The struggle with unbelief is common both in Jesus’ time and today, providing insight into people’s hearts. When Jesus was brought to the temple in Jerusalem as an infant for the purification offering, an elderly man named Simeon met them. As he held the child in his arms, he spoke prophetic words about His future. Luke 2:34bHe has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. [1] Throughout Jesus’ ministry and today, the truth of our Savior reveals people’s hearts.
As Jesus traveled to Jerusalem to give his life on the cross, he came to Bethany, where his friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived. Being just outside of Jerusalem, their home was a common place for Jesus to rest during his ministry. Unfortunately, this visit was as sad as Lazarus had died. Mary and Martha had sent Jesus a note to come quickly, but He had waited a couple of days before traveling there. When Jesus arrives, many people are weeping and sorrowful. In this setting, people would confront the question, “Who is Jesus?”
Who is Jesus to You?
Who is Jesus to you will determine your eternal destiny! For some, Jesus is a distant thought; others may not know Him at all. Some oppose Him, and yet others place their faith in Him. This was also true as Jesus went to the home of Mary and Martha after their brother had died.
John 11:34 “Where have you put him?” Jesus asked them. They told him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Then Jesus wept. 36 The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!” 37 But some said, “This man healed a blind man. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?”[2]
Our enemy, satan, always tries to plant doubt in our minds, and you can see him doing this as Jesus enters the scene. But in the midst of doubt, we must turn to God’s Word! Jesus tells us in John 14:1Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”[3]
Faith Comes by Hearing
Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.[4] We might not have been there to witness the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, but we can read about it in God’s Word. John 11:39 “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.” 40 Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?”[5]
Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, but the greatest miracle that day was when people saw the miracle and placed their faith in Jesus. After Jesus prayed, he shouted for Lazarus to come out. John 11:44 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!” [6]
How about you and the struggle with unbelief? Have you placed your faith in Jesus? If not, it’s never too late to confess your sins and ask Jesus into your heart. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/podpanel/episode/jesus-said-i-am-the-resurrection-and-the-life
[1-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.