Believe!

by David Gibson

“Believe” is the main keyword of the Gospel of John. From the 12th chapter of John, let’s see what we can learn about what it means to believe:

1. Many believed (John 12:10-11). A large number of those who witnessed Lazarus’ resurrection came to believe in Jesus (John 11:45). This is as it should be, for that was the reason Jesus raised Lazarus in the first place (John 11:4, 15, 42).
2. Some did not believe (John 12:37-40). Despite Jesus’ many miracles, some still refused to put their trust in Him. Why? It’s not that they didn’t have ample evidence; they willfully closed their eyes against the Light. In doing so, they forfeited their only hope. Could anything be sadder?
3. Some believed but would not publicly express their faith (John 12:42-43). They knew if they confessed their faith, they would be put out of the synagogue. “... they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God” (John 12:43 NASB). So they kept quiet. In doing so, they took their stand with those who did not believe. In contrast, those who believed as a result of Lazarus’ resurrection were willing to bear public witness to Christ (John 12:17). They weren’t ashamed to say so.

“While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light... I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness” (John 12:36, 46).

Those who do not believe and those who do not confess remain in darkness. Those who take their stand for Jesus are the ones who become sons of light. May that describe us! And it will when we express our faith in obedience to the gospel (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:37-38)--and as we keep on maintaining our faith until the Lord calls us home.