John does a great job of capturing the crowd’s response, showing their lack of belief. Even the disciples didn’t understand everything completely, and it wasn’t until later that they connected what they had lived through as fulfillment of prophecy. Isn’t it amazing that even though “most” of the people didn’t believe, including religious leaders, we are still talking about Jesus all these years later?
When we read about the prophecies of Isaiah, it makes perfect sense why some couldn’t see Jesus. It was supposed to be that way. Yet Jesus spoke truth to those who would listen. Plenty of people were open and receptive to Jesus’ message. They would be the ones to carry Jesus’ message to us.
It’s amazing that Greeks were asking about Jesus. Why is that significant? We don’t know much from this text about who these particular Greeks were, but Greeks were generally not Jews, and the fact that they were curious shows us that news of Jesus was spreading beyond the Jews. These Gentiles were seeking the truth that Jesus was preaching.
It would have been hard to come to terms with accepting Jesus as Messiah when he was speaking of his death. The Messiah was supposed to live forever, not die. How could the people reconcile Jesus’ discussion identifying himself as the Son of Man being put to death? I’m sure Jesus’ example about burying the wheat would have totally gone over their heads.
What stood out to you from these scenes? Jesus was trying to get his message across. After all, his mission was to save the world. We see Jesus’ humanity as he tries everything to help them understand. Jesus even admits to his agony over the situation, but resolves it by praying, “Father, bring glory to your name.” We can learn something from his response.
John also describes how Jesus slips away at just the right time to avoid confrontation. We’re not told where Jesus goes or how he suddenly becomes invisible or unavailable. It’s one of those cool mysteries of the Bible and how God intervenes to impose his will.
Jesus’ message has not changed. He continues to talk about the darkness and how he is the light, revealing the dark places. Jesus reminded them that he was speaking on the authority of God the Father who had sent him. These words of Jesus are key: “I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken.” How do you respond to Jesus? Do you believe him?
Let’s pray. Lord, you are so good. Thank you for never giving up and continuing to speak the truth despite the opposition. Give me that kind of boldness to speak your truth. I pray for those people who reject you. My prayer for them is that they will encounter you and turn to you, trusting in your loving salvation. Empower me this day to accomplish your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
