John 12:47-50 (WEL) “If anyone hears my words but doesn’t believe, I do not judge him because I didn’t come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 “The one who rejects me and doesn’t receive my words has one judging him, namely the message, which I spoke, will judge him on the last day. 49 “For I didn’t speak from myself, but the Father, who sent me, gave me a commandment of what I should say and speak. 50 “I know that his commandment is everlasting life. So then, whatever I speak, I speak just what my Father told me.”
V47 “If anyone hears my words but doesn’t believe, I do not judge him because I didn’t come to judge the world but to save the world.
The Greek word for hears is G0191 ἀκούω akouō, which is physical hearing with comprehension. When we hear, we must respond positively. If not, we may cross God’s red line, and he will shut our ears (Matthew 13:13-14).
Jesus had 2 comings: 1) as the suffering servant, the Passover Lamb (Isaiah 53) and 2) as the conquering King (Zechariah 14). Both are for Israel but the blessings were extended to the Gentiles because of God’s mercy and compassion.
When Jesus spoke these words, His ministry was to be the suffering Messiah to redeem humans from their sins. If any person hears (with comprehension—Acts 16:14) His message, His Gospel, His invitation, then they can either reject or accept God’s offer.
V48 “The one who rejects me and doesn’t receive my words has one judging him, namely the message, which I spoke, will judge him on the last day.
One has to have a limited, libertarian free will to accept or reject genuinely. God initiates salvation (John 6:44 and John 16:8) for all people, but most reject. People reject the Gospel for three reasons: 1) Pride (“I’m a good person;” “I’m good enough;” “My religion will save me,” etc.), 2) Love of sin, and/or 3) believe lies from false teachers, religions, cults, etc.
Rejecting repeatedly will result in a withdrawn invitation, and the person is doomed to God’s wrath. God’s wrath hangs over them like a cloud ready to unleash torrents of rain. His final wrath is the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:11-5).
Jesus informs us that He is the final judge. Compare: Romans 2:16 and 2 Timothy 4:1.
The Greek word for rejects is G0114 ἀθετέω atheteō, which means set aside as in despise, reject, etc. It is a deliberate action that arises from a person’s evil sin nature. Compare Luke 10:16 (despise).
Other verses mentioning refuse, reject, etc.: Jeremiah 9:6, Jeremiah 38:21, Zechariah 7:11-13, Matthew 22:2-6, Luke 14:24, Acts 24:25, and Hebrews 12:25-26.
V49 “For I didn’t speak from myself, but the Father, who sent me, gave me a commandment of what I should say and speak.
God the Father, the father of Jesus, commissioned Jesus with a ministry including a message. Jesus delivers that message perfectly without flaw. He is still commissioned and doing the Father’s will.
Principle: When God commissions you, be faithful.
V50 “I know that his commandment is everlasting life. So then, whatever I speak, I speak just what my Father told me.”
The Father’s commandment to Jesus was to be the Passover Lamb for Israel (the Jews) first and then for the Gentiles, and is effected when one believes the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If Jesus had not come to Earth, to teach, to preach, to show us God’s ways, and reveal our evil ways, all people would be cursed, die, and go to hell.
Principle: Jesus is our example of a faithful servant, so let us be faithful servants as well.
We learn:
- Jesus was a faithful servant and messenger for the Father.
- Rejection of Him and His message results in God’s wrath.
Questions:
- Have you placed your faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation?
- If so, are you a faithful servant of Jesus every day?