John 12: 37-50

When churches offer Easter cantatas there are always some in the congregation with bored expressions of their faces, or perhaps taking a nap. The pageantry, the music that thrills the hearts of the faithful seems lost on them. We wonder how people can be so unmoved by the experience. Similar happenings occur at Easter Sunday worship services. The congregation sings ‘Christ the Lord has risen today’ and the faithful feel tears rolling down their cheeks. Others mumble the words. While many open their hearts to drink in the majesty and mystery of the celebration, still others respond with ‘ho hum.’

Such is human nature. In today’s passage John is remembering the six signs pointing to Jesus as the Messiah; water to wine; the official’s child; the man by the pool; food in the desert; the man born blind; and Lazarus rose from the dead. Many believed. Many did not. Some believed, but wanted to keep it a secret. How do you explain the differences? John suggests that some people had help to not believe. Could it be that God closed their hearts and minds so they could not believe? I don’t think that’s what John is saying. His reference to God closing hearts and minds is figurative, not literal. He used this expression to emphasize how remarkable were Jesus’ miracles and how much more remarkable it was that some still did not believe.

Jesus’ remarks in this passage help us understand the connection between faith, that is our believing, and Jesus’ signs. Last night when I went to bed, I did so believing the sun would rise this morning. It did. But, not because I believed it would, but because that is the nature of the sun. It rises and sets each day. My believing opens the possibility for me benefiting from the warmth and light the sun will bring.

The Prophet Jeremiah writes, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) My believing this passage does not make it real. God’s mercies are new every morning whether I believe it, or not. My believing opens the opportunities for me to experience God’s mercy, anew every day.

Many people did not believe Jesus was the Messiah and that he was birthing God’s New Creation. Nevertheless, Jesus was the Messiah and he continued with His mission to bring God’s New Creation. Those that choose to believe benefited greatly. They still do.

What word or phrase in these verses

attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

Reading for 28-Mar-12      John 13:1-20