Believe
Believing Jesus takes us beyond our normal experiences of life. Who is it we are asked to believe in? What is the difference between believing in God and believing that something is or is not true?
What does the Bible say about believing God? -
- Jesus the power of God - John 11v43-50
- Why faith - Hebrews 11v6
- Jesus the way - John 14v6-11
- Whose approval - John 5v44
- Believe and trust - James 2v19-20
Who do we believe in?
John 11v43-50
Then Jesus shouted, "Lazarus, come out!" And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, "Unwrap him and let him go!"
Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council together. "What are we going to do?" they asked each other. "This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation." Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, "You don't know what you're talking about! You don't realize that it's better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed."
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What did Jesus do that showed the power of God in his life?
- What were the reactions at the time to Jesus?
Thoughts to consider
For many people believing is not about the evidence it is about the impact on their lives if they choose to believe. Those most satisfied by what they have are the least likely to risk all by believing.
Why faith?
Hebrews 11v6
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- Why would you want people to believe in you?
- We show we believe people by our attitudes and our actions. How can we show God that we believe him?
Thoughts to consider
The essence of life is about a relationship with God. Relationships are built on trust, on believing in the person you are relating with. So, the journey into faith is developed with a question, Can I trust God? and God asking the question, can I trust you?
Jesus the way
John 14v6-11
Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!"
Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied."
Jesus replied, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don't know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? Don't you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What does Jesus say about himself that would make it worth believing him?
- What does it mean practically for us to believe Jesus?
Thoughts to consider
No one I know could make such a claim without being dismissed for their faults. When I read Jesus’ story, I see someone who loved no matter what. We too can look at Jesus and decide for ourselves. Try reading John in the Bible. It is quite short and gives a good picture.
Whose approval
John 5v44
No wonder you can't believe! For you gladly honor each other, but you don't care about the honor that comes from the one who alone is God.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- How do you see people bound by their desire for approval?
- How would you recognise a desire for approval that would hinder trusting God?
Thoughts to consider
Anyone bound by the approval of another is their slave. Jesus offers freedom if we trust in him. This trust necessitates taking the risk of facing the disapproval of those who matter to us.
Believe and trust
James 2v19-20
You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can't you see that faith without good deeds is useless?
Questions for reflection or discussion
- In human relationships, how can you tell if two people trust each other?
- How does this passage say that we show we have shifted from acknowledging facts to trusting God?
Thoughts to consider
If I see a zip wire across a canyon, I can say I believe it is safe. It is only when I launch out that my belief moves from acknowledging a fact to trust.
Overview questions for reflection or discussion
- What do you believe about Jesus?
- Do you believe in Jesus?
Overview thoughts to consider
Just as Jesus' claims take him beyond being a simple person, so believing in him takes life into a new dimension of being spiritual. In this life is the power of God to live as Jesus lived.
