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In this lesson:
This is Jesus' last public appearance before being nailed to the cross. He spends His final days with His disciples. Unbelievers (12:37-41). Also: A confession of faith, a seven-verse summary of Jesus' entire message (12:44-50). Study Tip: The Bible can be a complex book, so it helps to study more than one translation. As you read each lesson, scroll back and forth between the "King James Bible" and the "New Living Translation" below. Also, check the margin notes in blue and click on the links. |
The Prophet Isaiah (Esaias).
From a Bible card published by the Providence Lithograph Company circa 1904. |
Who was -
Esaias -
The Greek name for Isaiah. Isaiah (meaning Jehovah is salvation) was an Old Testament prophet who died in 681 BC. Considered by many as the greatest Jewish prophet, Isaiah wrote "The Book of the Prophet Isaiah," which spoke out against hypocrisy (Isaiah 29:13) and idol worship ((Isaiah 2:6-9). In response to Isaiah's warnings, people prayed and made insincere religious sacrifices (Isaiah 1:10-17; 29:13) but refused to actually repent. Isaiah warned that God would punish Jews for their disobedience (Isaiah 3:1-26). Sure enough, Babylon destroyed Israel and carried its citizens away as slaves. Isaiah also prophesized that King Cyrus of Persia would allow the abducted Jewish people to return to Jerusalem 80 years before they were taken captive and over 100 years before Cyrus was even born. He also predicted that Cyrus would allow the rebuilding of the Temple before it had been destroyed. He prophesied the fall of Babylon 100 years before it rose and the coming of the Messiah (Isaiah 7:14) 700 years before Christ's birth. The Bible does not tell us how or when Isaiah died. However, Jewish history reports that King Manasseh of Judah condemned Isaiah to death. Allegedly, he was found hiding in a hollow cedar tree and sawed in half with the tree. Perhaps Hebrews 11:37 is referring to Isaiah. Isaiah is quoted over fifty times in the New Testament.
Esaias -
The Greek name for Isaiah. Isaiah (meaning Jehovah is salvation) was an Old Testament prophet who died in 681 BC. Considered by many as the greatest Jewish prophet, Isaiah wrote "The Book of the Prophet Isaiah," which spoke out against hypocrisy (Isaiah 29:13) and idol worship ((Isaiah 2:6-9). In response to Isaiah's warnings, people prayed and made insincere religious sacrifices (Isaiah 1:10-17; 29:13) but refused to actually repent. Isaiah warned that God would punish Jews for their disobedience (Isaiah 3:1-26). Sure enough, Babylon destroyed Israel and carried its citizens away as slaves. Isaiah also prophesized that King Cyrus of Persia would allow the abducted Jewish people to return to Jerusalem 80 years before they were taken captive and over 100 years before Cyrus was even born. He also predicted that Cyrus would allow the rebuilding of the Temple before it had been destroyed. He prophesied the fall of Babylon 100 years before it rose and the coming of the Messiah (Isaiah 7:14) 700 years before Christ's birth. The Bible does not tell us how or when Isaiah died. However, Jewish history reports that King Manasseh of Judah condemned Isaiah to death. Allegedly, he was found hiding in a hollow cedar tree and sawed in half with the tree. Perhaps Hebrews 11:37 is referring to Isaiah. Isaiah is quoted over fifty times in the New Testament.
The Gospel According to St. John
The King James Bible
The King James Bible
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John 12:37-50
Jewish disbelief 37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: 38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? 39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. 41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. 42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. 44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. 45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. 46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. 47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. |
Margin notes:
"Lord, who hath believed our report? (12:38) - Means, "Lord, who has believed our words." Quoted from the prophecy in Isaiah 53:1-3. See also Romans 10:16. "They could not believe." (12:39) - "Faith is a gift of God which often cannot be received because of an obstacle which man puts in the way. The obstacle here is their obstinacy." ("The New Testament" translated from the Latin Vulgate, published by Guild Press, New York, New York; page 197) "Because that Esaias said again." (12:39) - "For as Isaiah also said." Read verse 12:40 to learn what Isaiah said. "He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them." (12:40) - As prophesized by Isaiah in Isaiah 6:10. See also Today's Question below. "When he saw his glory." (12:41) - God allowed Isaiah to see Jesus' "glory" a full seven hundred years before the Messiah was born (Isaiah 6:1-5). "Among the chief rulers also many believed on him." (12:42) - We know the names of two of the "chief rulers" who believed in Jesus. They were Nicodemus (John 3:1-21) and Joseph of Arimathea (Mark 15:43-46). "Did not confess him." (12:42) - "Did not admit their faith." "Jesus cried and said." (12:44) - "Jesus called out saying." "He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me." (12:44) - Jesus is reinforcing this message from Mark 9:37 and Luke 9:48. "I am come a light into the world." (12:46) - Jesus is re-emphasizing this vital message from John 1:9; 8:12, 9:5, and 12:35-36. "Whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness." (12:46) - Means, "Whoever believes in me will not live in darkness." Jesus is saying; it is our faith that saves us. "I came not to judge the world." (12:47) - Not yet, Jesus' first earthly mission was to show the way to eternal salvation (John 3:17). His second mission (at the Second Coming) will be to judge mankind. "As the Father said unto me, so I speak." (12:50) - "So whatever I say is what God the Father told me to say." |
New Living Translation
John 12:37-50
The Unbelief of the People
37 But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him.
38 This is exactly what Isaiah the prophet had predicted:
"Lord, who has believed our message?
