What does John 12:44 mean?
When Jesus called loudly for Lazarus to rise from the dead, the gospel of John used a Greek term similar to what's found here. Both terms imply a loud, deliberate proclamation. In the prior verses, Jesus had warned a group of people in Jerusalem (John 12:20–22) to take advantage of their limited opportunity to follow truth. Those who reject that chance may find themselves unable to come to belief, as judgment against their hard hearts (John 12:37–43).This verse corresponds to other statements made in the New Testament. Hebrews 1:3 refers to Christ as the "exact imprint" of God, an idea Jesus will also mention later in His teaching to the disciples (John 14:9–10). The two are identical: when one hears from Jesus, they are hearing from God the Father. Those who reject the Son are rejecting God (John 3:36). Colossians 1:15 likewise says that Jesus is the visible form of the invisible Father.
2 Corinthians 4:4 combines the ideas found here and in prior verses. Jesus is the "light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." Those who reject God, according to that reference, are blinded and kept from seeing the truth.
It's not clear when or where Jesus spoke these words. This might be a single, specific statement made after His encounter with the seekers in Jerusalem. Or, this might be a summarized version of His teaching as He neared the end of His earthly ministry.