Light for Those Who Believe

Summary

• Despite many signs, people refused to believe in Jesus, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy about hardened hearts and blind eyes.
• Some leaders believed but they would not openly confess their faith out of fear of the Pharisees. They preferred the approval of man over God’s glory.
• Jesus declared publicly that His mission was to bring light, not judgment, offering salvation to those who would believe in Him. This was Jesus’ last public invitation to eternal life in the Gospel of John.
• From Chapter 13 onwards, Jesus would devote most of His time teaching His disciples in private settings until He was arrested and killed.

Reflect

1. Why do you think so many Jews did not believe in Jesus despite seeing numerous miraculous signs? What were the main causes of their spiritual blindness? (vv. 36-43)

2. Look at your own life. Have there been instances when you struggled with seeking human approval rather than living boldly for God’s glory? What must you do to live differently from today onwards?

Watch

Videos used with permission by Michael Hoff

The themes of John 1 are revisited as Jesus closed the “Book of Signs” (Chapters 1-12) with a public declaration of His mission: bringing light, giving life and revealing the Father’s heart. While some believed, misplaced priorities and fear of man led many to silence. Jesus made His last public invitation to eternal life.

The second segment of John’s Gospel (Chapters 13-21), known as the “Book of Glory”, would start with His private ministry, arrest, trial, death and resurrection.

Reflect

3. What steps can you take to align your heart to Jesus’ call to walk in the light? (v 35-36)

Closing Prayer

Ask God to help you seek His glory over the approval of man. Pray for strength to obey Jesus’ words and live in His light.