John 12:37-41 (WEL) Even though he had done so many miracles in their presence, they still wouldn’t believe in him. 38 So that Isaiah’s statement might be fulfilled, which he spoke, “Lord, who has believed our message, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” [Isaiah 53:1] 39 That is why they were not able to believe because Isaiah again said, 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts so that they could not see with the eyes or understand with the heart and return to me, and I would heal them.” [Isaiah 6:10] 41 These things Isaiah said when he saw his glory and spoke about him.
V37 Even though he had done so many miracles in their presence, they still wouldn’t believe in him.
These Jews did not believe the words, the deeds, the life, the miracles, the prophets, Moses, God the Father speaking from heaven, or anyone’s testimony. They simply rejected even though they knew and could believe. This was their choice which leads to eternal destruction (not annihilation).
Their hearts are willfully hardened (Proverbs 28:14) which if happens enough times leads to God’s punishment. This, in essence, is lex telionis, “You want a hardened heart, good, then your punishment will be I will harden your heart.” Compare the Exodus pharaoh—Exodus 8:15, Exodus 8:32, and Exodus 9:7 with Exodus 10:1, Exodus 14:4, and Exodus 14:17.
People refuse to believe for 3 main reasons: 1) Pride (“I’m a good person,” or “I’m good enough” or “I have done enough good works to outweigh my bad.”), 2) Love of sin and refusing to stop loving it, or 3) believing lies as believing their religion, their teacher, their false Bible interpretation, etc.
Principle: Have an attitude to follow truth, especially the truth of the Bible, and believe the words of the Holy Spirit (the words of the Bible).
V38 So that Isaiah’s statement might be fulfilled, which he spoke, “Lord, who has believed our message, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” [Isaiah 53:1]
This rejection was foretold in Isaiah 53:1. This rejection has been common from Cain the son of Adam and Eve to this present day.
The “arm of the Lord revealed” refers to God’s revelation of truth via words and deeds. (Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary) “…exercised in miracles and in saving men (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:18). The prophet, as if present during Messiah’s ministry on earth, is deeply moved to see how few believed on Him (Isaiah 49:4; Mark 6:6; 9:19; Acts 1:15). Two reasons are given why all ought to have believed: (1) The “report” of the “ancient prophets.” (2) “The arm of Jehovah” exhibited in Messiah while on earth.”
V39 That is why they were not able to believe because Isaiah again said,
This verse indicates that these people are being punished. They have rejected so much and so long, that God hardened them so they could not and would not believe. Compare Acts 7:51.
We guard our hearts by 1) having an attitude of “I will believe God’s word,” 2) giving thought to our words or actions when the Holy Spirit prompts us when we remember an applicable Bible verse, 3) praying for wisdom, and 4) being encouraged and encouraging other believers.
V40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts so that they could not see with the eyes or understand with the heart and return to me, and I would heal them.” [Isaiah 6:10].
Hardening the heart refers to an attitude; blinding the eyes refers to deliberately looking away, not considering, not paying attention to the words of Scripture. Again, this is a punishment after rejecting repeatedly.
God’s goal and wish is for people to repent (change their mind) and believe as Jonah’s mission showed (Jonah 3:6-10).
V41 These things Isaiah said when he saw his glory and spoke about him.
Isaiah’s message from God was ignored by most people of Israel.
Isaiah’s response to the revelation of God’s glory is godly fear and asking for mercy (Isaiah 6:4-7).
We learn:
- Not to harden our hearts.
- God does punish.
- Follow truth.
Questions:
- Have you checked your attitude lately?
- Is it dedicated to God’s truth?
- Is it your goal to follow, believe, and obey God to the end of your earthly life?