Read John 12:37-43. Circle the words that stand out to you. What is the Lord saying to you?
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.
Reflections on the Word.
Do you find it difficult reading through the Bible especially the Laws and the Prophets? It’s easier to just jump over them and into the New Testament. I have to admit that I am glad that I am through with those prophetic books.
But wait, before we quickly dismiss the Laws and the Prophets, the Apostle John says something that we ought to be careful of and gives us a reason to read the Scriptures more thoughtfully. “39For 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.”
When you and I read the Prophets, do you see any correlation with Israel’s idolatry and immoral conduct with our own idolatry and immoral conduct? It’s not just about them. It is really about us. We like to think that we are better than the wayward Israelites. We are reminded that ALL Scripture is profitable, not just the New Testament. Don’t just skim over the “boring” sections of the Scriptures. Satan wants you to think that it is irrelevant to you and to me. It’s more relevant than we think.
John says that Isaiah saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about Him! So, when we read the Old Testament, we can also see the Pre-incarnate Christ. Everyone knowns Isaiah 7, 9 and 53 since the Christmas and Good Fridays’ message are often based on it. But there are much more than these three passages that speak about Jesus and His glory.
Do you want something that will really challenge you in your personal study and growth? Read Ezekiel or Isaiah. Highlight things that grab your attention and write down your observations about Jesus and His glory. You will come away with a greater appreciation of the Old Testament believers and the Light that they saw in comparison to the Light that we have today.
-Kingston