The Fulfillment of Prophecies
Open Your Bible
John 12:37-50, Isaiah 53:1-6, Luke 11:29-32
BY Melanie Rainer
They loved human praise more than praise from God.
Verse 43 of today’s reading felt like a punch in the gut to me, a turn of phrase that exposed all my idols with its economical nine words. This is a reading about the Pharisees, those oft-demonized leaders of the Jewish people in Jesus’s time. I’ve heard illustrations that compare me to the Pharisees dozens of times: I struggle with legalism (which is true), I focus on outward actions rather than inward transformation (also true), I struggle to believe (definitely true). But this particular description of the Pharisees really knocked me flat.
In this passage, John recounts Isaiah’s prophecy and experience to contextualize the Pharisees’ disbelief in Jesus as the Messiah. In Isaiah 53:1, Isaiah asks, “Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?” When John makes this reference, he is showing us how Jesus fulfilled yet another prophecy in the Old Testament. This is a hallmark of John’s Gospel, revealing these glimpses backward to show us the true nature and identity of Jesus. Jesus had done so much to fulfill the words of the prophets; He had “performed so many signs in their presence,” and yet, “they did not believe in him” (John 12:37).
But what struck me today wasn’t what this passage reveals about Jesus (though that is, as always, incredibly important). It was what it reveals about the Pharisees, and what it reveals about me. Yes, the Pharisees are often painted as evil. But who were they? They were men who guarded the truth. Men who dedicated their lives to God’s law, to following it and teaching it. They were misguided by their unwillingness to change, to see the mystery and providence of God in the divinity of Jesus. Tolstoy called it the “stationary righteousness of the Pharisee,” this rigid belief in the words on the page, rather than the incarnate Christ standing before them.
Pharisees measured their life by their actions, but it was all they had known. Their north star was the Word of God, but they did not see the Word made flesh who dwelled among them. I am duly convicted: by my own unwillingness to turn to Christ, but also my willingness to only dwell on the grace of Jesus at the expense of following His law. I can learn from both the Pharisees’ mistakes and their commitment to the Word of God.
But the prioritization John gives us in verse 47 is the piece to remember, the pin that holds together this tension of belief and action. We should love God’s Word as much as the Pharisees loved the law, and we should love Jesus and cling to Him. Our actions should be for Jesus, not for humankind. We should love the praise of God more than the praise of humans. May we crave the praise of God more than anything else, and may our lives reflect the limitless love of Christ.
87 thoughts on "The Fulfillment of Prophecies"
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I see everything that everyone is saying. I myself especially when I was young always wanted prototypes notice me. I’m I wearing the right clothes, doing the right things or saying the right things to get noticed. That’s because I really wasn’t taught about God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit. I know now that it’s not my place on this little ball called earth to make people see me and have them make me happy. It’s up to me to talk to God, and ask God to love me for who I am. I am to tell people about God. I’m to put my light on Him and not me. God is the most important part of each of our lives. Each person just has to come to that on their own. I love God Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and one day I will see them for myself. I hear them now, but I sometimes don’t always listen to what they are trying to tell me, but I am human. That’s why God had to be made human to see what we as humans go through here on earth. It’s not always easy, but we can make it easy by asking God to help in everything we do. I love you women. You all have no idea how much you help me. I stay in the shadows and come out every once in a while.
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Amen
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Praying each day you stay in Gods word – don’t give the enemy any opportunity to fill your head with fear, doubt or anxiety. God wants to be first in your life. Let His love fill your heart so you may pass it on to others. Remember our kids are just like us – a work in progress- never perfect but God through his word is perfecting us to be more like Jesus. Gods word helps us to learn & grow so we may know how to respond & that others will want to know about Him
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Yes!! “The tension of belief and action” Following God’s Word AND resting in grace —- Lord, help me live by Your Word AND cling to Jesus!!!!
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I am praying for you Paige. God knows what you, your husband and your 15 year old need to experience healing and reconciliation. Whatever the issue, you are not beyond redemption or forgiveness or whatever is needed. Sit quietly and ask for the Lord to reveal just the next right thing for you to do. That maybe nothing. His grace is sufficient for all our mistakes, hurts and whatevers.
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Praying for you Paige
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Paige, I have felt like a burden before, but for those who love us, we are not a burden. Life is simply what it is, and we all deal with things as they come. I pray that you get some relief from your pain, and please continue to post. And keep reading even on days you can’t concentrate. The Bible says God’s word never comes back void.
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I know I am a couple of days late in posting , but my dear @Paige Farmer I see you! I am praying for you! God can do miracles in our families. He is the waymaker. Even when we don’t see it, or feel it, He is moving. If you need someone reach out to me. Sundman.m04@gmailmcom. I am praying for you!
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