In Interpreting Scripture, Context Is Key

If one considers the context of each passage, there is not even an apparent contradiction. In Luke 16: 31, Jesus is teaching by way of a parable. A person in the parable states that if people were not open to the words of Moses and the prophets, they would certainly not be open to the words of a message from one who rose from the dead.

In John 11:45 Jesus has just raised Lazarus, whom the people gathered had seen to be dead, to life. Most of these people were open to the words of Moses and the prophets—and they did believe.

To understand any passage of Scripture, it is always necessary to know the context in which it was written.