John 12:37-50 “Reasons for Unbelief”

READ: John 12:37-50

Verses chosen for meditation: John 12:42-43

⁴² Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; ⁴³ for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

REFLECT

Today’s reading is a concluding summary of Jesus’ public ministry and the people’s response. John addressed the unbelief of the Jews (John 12:37-43) and there are several reasons for this unbelief. In John 3:19-20, the Jews reject Jesus because of their unwillingness to “come to the light, lest his works should be exposed”.

Those who value truth over their own image will come to the light, even if their faults are revealed. But their lives will bring glory to God, as people will see the power of God in their works, despite their weakness. Many Jews could not do this, as they hated the light that would expose the darkness in their way of life that they wanted to cling to.

Then there is the cost of commitment in John 12:24-26. Following Jesus requires dying to their tendencies of self-centredness and worldly attractions. It is costly, but the compensation is overwhelming better, as the Father will vindicate and honour this act of sacrifice (with eternal rewards), just as He vindicated the self-sacrifice of Christ. Unfortunately, many do not have faith in this eternal reward (that they could not see) because they could not move past giving up their temporary pleasures on earth.

In today’s meditation verses, John added another reason: a preference for human praise over God’s praise. The religious leaders attacked Jesus, though their knowledge ought to lead them to the truth. In John 12:9-11, they were so stubborn in rejecting truth that they responded to Jesus’ miraculous sign of resurrecting Lazarus (clear evidence of God’s hand) by plotting to kill both the miracle worker and the resurrected man (destroying evidence). Still, among them, some do believe, but they fear expulsion from the synagogue. They wanted to maintain their prestigious image of a religious leader respected by the people for their piety and “holiness”.

We see two such examples in Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea (John 19:38–39). Fear of losing their positions and the respect of their peers prevented them from speaking boldly and honestly about their faith. Unfortunately, this secret form of belief still does not cut it as it stands in stark contrast with Jesus, who consistently abandoned all honour except that of his Father. If we want our names to belong to the Lord on judgement day, we must make a stand for the Lord’s name before a watching world (Mark 8:38). There is no such thing as a secret disciple.  

RELATE

The above reasons show that unbelief has a lot to do with what a person wants, not what a person knows. People reject God despite the evidence, not because of a lack of it. Here’s the mountain of evidence:

-        Scripture, with records that even unbelieving historians could not deny

-        Jesus’ miracles, which were for the people, to point them towards Christ.

-        Jesus’ teachings which give peace and solutions to life’s struggles

-        Observance of nature

-        Personal experiences

-        People’s verified testimonies

Despite the above, some say they need “more evidence” to believe, but they may be deceiving themselves, because what’s causing their unbelief is not lack of evidence, but sinful stubbornness. This stubbornness often is perhaps not wanting to give up a lifestyle, or preferring human praise to God’s praise (which are not as visible/tangible as human praise).

We are all at different points on this spectrum of belief. Some do not believe because they have yet to seriously survey the evidence. This means not seeing the need to study the word properly or reflect on teachings of the word. However, life is fleeting and unpredictable, hence the urgency of the gospel. To make sense quickly of what to believe is important, so we encourage those who have yet to seriously seek answers, to survey the evidence that is already there and make a decision regarding your faith.

For those who have surveyed the evidence seriously, have sufficient knowledge, but struggle to believe still, we pray that the reading today speak to us. Consider that what’s causing this unbelief is not that we need more evidence, but a matter of our preferences in life, and our willingness to relinquish them to pursue truth.

For those whose belief is unwavering, may you then help others with their unbelief, be it gently pointing them to the evidence, or helping those knowledgeable process the root causes behind their unbelief.

REST

Speak O Lord - Keith & Kristyn Getty:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH1Wn4fTiBs

Chris Chong