Category Archives: Transformation

Faith spelled R.I.S.K.

I remember being in a meeting years ago in which the speaker asked the audience, “How do you spell faith?”  Before anyone could respond he went on to answer his own question saying, “Faith is spelled R.I.S.K.”

I don’t think this was the sum total of all this man really believed about faith, but I like the point he was making.  He was simply trying to help people realise that faith requires an action, and, most times, acting in faith means taking a risk.  Regardless of how much faith we think we may have, we can never be 100% assured of the outcome of our action.  We can be sure of our desire.  We can be sure of what ‘should’ happen.  We can even be sure of what we believe God has said about the matter.  But the outcomes of our actions, even when we’re convinced we’re acting in faith, can rarely be predicted.

(If we are convinced we have faith, and act with a pure heart, but the results do not match the standard of God’s word; then we need to go back to God, be brutally honest with ourselves and ask Holy Spirit to help us identify what we misunderstood.  But this is another topic that needs more time to discuss at another point.)

By acknowledging that faith requires taking a risk; we’re presupposing that faith requires an action.  If we say we have faith for something but do not, in some way, act on that faith I question if we truly have faith.

When we talk about the faith of the Centurion, Syrophoenician woman, or others, it is easy to fall into the trap of forgetting that they took risks (see post).  I’m always eager to investigate what I read in Scripture; especially when we read of decisions people made.  What was it these people experienced which enabled them to act in an unusual level of faith?  How did they come to obtain a faith that Jesus commended?

There could be a number of responses to these questions.  One response that ties in with what we’ve been discussing is, these people likely had a clarity of what they heard from Jesus.  They appeared to be sure of what they believed Jesus could do for them.  They were clear in what they desired, and their requests were specific: “…just say the word…”; “…even the dogs eat the crumbs”; “…if only I could touch…”; “…I want to see.”  It would seem they had an internal clarity that gave them confidence to act.  And that confidence gave them courage to take a risk.

Clarity leads to confidence.  Confidence leads to courage.  The greater the clarity of hearing what God has spoken, the more likely we are to have confidence to act on that word.  For these reasons, it is extremely important that we learn to recognise how God speaks

Consider carefully what you hear and how you listen.     

 

 

Belief and Knowing

“…they knew with certainty (in truth) and they believed that you sent me.” (Jn 17.8)

There is a relationship between belief and knowing.  They are interconnected.  Belief in God always carries a level of knowledge of God.  However, knowledge about God doesn’t always carry a level of belief.

Any self-revelation of God, any way God makes himself known, leads to a level of knowledge about him.  This is what it means for God to reveal, manifest, uncover, make himself known.  The more God reveals of himself, the more opportunity we have to encounter him.  The more we experience of God, the more we know him.

One can have an intellectual awareness of facts about God, but this alone falls short of belief.  Belief, on the other hand, can only come from hearing the Word of God (Rom 10.17); which leads us to God himself.  Jesus points people to the Father (Jn 14.6) and the Father draws people to himself (Jn 6.44) and any who come to him will be welcomed (Jn 6.37).

But let’s be careful not to put limits on how hearing the Word of God may take place.  God speaks in a lot of ways and sometimes he uses English (or whatever language you speak).  Some have come to belief through the good news of the Kingdom being spoken in one conversation or over a long period of time [hearing].  Some have come to believe by observing [seeing] the lives of those who already believe and being motivated to enquire about their reasons for such a life.  I have met many people who came to belief in God through the supernatural demonstrations of God [action] in a variety of ways (miracles, healings, words of knowledge, dreams, etc.).

Although belief carries a level of knowledge, it does not mean that one who believes has a full or complete knowledge.  I’m not aware of anyone who would think this way – but sometimes that is the impression given by many church-goers.  Belief, by its nature, requires a soft and humble heart so there is no room for arrogance or vain self-importance.

Again, it comes back to WHO we believe rather than WHAT we believe.  If we concentrate on the ‘what’, we will get caught in the trap of insisting on ‘right’ behaviour; or trying to give the ‘Christian’ response; or only associating with those who have ‘correct’ doctrine.  But concentrating on WHO we believe leads us into an ever-deepening, ever-expanding, ever-increasing relationship with the ONE who is LOVE – which enhances our process of becoming like Him.

