Thoughts: Jesus was not trying to win an argument- seeking human glory. He knew that he could prove every point with great reasoning, and even miracles- but if they did not have the love of God in their hearts they would not have ears to hear. Jesus is God's glory made flesh. But they were not seeking God's glory, but the glory of others. Peer pressure may keep us from seeking God. But deep in our hearts we are drawn to seek the applause of heaven more than the applause of others.
Prayer: May I seek your glory and accept you more than seeking the glory of others and their acceptance.
John Calvin Abridged: Jesus was saying he did not care for the glory of the people, and it does not make him uneasy to be despised. The malignity of the whole world does not take away from who He is or His high rank. We should, by this example, at least be guarded to not be excited to anger when we are despised by others. Christ says they do not love God because no one can love God who does not admire Him or submit to His authority. So Moses tells us the summary of the law is to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength (Dt. 6:5). When He says He comes in the Father's name, He means that not only has the Father sent Him, but the Father has commissioned Him. "If someone comes in his own name"- When we do not love or obey God we open ourselves up to follow false teachers or prophets. Moses indicates that when false teachers come, it is a test to see if we love God or not (Dt. 13:3). "How can you believe?" This is a remarkable passage that indicates that the gates of heaven are shut against those who are too preoccupied with the things of this world. There is no other way for people to be prepared to receive the gospel than to withdraw from the love of the world and look to God alone. For us to seek glory from God alone, we should be overwhelmed with the shame of our sin, and flee to the undeserved mercy of God.
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