters for His purpose. In this situation, the build-up to the crucifixion was His purpose.
41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him (John 12:41)
Application: Remember that His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His ways are higher than our ways (Isa 55:8-9). Let us humble ourselves before God, knowing that He is all-knowing, and we are limited. Yet, we must remain grateful for what He reveals to us through His Word and Spirit.
Approval of Men
John, the writer, pointed out that many believed, including some from the Jewish authorities. Yet they did not admit to it publicly because of the pressure from the Pharisees. According to John, they loved men's approval more than God’s.

42 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God (John 12:42-43).
Application: We must seek the favor of God rather than men, even if the consequence might affect us adversely. We must avoid leaning into men. How do we seek the favor of God? Through faith in His Word, and that faith should produce obedience.

Reflection & Discussion

What did Isaiah prophesy?
Based on the text, why did some of the listeners not believe?
Why did some Jews prefer not to make their belief public?