In that relationship, it matters very little if our belief doesn’t bring immediate, comprehensive knowledge about spiritual things; because through Him we receive a peace that goes beyond our ability to understand.  In that relationship, we learn not to view life from a perspective of fear; but from the reality of our new nature as children of God, seated with Christ in the heavenly realms.  In that relationship, we learn the strength of articulating to Him, with integrity, the challenges of life; recognising that we are being renewed into the likeness and character of Jesus.  And, importantly, through that relationship, we are in a family with fellow-believers who strengthen and encourage one another until we all become mature, attaining the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

The disciples believed and entered a process of KNOWING that, though it may have been mustard-seed-small, it was considered a certainty by Jesus.  Like the disciples, we learn that we don’t need an explanation to the minutia of all our questions – we learn to trust him as children trust a good Father.  Our belief deepens and broadens as we learn to assimilate the nature of WHO we believe through every area of our lives.  Further encounters with Him, lead us into deeper understanding of ourselves and life itself.

God has been revealed through the life of Jesus.  Belief in WHO He is, is the foundation on which we build our understanding of His character and His kingdom becoming manifest in our lives.  Belief leads us into a knowledge that can only be made clear through Him.  This perspective shapes our understanding of our world, our culture and our circumstances.  We do not believe because we understand; we understand because we believe.

 

 

Jesus Revealed & They Believed

“I have revealed you to them… I gave them the words you gave me and they received them.” (Jn 17.6, 8).  

I frequently come back to the question of wondering what it was like for the disciples to repeatedly hear Jesus teach of himself as the Son of God, yet not actually ‘get it’.

The disciples had been in a three-year process of hearing Jesus teach.  They would have been there as he taught publicly to the crowds and to individuals who came to him.  Even more significantly, they had full access to him on a day-to-day basis.  They had heard Jesus describe the nature of the Father and had watched as he demonstrated the reality of His Kingdom through miracles.

Through all these experiences, I think it’s safe to presume that some of what Jesus said had become familiar to them.  I would guess that much of his teaching had become so familiar they could easily repeat it.  So, when they went out to preach and when they were praying for healing, they probably repeated a lot of what they had heard Jesus say.  But, interestingly, it wasn’t until Jesus’ final evening with them that the Disciples collectively proclaimed their belief in Jesus as the Son of God.  This is one of the reasons I find this passage so intriguing.

Even though they heard Jesus’ teaching and, would have been able to repeat much of it, why did it take so long for them to actually ‘get it’?  I think the clue is in the passage quoted at the top of this post (Jn 17.6,8).  Specifically, in the statement that Jesus revealed the Father before he gave the Disciples the Father’s words which they received.  Before the Twelve could believe it, they first had to receive it.  Before they could receive it, it first had to be revealed.

We have discussed previously that Jesus was the Father (see post).  Not only did Jesus display the Father’s nature (Jn 12.45) but he, himself, was the exact representation of the Father (Hb 1.3).  This is one of the fundamental reasons for Jesus ministry on the earth – to reveal the Father (Jn 14.9).  And his act of revealing the Father is the foundation for how the Disciples are able to come to belief.

I realise this sounds somewhat obvious and rudimental, but I ask you to think with me.  How is that we can sit in a classroom not understanding a concept, sometimes for days, and then all of a sudden, the penny drops and we ‘get it’?  How can we be Christians for so long and still ‘not get’ some of the basic truths of the Gospel?  How did the disciples spend three years around Jesus and not ‘get it’?  The truth must be revealed.  It must be made known.  It must become manifest.

The Greek word that is used for ‘revealed’ in Jn 17.6 literally means ‘to manifest; make clear; uncover’ and can also be translated ‘to make known’ (RSV).  This is what Jesus’ life was all about.  He was making clear; revealing; making known the life and nature of the Father.  He was uncovering the true nature of the Father – peeling back layers of false assumptions and religious trappings that had built up over centuries.  Jesus’ teaching and his actions were to manifest the true character, nature and heart of the Father.

In all of our discussions about being able to hear the Words of God, we have presupposed that we know what the Words of God sound like.  That we have been exposed to Him.  That He has been revealed or made known to us.

This is the very thing Jesus acknowledged was the first part of his work with the disciples.  Once he had revealed himself to such a degree the disciples ‘got’ that they knew God.  Jesus spoke Words that led them to an understanding of who they were in relationship with God.

A clue to understanding this faith-principle is in Jn 16.27 where Jesus said to the disciples: “The Father loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.” Jesus

Consider the context of this conversation.

