Day 73

Do you think your faith would be stronger if you lived in Jesus' day and saw what Jesus did?

I have heard countless times people make statements like this: "I would believe in Jesus if I could actually spend time with him," or "I would never doubt God if I could see the miracles Jesus performed." Maybe you have heard similar statements before. Or, perhaps you have said this at some point in your life. But you know what I find remarkable is that even Jesus disciples who walked, talked, ate, slept and lived with Jesus still doubted who he really was. Is seeing really believing?

Just take a look at Luke 7:19-23. John the Baptist is really struggling. Not too long ago he baptized Jesus and declared him "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). But now he is imprisoned with no hope of release. John begins to wonder about Jesus, "Is Jesus really the one we are looking forward too?"

John saw Jesus, he knew Jesus. He lept in his mothers womb when Mary came near her pregnant with little baby Jesus. Why should he doubt now? But he needed reassurance and he sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus this question:

"Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?" (v. 20)

But what Jesus responds with is truly remarkable. He uses language that any Bible student would be instantly familiar with:

"Tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me." (vv. 22-23)

Essentially, Jesus is declaring that he is fulfilling the prophecies found in Isaiah 29, 35, and 61. He even demonstrated these miracles that same hour John's servants came to see him. Jesus affirms that he is the Messiah, but he gives credit to his person and work by referencing the prophet Isaiah.

We do not need to be in the physical presence of Jesus to believe in him. We have the testimony of the Scriptures and they bear witness of him; and their witness is true.

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. I receive not honour from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words? (John 5:39-47)

We are no different than anyone else who ever lived. We must not "live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). Even the translators of the English Bible agreed with St. Augustine when they said "in those things that are plainly set down in the Scriptures all such matters are found that concern faith, hope, and charity" (The Translators to the Reader, KJV). We have in the Scriptures everything necessary to live life.

Sola Scriptura,

Jay Silvas