64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him.
64 But
The “but” here shows strong contrast. Regardless of Jesus’ claim that His words give eternal life, some did not believe on Him.
there are some of you who do not believe.”
Jesus clearly understood that some of His disciples did not genuinely believe on Him. These people were shut down volitionally toward Christ.
For Jesus knew from the beginning
The beginning here is the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. His knowledge of those who would reject Him was not a matter of simple observation about how people would react to Him. Jesus never operated under any illusions about unbelief.
who they were who did not believe,
The issue in salvation is not lack of understanding but refusal to believe in Christ.
and who would betray Him.
Jesus clearly understood the people who ultimately betrayed Him (Jn 6:70, 71). His “words” are accessible only by faith, but they were hidden to people like Judas who never believed on Him. Jesus knew ahead of time that Judas would betray Him.
PRINCIPLE:
There is such a thing as pseudo belief.
APPLICATION:
There is a big difference between a living, appropriating faith that trusts Christ and a pseudo, superficial faith of those looking for a miracle.
Many people hear the message but do not believe. Unbelief was no surprise to Jesus. Those of us in ministry should never be surprised about those who reject our ministry. Jesus was never deceived by outward appearances or pseudo belief.
