37 But though he had done so many signs before them, they believed not on him, 38 that the word of the prophet Esaias which he said might be fulfilled, Lord, who has believed our report? and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 39 On this account they could not believe, because Esaias said again, 40 He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, that they may not see with their eyes, and understand with their heart and be converted, and I should heal them. 41 These things said Esaias because he saw his glory and spoke of him.
42 Although indeed from among the rulers also many believed on him, but on account of the Pharisees did not confess [him], that they might not be put out of the synagogue: 43 for they loved glory from men rather than glory from God.
44 But Jesus cried and said, He that believes on me, believes not on me, but on him that sent me; 45 and he that beholds me, beholds him that sent me. 46 I am come into the world [as] light, that every one that believes on me may not abide in darkness; 47 and if any one hear my words and do not keep [them], I judge him not, for I am not come that I might judge the world, but that I might save the world. 48 He that rejects me and does not receive my words, has him who judges him: the word which I have spoken, that shall judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken from myself, but the Father who sent me has himself given me commandment what I should say and what I should speak; 50 and I know that his commandment is life eternal. What therefore I speak, as the Father has said to me, so I speak.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 12:37-50
Commentary on John 12:37-43
(Read John 12:37-43)
Observe the method of conversion implied here. Sinners are brought to see the reality of Divine things, and to have some knowledge of them. To be converted, and truly turned from sin to Christ, as their Happiness and Portion. God will heal them, will justify and sanctify them; will pardon their sins, which are as bleeding wounds, and mortify their corruptions, which are as lurking diseases. See the power of the world in smothering convictions, from regard to the applause or censure of men. Love of the praise of men, as a by-end in that which is good, will make a man a hypocrite when religion is in fashion, and credit is to be got by it; and love of the praise of men, as a base principle in that which is evil, will make a man an apostate, when religion is in disgrace, and credit is to be lost for it.
Commentary on John 12:44-50
(Read John 12:44-50)
Our Lord publicly proclaimed, that every one who believed on him, as his true disciple, did not believe on him only, but on the Father who sent him. Beholding in Jesus the glory of the Father, we learn to obey, love, and trust in him. By daily looking to Him, who came a Light into the world, we are more and more freed from the darkness of ignorance, error, sin, and misery; we learn that the command of God our Saviour is everlasting life. But the same word will seal the condemnation of all who despise it, or neglect it.