John 12: 42-50, Eternity with Jesus and the Father

It is the Passover week in Jerusalem.  The gospel writer, John, has quoted from Isaiah, offering Jesus as the suffering Messiah, in the lineage of David.

John 12: 42-43, Pharisees Bully Others

Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 

43 for they loved human praise more than praise from God.

John reports that many of religious leaders believe in Jesus.  But they are afraid because of the more powerful leaders.  This includes a strong condemnation: that the religious people loved the praise of men more than God. One might hope that among all people, religious leaders are most interested in praise from God. But universally, religious leaders fall into hypocrisy, seeking the shortcut of religious appearance.

John 12: 44-46, Light of the Father

Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 

45 The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. 

46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

Jesus represents the very light of God, providing a way out of darkness.

John 12: 47-50, Speaking for the Father

47 “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 

48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. 

49 For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. 

50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”

Once again, somewhat unique to John's gospel, we have, repeated, the statement that Jesus does not come as judge.  His ministry is that of Savior. There is indeed a Judge, but this is not the time.

Jesus identifies himself with God, reflecting the salvation message God has commanded him to give.