To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?"
39 But the people couldn't believe, for as Isaiah also said,
40 "The Lord has blinded their eyes
and hardened their hearts-
so that their eyes cannot see,
and their hearts cannot understand,
and they cannot turn to me
and have me heal them."
41 Isaiah was referring to Jesus when he said this, because he saw the future and spoke of the Messiah's glory.
42 Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn't admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue.
43 For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.
44 Jesus shouted to the crowds, "If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me.
45 For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me.
46 I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.
47 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.
48 But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken.
49 I don't speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it.
50 And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say."
The "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not a word-for-word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."
The Unbelief of the People
37 But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him.
38 This is exactly what Isaiah the prophet had predicted:
"Lord, who has believed our message?
To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?"
39 But the people couldn't believe, for as Isaiah also said,
40 "The Lord has blinded their eyes
and hardened their hearts-
so that their eyes cannot see,
and their hearts cannot understand,
and they cannot turn to me
and have me heal them."
41 Isaiah was referring to Jesus when he said this, because he saw the future and spoke of the Messiah's glory.
42 Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn't admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue.
43 For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.
44 Jesus shouted to the crowds, "If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me.
45 For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me.
46 I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.
47 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.
48 But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken.
49 I don't speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it.
50 And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say."
The "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not a word-for-word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."
Key verses from this passage
"But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him." (12:37)
"Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." (12:42-43)
"I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness." (12:46)
"Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." (12:42-43)
"I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness." (12:46)
Today's Question:
1. Why did so few Jews believe that Jesus was the Messiah? (12:37)
Do you know anyone interested in Bible lessons? Tell them about us.
1. Why did so few Jews believe that Jesus was the Messiah? (12:37)
Do you know anyone interested in Bible lessons? Tell them about us.
Answer: (Do you agree?)
1. Few Jews believed that Jesus was the Messiah because...
A) They didn't take the time to learn the Old Testament prophecies that predicted the Messiah's birth, life, and death (12:38). Of those that did, many didn't believe the predictions.
B) Even after hearing eyewitness accounts and seeing some of Jesus' miracles for themselves, they still refused to accept the evidence presented to them (12:37). Even the hard-headed Pharisees believed Jesus performed miracles (11:47), yet most refused to follow Him.
C) God had hardened their hearts (12:39-40). As we see in Exodus 9:12, Isaiah 6:9-10, Matthew 13:14, Romans 1:28, and 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, God can blind the strident unbeliever from the truth. Not because He doesn't want them to believe, but because they spend their lifetimes defying Him and His holy message. Until they want to see, God lets them live in darkness (Matthew 13:14).
Application thought for the day:
In this passage, we see some who refuse to believe (12:37) and others who believe but won't say so publicly (12:42-43).
Do you believe in Jesus? Are you afraid to admit it to family or friends?
Read Matthew 10:32-33, then ask God to strengthen you by giving you a small task to perform for His glory.
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Thanks to the writings and commentary of John Wesley and Adam Clarke. Also, "The Layman's Bible Study Notebook" by Irving Jensen published by Harvest House Publishing, Irvine, California; the "Life Change Series" published by NavPress Books, Colorado Springs, Colorado; the "Life Application Study Bible" published by Tyndale House Publishing, Carol Stream, Illinois; the "Quest Study Bible" published by The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "Robertson's New Testament Word Studies;" "The MacArthur Bible Commentary" by John MacArthur published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee; "Wisdom of the Bible" CD by Topics Entertainment, Inc., Renton, Washington for their inspiring pictures; "My utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio; The "Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge" by Reuben Archer Torrey; "Hope For Each Day" by Billy Graham published by J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee; "Easton's Bible Dictionary" by Matthew George Easton; "Unger's Bible Dictionary" by Merrill F. Unger, published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois; "Halley's Bible Handbook" by Henry H. Halley, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The Everyday Bible" published by World Wide Publications, Minneapolis, Minnesota; "The Living New Testament" published by Tyndale house; "The New Living Translation" published by Tyndale House; "The New Testament" translated from the Latin Vulgate, published by Guild Press, New York, New York; BibleGateway.com for all their wonderful links; and of course the "King James Bible." All were critical in putting these lessons together.
© 2026 evolke
© 2026 evolke