Day 299, October 26 Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): John 10:22-11:45
Believe
For us to believe in people, they have to prove themselves in some way. Their character has to be consistent with their words—they have to be able to do what they say or promise. Does this always lead to belief? No. Improbable situations make it hard to believe a person can do what he says he can do. Jealousy can also keep us from trusting in a person, even if that person deserves our loyalty and has done nothing to violate it. We can believe in Jesus because of his works and who he is.
Doubts about Jesus’ identity
In today's Bible reading, we learn that many Jews don't believe in Jesus, despite his many miracles. Once, late in his earthly ministry,
Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade. The Jews gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep [my followers].
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one” (John10:22-30, NIV).
(more information about the triune nature of God can be found in this topical study)
Threats against Jesus’ life
At this declaration, the Jews take up stones to kill him. To claim God as his father means Jesus is declaring that he has the same nature as the one and only Almighty God. This is considered a blasphemous statement, worthy of death by stoning. Even though his words and deeds are consistent with the Old Covenant prophecies made about the coming Messiah (the chosen one of God), they don't believe him. They try to seize him, but somehow Jesus escapes their grasp.
Confusion about Jesus’ actions
Lazarus, Mary, and Martha are Jesus' friends. They believe in him. Lazarus, however, becomes deathly ill. Mary and Martha send word to Jesus about Lazarus’ condition, and Jesus sends a message back, assuring them that this sickness will not end in death.
Meanwhile, Lazarus gets much worse, and yet Jesus delays coming. Why? Jesus is a marked man—the Jews and Pharisees are plotting to kill him. If he was avoiding persecution, this was a good enough reason for him and his disciples to delay going to Jerusalem. Therefore, imagine the disciples’shock—four days after sending the message to Mary and Martha, Jesus tells them he wants to return to Jerusalem.
Why would he want to do that? Why walk right into a trap? At last, Jesus explains himself, saying Lazarus is dead, and he is going to wake him up; i.e., he is going to resurrect him. “And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him” (John 11:15, NIV). Bethany, where Lazarus lies, is just a short distance from Jerusalem.
God’s ways don’t always make sense, but he knows why, and his ways are much better than ours.
To Mary and Martha, it seems Jesus doesn't care and has lied to them. While he delays coming to them, Lazarus dies, and Jesus doesn't even make it to the funeral. This is very hurtful. Now they hear Jesus is coming. Mary and Martha think, Why couldn’t he be here before? Now it is too late to do anything.
Belief, despite circumstances
Jesus’ reputation as a caring friend is in question. When Martha sees the Lord, she expresses her disappointment, but she is still willing to believe in her friend.
“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
“Yes, Lord,” she told him, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world” (John 11:21-27, NIV).
Do we believe Jesus is the unique, chosen one of God, who came into this world to save sinners? He offers forgiveness, peace, and spiritual life (more...).
It gives God pleasure and glory to answer even impossible prayers of those who believe in him and seek his will.
Jesus then proves himself worthy of their trust. He tells them that if they believe, they will see the glory of God. After removing the stone in front of Lazarus' tomb, the Lord thanks God for hearing his prayer. Then Jesus calls Lazarus to come out, and the dead man walks out of the tomb to the joy and amazement of everyone watching, even the religious leaders who oppose him. Many Jews who see the miracle believe in Jesus.
Do we need to see to believe?
Do we need to see Jesus do a miracle to believe? There are many eyewitnesses recorded in God's Word, the Bible. Jesus tells one of his disciples after his resurrection,
“Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name (John 20:29-31NIV).
In addition to God's Word, we can see the power of God's saving grace change lives, and we can witness answers to prayer. Jesus may seem to show up late, but he proves himself worthy of our trust.
Discussion
If someone we know has doubts about Jesus, what can we tell them?
