The location of 12:44-50 is not stated. Jesus summarized all that He said and did in revealing the Father, including responses for and against His message. He emphasized His perfect agreement with the Father to save people (12:44-45). To believe in Jesus also meant “Anyone who puts his trust in Me, puts his trust not only in Me, but in Him Who sent Me” (12:44, NLV). To “cry out” is regularly occurs in the Bible and normally is addressed to God.
Jesus’ revelation of the Father was precise and for all to witness (12:45). What believers saw in Him was what He wanted them to acknowledge regarding the Father. Those who rejected Him based their rejection on what they accepted within themselves, not what they truly knew of the Father. They witnessed innumerable miracles intended to point to the power and heart of the Father, yet most decided in favor of what was familiar and supportive of their status quo. They chose not to see what Jesus made clear and relevant.
Salvation from sin was His central thought and work (12:46-47). He had God’s best for people in mind in His coming (12:46). Darkness meant living an aimless and wasted life. The world delights in an ever-darkening world; however, many rejected darkness to respond in faith to Jesus’ message and ministry. He promised that they would no longer live without purpose in worldly darkness.
Every encounter was a clear and demanding offer of salvation (12:47). Believing demanded obeying Him going forward. A belief that did not obey was not believing “in” Him.
Still, final judgment was reserved for another time, but is coming. Because His message involved the right and holy, refusing Him initiated what the Last Day would finalize.
Eternal life begins at the moment of faith (12:48-50). To “reject” is to put something or someone over to one side and walk away, so a person may reject Jesus, yet consequences for rejection remain (12:48). This was because Jesus sought to honor the command of the Father wherever He traveled and in whatever He said. Truly, He found agreement with the Father in every way (12:49).
The Father’s “commandment” refers to the redemptive plan determined in heaven to be revealed at Jesus’ coming (12:50). Jesus willingly fulfilled this plan through promising life with God. Every person who responded in faith gained this blessing. Jesus’ promise was God’s gracious offer.
Dr. David Moore can be contacted at dm5867se@outlook.com
