38. This was to give full meaning to what Isaiah the prophet said: “Lord, who believed what we told them? Who has seen the Lord’s power?” Isaiah 53:1
39. This is why the people could not believe. Because Isaiah also said,
40. “God made the people blind. He closed their minds. He did this so that they would not see with their eyes and understand with their minds. He did it so that they would not turn and be healed.” Isaiah 6:10
41. Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ divine greatness. So he spoke about him.
42. But many people believed in Jesus. Even many of the Jewish leaders believed in him, but they were afraid of the Pharisees, so they did not say openly that they believed. They were afraid they would be ordered to stay out of the synagogue.
43. They loved praise from people more than praise from God.
44. Then Jesus said loudly, “Everyone who believes in me is really believing in the one who sent me.
45. Everyone who sees me is really seeing the one who sent me.
46. I came into this world as a light. I came so that everyone who believes in me will not stay in darkness.
47. “I did not come into the world to judge people. I came to save the people in the world. So I am not the one who judges those who hear my teaching and do not obey.
48. But there is a judge for all those who refuse to believe in me and do not accept what I say. The message I have spoken will judge them on the last day.
49. That is because what I taught was not from myself. The Father who sent me told me what to say and what to teach.
50. And I know that whatever he says to do will bring eternal life. So the things I say are exactly what the Father told me to say.”