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Notes
they were unable to believe: John quotes Isaiah 6:10 to explain Israel's lack of belief (see Matthew 13:13–15; Mark 4:12; Luke 8:10; Acts 28:26–27). When God's revelation comes, we must believe. If we refuse, the light disappears (John 12:35–36). When God’s light departs, the darkness closes over unbelieving hearts. This means that continued rejection leads to deeper spiritual blindness.
In this part of John’s Gospel, two stories move forward at the same time.
First, more and more people begin to praise Jesus. Their excitement reaches a high point when crowds welcome him into Jerusalem with shouts of joy (12:12–13).
Second, the religious authorities become more determined to arrest Jesus and put him to death. As public support grows, their opposition grows as well.
John's Gospel describes three events that happened only days before Passover (12:1–11, 12–19, 20–36). Then he explains why most of the people refused to believe and describes the final public message spoken by Jesus (12:37–50).
People
Isaiah: Prophet during reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Darkness Foreknowledge Hardness of Heart John, Gospel of
Topics
Blindness: Spiritual Jesus, the Christ: Verifies the Prophecy of Isaiah Concerning the Unbelieving Jews Unbelief: General Scriptures Concerning Unbelief: Proceeds From: Judicial Blindness