THE LAST WEEK OF JESUS' PUBLIC MINISTRY AND HIS CRUCIFIXION

-John’s Summaries of Jesus’ Public Work

-John 12:37-50

-In the remainder of John 12, two summaries are provided.  The first, verses 37-43, is a

 summary provided in John’s words.  The other, verses 44-50, is a summary from Jesus’

 words.

-vs 37-43 - John’s summary

            -In spite of all the miraculous works of Jesus, the people still refused to believe in Him.

             Isn’t it sad and tragic that this could be the first summary statement provided by John?

            -Such was a fulfillment of the words of Isaiah (Isa 6:9-10, Isa 53:1).  Due to the hardness

             of the people’s hearts, they rejected the Messiah who worked and taught in their midst.

            -“The reason why they could not believe was not that God had decreed their unbelief

             and destroyed their free agency, but that, in the exercise of their free agency, they had

             made themselves, by the operation of God’s moral laws, incapable of belief.  Then, too,

             the same means that God uses, the gospel of Christ, to save the world, will soften the

             heart of one and lead him to heaven and at the same time harden the heart of another and

             cause him to be banished away from God at the last day.  The gospel will either lift a man

             to heaven or else send him to hell.  It all depends upon whether one opens his heart and

             cooperates with God as to which place he goes” (Boles, John, pg 199).

            -However, there were some of the chief rulers who did believe in Jesus.  However, due

             to their desire for the praise of men and their fear of being put out of the synagogue, they

             wouldn’t confess their faith.  This verse (vs 42)  clearly indicates that “faith only” does not

             result in salvation.  Biblical faith is active and obedient.

-vs 44-50 - Jesus’ summary

            -“These words were of course spoken before the departure mentioned in verse 36.  They

             are placed here to bring out in stronger light the final unbelief of the Jews and the patient,

             persistent effort which Jesus had made to win those who were the better inclined”

             (McGarvey/Pendleton, pg 618).

            -In these words we see that Jesus provides the avenue through which we can have a

             relationship with our Heavenly Father.  He is the light of the world.  We must realize

             the true identity of Jesus and depart from the darkness of sin to walk in the light.  (vs 44-46)

            -Jesus’ initial role was that of Savior.  However, He will return in the role of Judge.  When

             we all appear before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:10), the word will serve as the

             basis of our judgment.  (vs 47-48)

            -Jesus submitted and conformed to the will of the Father.  Such is the responsibility that

             lies before us.  We must not be governed by self-will but by the will of God.  (vs 49-50)