Magnify Jesus: #186 Most of the People Do Not Believe in Jesus (John 12:37-43) - Life of Christ = Week 38

Most of the People Do Not Believe in Jesus
John 12:37-43

Intro Questions

Isaiah’s Prophecies Fulfilled

37Even though He had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in Him. 38But this was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet, who said: “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

39This is why they were unable to believe, because Isaiah also said: 40“He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they would not see with their eyes or understand with their hearts, and be converted, and I would heal them.” 41Isaiah said these things because he saw His glory and spoke about Him.

42Nevertheless, many did believe in Him even among the rulers, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, so they would not be banned from the synagogue. 43For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

Text Graphic

God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

OPEN:

Are you more like the salesman who could sell an icebox to an Eskimo, or more like the Eskimo who buys one?

DIG:

What are some of the miraculous signs Jesus has done in this Gospel? How do the prophecies from Isaiah 53:1 and 6:10 account for the people's disbelief despite these signs?
What is the author implying about Jesus in John 12:41 (see John 8:58)?
What inhibits the leaders from speaking? How does this illustrate John 12:25-26?

REFLECT:

Where do you find it most difficult to live your faith: At home or work? Why?
If you had to sacrifice social status or certain relationships to follow Jesus, what would you get in return?
How do you let people know where you stand with God?

"Step into Jesus"

“He went in and said to them, ‘Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.’ But they laughed at Him . . . He took her by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha koum!’ (which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, get up!’). Immediately, the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this, they were completely astonished.” (Mark 5:39-42)

A ruler came to Jesus asking Him to heal his child. While asking, the ruler was informed that his child had died. Instead of praying for, encouraging, and consoling him, Jesus told him not to be afraid, but to believe!

Jesus went to the child, where some people were mourning and crying over the child’s death. When Jesus proclaimed that the child was not dead, they laughed at Him.

One of my greatest struggles is to receive a leading from God and then to step out in faith on that leading. The thought of proclaiming the Word and acting on it brings the fear of what others will say if it does not happen. John 12:42-43 says, “Yet 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; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.”

Jesus must have known this fear because He immediately told the ruler not to be afraid, but to believe. The encouragement not to fear was not for his child’s death, but for his faith to believe that God was in control.

How often do you receive a Word from the Lord or feel His leading, but do not act out of fear of what others might think? To do nothing would be the equivalent of what those mourning for the girl did – laugh at the thought that God could change the natural order of this world.

The next time God leads you to step out in faith, do it! To do otherwise would be to laugh at God and His desire to act in your life.

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”