May 27 How’s Your Faith?

John 16:29-33 Then Jesus' disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.” 31 “You believe at last!” Jesus answered. 32 “But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. 33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 

WE continue in regard to the disciples’ faith statement here. They have spoken, “We believe.” But Jesus, in effect, contradicts them. He knows the next thing they will do is flee from the arrest, the trial and the cross. To indicate they faithfully believed Jesus, they would need to remain steadfast to support him through the cross. Their words do not agree with how they will soon act.
   Here’s a response to this passage from Dr. R.C. Sproul:
 
Jesus’ response to the disciples’ confession was one of righteous indignation. When Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe?” it’s almost as if He were saying: “Oh, now you believe? Where have you been for the past three years? Where were you when I told you that the Son of Man had to go forth to die?” Then he said to them to again affirm what would happen: “Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone.” 
 
This was a dire prediction. He said in essence, “You may be full of belief and trust now, but it isn’t going to last. When you see the swords of the Roman soldiers being brandished in the moonlight, you’re going to run for your lives, and you’re going to leave Me alone.”
 
   Yes, the disciples spoke their faith, but Jesus knew they would be unfaithful to their own confessions.
   Still, there is hope. With, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” the Lord assures the disciples that ultimate victory is in him. This would require unshakeable faith, “sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1)
   Such faith gives us eyes to see life eternal through the persecution and suffering discipleship may bring to us. Pray you are prepared. Pray you believe and are steadfast.
 
Prayer: Father in heaven, I believe in you. I believe and understand your call on my life. I pray my faith knows who you are. In Jesus’ name, amen.