It was foretold in scripture that they would not believe (Isa 53:1). Why not? Because they didn’t mix the life-giving words of Christ with faith (Heb 4:2). “Failure to believe kills the life in the words of Jesus.” (RWP) Human knowledge and wisdom can not ascend to the truths of which Jesus has been speaking; only faith may attain them.

Isa 53:1  Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

Heb 4:2  For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.

Matthew Henry observes that “Among those who are nominal Christians there are many who are real infidels.” Many may seem to follow Jesus and do all the right things and yet not have a living relationship with Him.

Mt 7:21-23  “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

We see the outward actions but the Lord sees the heart. Eventually the unbelief of hypocrites becomes evident to all, but Christ knows it from the beginning. The disciples thought Judas was one of them, but Jesus knew differently. He sees our hearts and knows us through and through, which makes Him the perfect Judge. For us to judge others is to usurp His rightful position (Mt 7:1).

Mt 7:1  “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.

Jesus knew that His words would cause the loss of many disciples, and yet He spoke them (Mt 10:34). Don’t hesitate to speak what God has told you to say, regardless of the consequences, but make certain that it is God giving you the words and not someone else wanting to cause division.

Mt 10:34  “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.