John 12:37-43 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: 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? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 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. These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spoke of him. 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.
‘They believed not on him’ For them to believe was the purpose of the miracles then, and it still is today. Yet, so many still don’t ever become doers of the Word and also serve Christ for earthly benefits and gain (1Cor. 15:19).
The 7th Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in John: ‘Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?’
The “arm of the Lord” expresses His miraculous power (Psa. 98:1; Isa. 52:10; 53:1; 59:16; 63:5; Acts 4:30; 11:21; 13:11).
The 8th Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in John (Isa. 6:9-10) “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.”
‘Converted, and I should heal them’ Two things promised believers here: conversion, a change of direction, a new walk with God (Psa. 19:7; 51:13; Isa. 6:10; 60:5; Matt. 13:15; 18:3; Mark 4:12; Luke 22:32; Acts 3:19; 15:3; 28:27; Jas. 5:19-20) and physical healing, a change of health, a new health in God (Exo. 15:26; Psa. 91:1-16; 103:3; Isa. 6:10; 53:1-12; Matt. 8:17; John 10:10; Rom. 8:11; 1Pet. 2:24; 3Jn. 1:2; Jas. 5:14-16).
To accept the literal fulfilment of only half of this prophecy is wrong. The way Jesus demonstrated healing and conversion together is proof that both are still for all men (Matt. 8:17; 9:5, 35; 10:1-8; 12:28; 13:15; John 10:10; Acts 10:38). Shall we say that it is easier to forgive than heal? That it was only God’s will that He does this for men for a limited time? That God does not care to bless His children this way today? That He loved them for only a few years? That the work of Christ on the cross has lost its power? That the promises, provision, and benefits started with the gospel were only temporary? Or, shall we return to God and the original gospel benefits, trust Him in all our well-being?
‘His glory’ Jesus here applies Isaiah 6:1-13 to Himself, proving His deity and pre-existence. ‘Many believed on him’ only two are named (John 19:38-39).
Many still love the praise of men more than the praise of God. They permit fear of disgrace, love of the praise of men, riches, and temporal advantages to make them cowards and too weak in faith to bear the reproach of Christ (Heb. 11:26; 13:13; 1Pet. 4:14).
Living the Word 