32. John 12:37-50 The Unbelief of the People

April 2nd, 2025
by Jongseung Park
2
 

1. SCRIPTURE 

37 Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him, 
38 so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
“Lord, who has believed what he heard from us, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39 Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said, 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them.” 41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him.

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.

44 And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me.

46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.

 47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.

49 For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.”

2. OBSERVATIONS : 

What does this passage reveal about God?
  • Jesus came as the Light to lead people out of spiritual darkness (v. 46).
  • Jesus does not come to condemn but to save (v. 47). However, rejection of His words leads to judgment (v. 48).

What does this passage reveal about human nature?

  • Even when people witness clear signs and miracles, they can still choose unbelief (v. 37).

  • Our hearts can become hardened when we repeatedly ignore or resist God (v 40).

  • People naturally seek approval from others more than from God (v. 43).


What did this passage mean to its original audience?
  • John 12:40 : Does God make people blind on purpose?  
    - This verse does not mean that God intentionally blinds or hardens people against their will. Instead, it reveals a spiritual principle: when people persistently reject the truth, their hearts grow more resistant, and their ability to perceive God’s truth diminishes.
    God desires people to turn to Him and be healed. However, when they repeatedly reject Him, their spiritual blindness and hardness become the natural consequence of their own choices.

    - Exodus 7-10: Pharaoh initially hardened his own heart against God, but over time, his heart became so stubborn that he could no longer respond to God’s warnings.
    - Romans 1:21-28: When people refuse to acknowledge God, He "gives them over" to their sinful desires, meaning He allows them to follow the path they have chosen.

    Many people saw Jesus’ miracles but still refused to believe in Him. Even though God’s truth was clearly revealed through Jesus, their repeated rejection led to deeper spiritual blindness. Over time, their hearts became closed to the truth. God didn’t make them blind against their will; they kept rejecting Him until they couldn’t see the truth anymore. 

3. APPLICATION: 

What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions? 

This passage challenges me to reflect on my own heart. Am I truly open to God’s truth, or do I sometimes resist what He is showing me? It’s a reminder that ignoring God’s voice can slowly harden my heart over time. Instead of waiting for more "proof" or signs, I want to trust in Jesus and respond to His words with faith. I will be more aware of the condition of my heart, making sure I am not resisting God's truth. 

4. PRAYER: 

Dear Jesus, thank You for being the light that leads me to truth. Help me not to seek approval from others but to trust in You alone. When I face doubts or fear, remind me of Your words and promises. Give me the courage to live out my faith boldly, even when it’s difficult. May my heart remain open to You, and may my life reflect Your truth and love.

In Your name, Amen.
Posted in The Gospel of John Part 2 (21-40)

Jongseung Park

2 Comments


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Anita Norris - April 3rd, 2025 at 7:13pm

Thank you so much for going deeper into 12:40. I use the ESV Study Bible and was still confused!

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Jongseung Park - April 6th, 2025 at 8:56pm

I’m happy that it was helpful! I really admire your passion for wanting to understand God's Word more deeply. I actually covered this topic in Romans a while back. Please take a look at the SOAP article I shared below.

n

n - https://www.calvarywyncote.com/blog/2024/09/16/4-romans-1-24-32-human-sin-and-degradation

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Archive

 2025
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Book of Matthew
Book of Romans
Pastoral Encouragement
The Gospel of John
The Gospel of John Part 2 (21-40)
The Gospel of John Part 3 (41-50)

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