Hardened Hearts and Fearful Faith – John 12:37-43

Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him (John 12:37 ESV) After Jesus had entreated his audience to follow the Light while there was still time, John tells us in this next passage that, for the most part, they rejected him. Let that sink in for a moment. God has moved all of history to send his Son at the right time and in the right place. Even just zooming into this one chapter of John’s gospel, we’ve seen all the preparation leading to this moment – the King’s anointing, the King’s arrival, the King’s announcement, the King’s affirmation – and after all this, though he had done “so many signs” they still did not believe in him. This should be grieving to us. At the same time, we should not lose hope. Even this hardening of heart is foretold – even demanded – in scripture. John told us from the very first chapter that he came to his own people, and