Tag: Do you really believe?
“Do you now believe?”
Scripture reading for April 28: John 16
“Now we know that You know all things and do not need anyone to question You; this is why we believe that You came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave Me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with Me. I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:30-33
Jesus’ disciples had just experienced the last Passover meal with Jesus where He had shared with them the coming events. One (Judas) would and had betrayed Him. Peter would deny Him three times. And now, all of them would be scattered and forsake Jesus during this coming trial. Jesus would give His body and blood as atonement for sin, demonstrating the love of God His Father for each of them and for the whole world. He had shared an extensive teaching on the Holy Spirit, the Father’s Gift of Comforter, Helper, and constant companion. He told them that they would be able to ask in His Name for anything, and it would be done. They would go through sorrow, but their sorrow would be turned to joy.
They had professed to believe in Him and felt that Jesus had demonstrated His knowledge of all things. They claimed to know that He came from God. But now Jesus declared all of their coming fearful reactions to His crucifixion. “Do you really believe?” was Jesus question for them. He had told them all these hard truths that they might believe in Him and have peace in the midst of the trial and afterwards. He declared peace over their lives and assured them of His own victory over death and the world! The rest was up to them to choose faith and begin believing, asking and living a life of peace.
What claims, promises, or declarations of Jesus have opened your eyes to truly believe in Him? “Do you now really believe?” What indications of believing stated by Jesus can you list as confirmation that you are living by faith?
Prayer: Father God, I have often wrestled early in my faith life with whether my faith was sufficient. Thank You for assuring me through Your Word that I am Your child through faith in Jesus Christ. Let Your peace in my daily life be a reason that others ask me for the reason! I gladly will share Jesus Christ! Amen.