John 12:20-43 (KJV)
20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.
23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.
34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
Despite evidence to substantiate the claims of Jesus, such as the testimony of the Father through signs and through the Scripture, John records that many did NOT believe in Jesus. But even with the fullness of evidence provided in the gospel of John, many still did not believe in Jesus in those days. Many do not believe in Jesus today.
A Lack of Spiritual Perception
Their focus was on material things. They were impressed by His feeding of the five thousand. They wanted to make Him their king and they saw in Him someone who could meet their material needs. But His discourse on the Bread of Life caused many to leave for He told them to work for the food which endures to everlasting life. (John 6:27)
Many still lack spiritual perception today. They want the church to provide for their physical needs. They want the church to entertain them or their children.
A Moral Fearfulness
They were afraid of what others might think. (John 7:13) Today, many fear what others might think as well – afraid that their peers at school might ridicule them; afraid that their coworkers might shun them; and afraid of persecution for being politically incorrect or religiously intolerant.
Yet Jesus taught His disciples whom they should fear. (Matthew 10:28)
A Misplaced Love
Their love was for the wrong things. They did not have a love for God. (Joh n 5:42-43) Instead, their love was in such things as of darkness (evil), which they did not want to give up.
Many have a misplaced love today:
- A love for family, popularity among friends
- A love for wealth, hobbies
- A love for immoral lifestyles which they do want to give up
Yet Jesus taught His disciples whom they should love and serve. (Matthew 22:37)
The Hardened and Unfair Heart
Many were blinded by prejudice. They were so hardened by their prejudices; they were willing to kill Jesus despite His signs. (John 11: 46-47,53)
Many are hardened by their prejudice today.
- Their prejudice for their traditions, creeds, denominations, etc.
- Their prejudice for their beliefs (e.g., evolution, humanism) which justify their lifestyles
Making them unwilling to study the Bible, to see whether their cherished beliefs are true. (Matthew 13:15)
Intellectual Pride
Some were afraid of being thought foolish. (John 7:45-48) Many are hindered by intellectual pride today. (1 Corinthians 1:18-21)
Ignorance
Some rejected Christ, because of ignorance. (John 7:40-43) Many reject Christ out of ignorance today. (Acts 17:11) These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Remember what He offers you:
- Fellowship with God (“No one comes to the Father except through Me.”)
- Salvation from sin (“If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”)
- Guidance throughout life (“He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness.”)
- Spiritual sustenance (“He who comes to Me shall never hunger, an He who believes in Me shall never thirst.”)
- The abundant life (“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”)
- Immortality (“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”)