What other scriptures emphasize the importance of believing in Jesus' works and words? John 12:37–38: The Issue on the Table “Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him. This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: ‘Lord, who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?’ ” Isaiah foretold that many would reject the Servant’s message and the undeniable evidence of God’s “arm.” The same tension threads through the rest of Scripture: works seen, words spoken—yet hearts that must choose to believe. Seeing the Works—Scriptures That Point to His Miracles “ … the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—these very works I am doing—testify about Me, that the Father has sent Me.” “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in My Father’s name testify on My behalf.” “If I am not doing My Father’s works, do not believe Me. But if I am doing them, even though you do not believe Me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me and I in the Father.” “Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me—or at least believe on account of the works themselves.” “Jesus of Nazareth was a man attested to you by God through miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know.” “ … this salvation … was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.” Hearing the Words—Scriptures That Highlight His Message “Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.” “My teaching is not My own; it comes from Him who sent Me. If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God or whether I speak on My own.” “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” “ … the words I have spoken will judge him on the last day.” “I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brothers, and I will put My words in His mouth … whoever will not listen to My words that He speaks in My Name, I Myself will call to account.” “Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live.” Witnesses Who Tie Works and Words Together “Jesus performed many other signs … but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” “Whoever believes in the Son of God has this testimony within him … and this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power; He went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil … all the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.” When Proof Meets Unbelief—Old Testament Echoes “How long will these people treat Me with contempt? … despite all the signs I have performed among them?” “They forgot what He had done … yet they continued to sin against Him, rebelling in the desert against the Most High.” • Isaiah 53:1 (quoted in John 12:38) “Who has believed our message? To whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?” Even with miraculous manna, parted seas, and prophetic words, unbelief remained possible—and deadly. The New Testament warns the same. Why Scripture Presses the Point • Works validate the Speaker (John 10:38). • Words explain the works (John 15:22–24). • Belief in both brings eternal life (John 20:31). • Rejection of either seals judgment (John 12:48). Living Response – Treasure Christ’s recorded works; they stand as historical, eyewitness-attested facts. – Immerse in His words; they reveal His heart and demand personal trust. – Hold both together; Scripture never allows us to separate the miracle from the message or the sign from the Savior. |
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