If You Can't Believe, Submit – John 12:37-50

Submission is one of those words that people don't like. It's not so much the word itself as it is what the word implies. It's curious to me that even Christians are made uncomfortable by the word and its implications. And yet, the one we are supposed to emulate (Jesus) was submissive to the Father.

In those last few days prior to the resurrection, Jesus takes every opportunity to reach out and give the stubborn and unbelieving the chance to repent. Most of them simply cannot believe, which we will discuss in light of today's text, but they can still submit. At the precipice of the crucifixion, that's the last message of hope Jesus can offer: if you can't believe, at least submit.