3/29/11 John 12:37-43 If Seeing is Believing...

37 Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”
39 For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn—and I would heal them.”
41 Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him. 42 Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved human praise more than praise from God.

(Carl Henry Bloch - Christ healing)

Thoughts: One would think that miracles would lead to belief, but they do not .  If God answered every prayer we prayed in the way we might want, some still would not believe.  Faith is not sight.  All the arguments, evidence, and power shown does not automatically lead to belief.  The opposition to Jesus was strong, and the believers were weak.  IN the midst of the worst disasters the hand of God is at work.  Many refuse to look, because they are blinded by their sorrow or the tragedy. 

Prayer: My eyes have been blind to your hand working.  Open them, O Lord, that I might see and believe.


John Calvin Abridged: The evangelist explains why Jesus was so disappointed with his own people's rejection.  There were numerous undoubted testimonies that proved that credit was due Him.  We see that it was not Christ's fault that they doubted Him.  Many may wonder how the visible power of God had such little effect upon them.  John tells us that they were blind showing us that faith is an exraordinary gift [like opening the eyes of the blind].  It was an ancient prediction that few would believe the Gospel when it came.