As he was saying these things, many believed in him. John 8:30
What did Jesus say that led many to believe in Him? What did these people find so compelling? These verses give us the chance to watch our Lord Jesus as He leads people to faith in Himself.
When Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (8:12), the Pharisees immediately opposed Him. They charged, “You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true” (8:13). That’s pretty hostile! But it was this opposition to Jesus that actually led to many people believing.
Notice it does not say that many Pharisees believed. Nicodemus believed, and later a Pharisee by the name of Saul of Tarsus believed, but they were the exceptions. For the most part, the Pharisees were relentless in their antagonism toward Jesus.
What is so striking here is that despite this relentless opposition from the shapers of culture, many people believed. These people knew the Pharisees had very little to offer, and when they heard what Jesus offered, they believed.
Sometimes we wonder how the gospel will advance when the tide of secularism is so strong. But God uses even opposition to bring people to faith. The world always rejects Jesus, but what does the world have to offer? Has secularism brought light and love and purpose into people’s lives?
When you present the claims of Jesus, you can be sure of opposition. But God can use this to bring people to faith.
How does knowing that God often uses opposition to bring people to faith encourage you today?
