The refusal to believe in Jesus is sad because the consequences of not having faith are eternal. Perhaps you have friends or loved ones you have been praying for to come to faith, but they haven’t taken that step yet. Don’t give up praying for people to come to Jesus. Intercessory prayer involves praying on behalf of others and embodies divine love and compassion. It is a selfless act that reflects God’s heart. Romans 8:26-27 reminds us that God continually intercedes for us.
When we pray for others, we align with God’s will and become channels of His grace and mercy. The Bible contains many verses that encourage and inspire us to pray for one another. God wants to pray for people everywhere. 2 Timothy 2:4He wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.[1]
Unbelief Begins With a Hard Heart
Many of the Jewish religious leaders had extensive Biblical knowledge, yet they did not believe in Jesus when He was among them. At the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus openly declared that He is the Light of the world and also the Good Shepherd who sacrifices His life for the sheep. During this same period, Jesus healed a man born blind as a witness to His identity.
Although the religious leaders could not deny this miracle, they still did not believe in Jesus. John 9:39 Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.” 40 Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, “Are you saying we’re blind?” [2]
When our hearts are hard, it can blind us to the truth even if it is obvious. 2 Corinthians 4:4Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. [3] When we walk in unbelief and have a hardened heart toward God, the enemy can veil our hearts.
Some Hearts Began to Soften
Although some religious leaders’ hearts remained hard, others began to soften. John 10:20 Some said, “He’s demon possessed and out of his mind. Why listen to a man like that?” 21 Others said, “This doesn’t sound like a man possessed by a demon! Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” [4]
Some weeks later, during Hanukkah, the religious leaders with hardened hearts still debated what Jesus had said and done, but refused to come to Him in faith. John 10:25 Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. 26 But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep.[5]
One day, all of us will enter eternity, and only through faith in Jesus will we reach heaven. If you haven’t come to Jesus yet, today He is calling you to come to Him so that He can transform your life. To learn more about the refusal to believe in Jesus, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-good-shepherd
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.