Chapters 1–12 of John’s Gospel are often called the “Book of Signs” because John records the signs Jesus performed as the Messiah. These signs were given so that people might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Yet not everyone believed, even after seeing them. What about us today? Even after reading the Bible, are we still confused about who Jesus Christ is? It is not enough to attend church, belong to a religious organization, or even make sacrifices in Christian service. We must meet the Jesus of the Bible. We must encounter the risen Christ. We must not only know about him, but truly know him. I pray that you will meet Christ and love him as you should. Let us now look at today’s passage.
In this passage, John shows how the first-century Jewish religious leaders misunderstood the Messiah, the Son of Man. This reminds us how essential it is to understand who Jesus truly is. Many people today think of Jesus mainly as a teacher and role model. They assume that a good Christian is someone who learns from Jesus and tries to live a better life. But the Jesus of the Bible teaches something deeper.
Verse 34, “So the crowd answered him, ‘We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?”
This question followed Jesus’ words in verses 31–32: “Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
By being “lifted up,” Jesus was referring to his death on the cross. The crowd understood that. But this did not fit their expectations. Many believed that when the Messiah came, he would simply defeat earthly kingdoms and reign in visible victory. In their minds, there was no place for a suffering Messiah.
The crowd that cried “Hosanna” soon turns against Jesus because he failed to meet their expectations. But before we judge them, we should examine our own hearts. Do we truly know the Messiah? Many people treat Jesus as a means to an end. They call on his name to get what they want. But true Christians gladly let go of lesser things in order to gain Christ himself. Which one are you?
Many Jews rejected Jesus because he did not fit their standards. Are we sure we are not making the same mistake? Listen again to the words of Jesus:
“So Jesus said to them, ‘The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.’”
Who, then, are the true children of God? According to this passage, they are those who come to the light rather than remain in darkness. They die to themselves and are born again in Christ. The religious Jews saw many signs, yet still did not come to the light. John explains why by quoting Isaiah:
“Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him… ‘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.’”
This can sound difficult, as if God is making people unbelievers. But a careful reading shows that God is giving people over to the darkness they have chosen. He is letting them remain where they want to remain. The religious leaders took pride in the Temple, tradition, and the Torah. These were good gifts because they pointed to the Messiah, but they were never meant to replace him.
Verse 43, “For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.”
What about us today? Do we place our confidence in buildings, traditions, organizations, or activities more than in Christ and his Word? How can we be sure we are not remaining in darkness?
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