God's Grace and Gospel Truth

When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them. Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him, so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

“Lord, who has believed what he heard from us, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said, “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.”

Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him. Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God (John 12: 36-43).

The Holy Spirit inspired the Evangelist to record that the Jews still rejected Jesus, in spite of the signs and miracles He did, and the truth He spoke. The Spirit had moved Isaiah to declare long ago that the Jews’ rejection of Christ will be a sign confirming that Jesus is the Messiah… “So that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled.” Of course, not every Jew rejected Jesus. In previous passages we saw that many Jews trusted in Christ… “Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him” (John 11:45) and… “On account of him (Lazarus) many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.” (John 12:11). In today’s text we see the profound impact in the hearts of people of God’s grace and gospel truth.

The Spirit moved John to quote two passages of Isaiah. The first teaches that God reveals truth to whomever He chooses… “Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?” (Isaiah 53:1). Here we see the sovereignty of God in the work of evangelism. The truth that leads men and women to repentance and salvation is under the authority and control of God, and He reveals this truth as He pleases. This should be reassuring as we fulfill the Great Commission to make disciples of all people… “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19). God’s sovereignty in the process of making disciples requires that serious soul winners depend on Him in the work. As we share His gospel He imparts His grace… “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.” (Titus 2:11). And Jesus promised He will be with us in this most precious work… “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20). One sure way for disciples to enjoy the grace and presence of Christ is to be fully engaged in the ministry of evangelism.

The second scripture the Spirit moved the Evangelist to quote teaches that the truth of the gospel can have a very negative effect on the non-believer… “Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and blind their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” (Isaiah 6:10). When Jesus did miracles and taught truth that confirmed that He was the Christ, many believed. But at the same time, other hearts were hardened, ears were deafened, and eyes were blinded. The same truth that saves some produces a form of judgment in others… “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16). What makes the difference? Today’s text shows that it’s in the heart… “They loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.” God’s grace and truth will always find a home in the heart that longs for Him… “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” (John 6:37).

As we grow up into Christ sharing the faith with others, we learn more about the power of…

God’s Grace and Gospel Truth.