That is why I also cited John 4:21-23, John 10:16 and John 12:20-24. While He knew the Jews would reject Him, He also knew (John 12) that His death would bring forth much fruit for the Father, i.e. obviously beyond the Jews who would reject Him, which is to say, fruit among the Gentiles.
Here it is again in summary form:
There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind? And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.
Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: John 10:13-27
In reference to my quote of John 12:20-24 the appearance of the Greeks seeking Him and His reply that The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. You said:
However, religious people that they were they not only continued in many of the pointless Jewish traditions (which Christ condemns in Mark 7:7) but gave the new Gentile converts the impression they were expected to become Jewish by custom as well. Paul corrected them in Acts 15 and 16.
This story is being told to us for yet another reason a theme which goes from the law and the prophets all the way to Jesus message to the church of Ephesus. It is not enough to be doctrinally pure, to be religious in behavior and appearance. We must love God absolutely and our neighbors unconditionally (Matt 22 paraphrased) or we will suffer the fate of the Ephesians who did not overcome their religiousness. (Rev 3)
Who do we believe?
God knows our hearts, that oftentimes we choose to believe a religious system or organization or another mortal or ourselves rather than Him. We must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth - nothing can be above Him in our hearts and minds.
Any that says different are delusional.. and arrogant..
Great post, A-G. Amen!
INDEED.
God’s plan from the foundation.
Paul makes very clear that Blood Israel is to be brought back into the fold at some point AFTER THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES. What’s so difficult about that?
Sigh.