The Mission

John could be very critical in his narrative (his accounts of Judas are scathing) so when he tells us that some of the rulers believed in Jesus it must be taken at face value.

However, like many “Christian atheists” today, they loved the praise from men more than the praise from God. (vs. 43)

In this context of belief, unbelief, God’s will and His own death, Jesus decides to make His mission as transparent as humanly possible:

1. Those who believe in Jesus also believe in God, the One who sent Him. Those who reject Jesus also reject God, who sent Him.

2. Jesus comes as a Light in the darkness, so that those who believe will not remain in a dark place without God.

3. Those who hear Jesus’ words, and decide not to believe and repent, will not be judged by Him for He does not execute judgment. For, Jesus came to save the world, i.e. those who might believe.

4. Jesus’ own words will ultimately both convict and judge. The believer and the unbeliever are to be judged by their belief in Jesus because He is God, and each one who listens has ears to hear.

5. The last day is today, or any day that marks the end of our time, and seals our decision for or against Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Believe.