John 11:45-46 (WEL) Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed in him. 46 But some of them went back to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.
V45 Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed in him.
How strong was their faith? Was this only a faith because of a miracle or because they believed the Scriptures and placed their faith and commitment to Jesus Christ?
Jesus is not only the Light but He is Life itself. Only God can create life, or resuscitate it as here (Genesis 1:20-27, John 1:4, John 11:25, John 14:6, and 1 John 1:2).
Faith, if real, will still exist when tested by troubles, difficulties, persecution, sickness. See Mark 4:16-20.
There are two types: those who freely believe the Gospel, and those who do not.
Those who do humble themselves after God initiates salvation and call on the name of the Lord, believing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Those who reject understand just as those who humble themselves, but they refuse due to pride (I’m a good person), love of sin, and/or believe lies from liars.
V46 But some of them went back to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.
Those who refused to believe went to the Jewish leaders to tell them what had happened, which, of course, would inflame their anger and desire to kill Jesus. Their principle in life is “it is better to kill the problem, then do justice.”
Principle: Judge by God’s rules, not my opinions, feelings, tradition, etc.
We learn:
- Miracles do not necessarily cause someone to humble themselves and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Some refuse to believe, and then cause trouble for the truth teller.
Questions:
- Do you look for miracles to make people believe?
- Would you have been a believer or one who refused and reported it to Jesus’s enemies?