Public Ending

John’s Gospel is different than the other 3 gospels... He was interested in theological presentation - not a historical timeline.

Chapter 1 - Beginning / Prologue / Introduction

Chapters 2-5 - shares the beginnings of Jesus ministry

Chapters 6-10 - re-shares Jesus ministry but with deeper themes of Jesus’ authority and relationship to God. Opposition and conflict increases in these chapters.

Chapters 11 and 12 - approach to Jesus hour - raising of Lazarus from the dead, decision to kill Jesus, anointing of Jesus for burial, Palm Sunday entry into Jerusalem.

Last week’s scripture - Jesus talked about his upcoming death - in the last verse last week: “After Jesus said this, he departed and hid from them.”

The end of his public ministry has arrived. The rest of the gospel after today begins Thursday evening before Good Friday and gives us insight to Jesus’ private interactions with his disciples; the ruling Jewish leaders; before Rome’s local official, Pilate; his crucifixion and burial; and Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb.

The New Interpreter's Bible Commentary Reflection for today’s scripture reading.

Suggests to think of this public ending using the analogy of the theater: We had an introduction, have seen three acts, and now the epilogue... John - “playwright” - wraps up what we’ve seen Empty and dark stage - Jesus speaks from the wings Audience left in the darkness - thinking about this offer of salvation.

Please stand as we honor the reading of God’s Word:

John 12:37–50 NIV

37 Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39 For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn—and I would heal them.” 41 Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him. 42 Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved human praise more than praise from God. 44 Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 45 The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. 47 “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. 49 For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. 50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”

THE WORD OF GOD, FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD

Tragedy of Unbelief

Years ago in New Yorker magazine - account of a Long Island resident and his barometer purchase - pointed to hurricane - must be broke - mailed it back on his way to NYC office. When he came home - the barometer was gone and so was his house. The barometer was working after all!

Adapted from Bits and Pieces, quoted in Llloyd Cory, Quote Unquote - Swindoll’s Ultimate Book of Illustrations and Quotes

The September 1938 hurricane, also known as the Long Island Express or the Great New England Hurricane, was one of the most deadly and destructive hurricanes to ever hit the Northeast. It formed near the coast of Africa on September 9, 1938, and reached Category 5 intensity near the Bahamas on September 19. It then rapidly moved northward, parallel to the East Coast, and made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on Long Island on September 21. The hurricane was notable for its lack of warning, as the Weather Bureau was unaware of its existence until September 16, and did not issue any hurricane warnings until the day of landfall ¹.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 2/24/2024

(1) 1938 New England hurricane - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1938_New_England_hurricane.

(vv. 37-43) Jews fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah by refusing to believe in Jesus, even though He had done so many miracles before them. God hardened hearts because of their persistent rejection.

High cost of unbelief - a human choice against what is offered by God: the light, the glory, and the grace of God.

Too many people - look at their spiritual barometer and think it is broken when it points to the fact that they are lost without Jesus. Tragedy is about to strike in their unbelief.

Many people today still resist the gospel and choose the praise of men over the praise of God.

Urgency of Belief

(vv. 44-46)

Jesus makes one final appeal to believe in Him.

He declares His unity with the Father and His mission to bring light to the world.

Jesus is the only way to God, the only source of truth, the only hope of salvation.

There is an urgency of belief: it is a matter of life and death

There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.

Many people today still need to hear and respond to the gospel.

We have a responsibility to share it with them.

Authority of His Word

(vv. 47-50). Jesus affirms the authority and reliability of His Word.

He says that whoever rejects His Word will be judged by it on the last day.

Jesus does not speak on His own authority, but on the authority of the Father who sent Him.

The authority of the Word: is the final standard of truth, the ultimate guide for life, the supreme witness of Christ.

Many people today still neglect or distort the Word.

We have a duty to study, obey, and proclaim it.

John 1:17 NIV

17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Grace - verse 47b - “I did not come to judge the world but to save it.” (see John chapter 3 verse 17)

Truth - verse 48a - “There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words.”

Accept and be saved; reject and be judged.

Conclusion:

This public ministry ending reveals the tragedy, the urgency, and the authority of belief in Jesus.

May you examine your own hearts, believe in Jesus, and follow Him faithfully.