John 11:45-46 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.… 1. Many believed. In their ease — (1) The moral end of the miracle was then answered. They saw the "glory of God."(2) The end of Christ's mission was answered. He became their Saviour. 2. Some did not believe. "If they hear not Moses and the prophets." The different effect of the same revelation on different minds is — I. A COMMON OCCURRENCE (Acts 17:32-34). The gospel is to some the "savour of life unto life," etc. In every congregation there are believers and unbelievers. Like the sun, which wakes the vital germ in a grain of corn, and calls into being a beautiful and manifold life yet draws poisonous vapours out of the morass, so the gospel brings life to some objects and death to others. II. A SIGNIFICANT OCCURRENCE, indicating — 1. Diversity in men's minds. If all men were alike, the same cause acting upon them would produce the same results. But they are not alike. (1) Naturally. No two have the same kind and measure of faculty. (2) Morally. No two have the same quality and force of disposition. (3) Educationally. No two have had exactly the same training.At St. Paul's conversion some saw the light, but heard not the voice. Here is an extraordinary circumstance which is common in life. Everywhere there ere men hearing the same voice but receiving different impressions; seeing the same lights, but observing different objects. A voice fraught with deep meaning to some is mere empty sound to others: a light revealing the grandest realities to some discloses nothing to others. 2. The moral force of depravity. Men, through prejudices, sinful habits and carnal tendencies, become strong enough to resist the mightiest evidences and appeals. "Ye do always resist the Spirit of God." 3. The uncoerciveness of the gospel. The gospel is the power of God, but not a resistless force. It reasons and persuades, but does not outrage the freedom of the soul 4. The need of perseverance in the Christian preacher. Do not be discouraged because some do not believe; other's will. "Sow beside all waters." (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.WEB: Therefore many of the Jews, who came to Mary and saw what Jesus did, believed in him. |
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