  • Jesus had revealed the Father so the disciples knew WHO they believed (Jn 14.9, 17.6)
  • Jesus told the disciples they believed (16.27)
  • The disciples then told Jesus they believed (16.30)
  • Jesus told the Father, the disciples believed and knew with certainty (17.8)

After having the Father made known to them, the disciples were able to recognise the Life and Spirit within the words Jesus spoke.  Then, their soft hearts received the substance of those words and combined faith to what they heard.  They didn’t need to fully understand it all, but no matter how immature their belief may have been, Jesus affirmed their belief by asserting they knew with certainty.

Jesus revealed the Father so they could believe His Words.  And, their believing led them into a process of knowing.

 

 

 

Now We Can See

“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.” (v. 30).

I’d like to go back to the question asked at the end of our first session in this topic (See Post, The 12 Finally Got It).

I’ve often wondered what was it about this evening’s conversation that helped the disciples ‘get it’?  Were they listening to Jesus in a different way?  Or, is it possible they could have heard him say something different?  Did Jesus say something he hadn’t said before; something that, literally, opened their ears of their heart?

In an earlier session, we considered that the disciples may have been guilty of misapplying their belief in Jesus.  The verse we’re focusing on now contains a declaration that I’ve always interpreted as their belief that Jesus was the Son of God.  But what if their statement of belief was something different….?  Or, more to the heart of my question, what if their statement of belief included something else?

Consider carefully what you hear…

In the earlier part of this passage Jesus told the disciples that soon would come a day when they would no longer ask him anything and the Father will give them whatever they ask in Jesus’ name (Jn 16.23).

Is it possible this was the statement that triggered the disciples’ belief?

Consider carefully what you hear…

Jesus continued by telling them it wouldn’t be long before he would no longer speak in figures of speech, but would tell them plainly about his Father (v. 25).  He then tells them they will ask in his name, and goes on to tell them the Father loves them because they loved Jesus and believed he came from God (v. 27).  At this point in the text is when the disciples excitedly relay their belief.

“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.” (v. 30).

They could finally hear it clearly.  Jesus spoke in simple, clear, plain terms; and not in figures of speech.  They do not need to ask Jesus any questions – they can go directly to the Father.

Consider carefully what you hear….

I always wondered why, in verse 30, the disciples said Jesus didn’t need people to ask him questions.  I always thought this was some kind of recognition that Jesus knows all things and, because he knows, he shouldn’t be subjected to the constant questioning of those who reject him and attempt to trap him.  This is a true statement; but I’m no longer as sure this is the whole of what the disciples were declaring in this verse.

“In that day you will no longer ask me anything…my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”         “…you do not even need to have anyone ask you any questions.”

What if the disciples grasped, at the same time, Jesus’ nature as the Son of God and their nature as children of God?  What if this exclamation is a result of them realising their own relationship with the Father?  …of realising their role?  And, in this moment, they have caught a glimpse of the magnitudinous implications of WHO the Father is, WHO Jesus is and who they are in this relationship?

Consider carefully what you hear….

 

 

 

Jesus Gave the Words

Another aspect of this story is the way Jesus, when talking with the Father, described his interaction with the disciples.  He said, “I Gave them the words you gave me…”.

The phrase intrigues me.  Why did Jesus say it this way?  Why didn’t he say ‘I told them what you told me to say’…?  Or, ‘I taught them as you instructed’…?  Even if he had said, ‘I passed on what you told me to say’, it would have sounded …. well, it would have sounded like the way we talk today.  As it is, Jesus’ way of describing it, sounds very literal; very transactional.  Father, you gave me the words to say and I gave them to the guys.

We know from other places in Scripture that Jesus only spoke what he heard from the Father (Jn 5.19).  He repeatedly told people that what he taught was not his teaching, but was that of the Father (Jn 7.16).  So, I’m not surprised that in this story Jesus would confirm the words he spoke were words he heard from the Father.  I’m just a little surprised at the way he phrased how this speaking took place.

“I gave them the words you gave me and they received them…”.

The Greek for ‘words’ used here is rhema, which means that which is spoken, by a living voice; a declaration of one’s mind put into words. *  In the context, then, God manifested his mind through his words spoken to Jesus who, in turn, gave them to the disciples.  But, I am extremely curious about the way Jesus speaks about the words.  To say it the way he did implies that the words from God are substance, material or tangible.

As we have seen in previous sessions, the words spoken by God contain, in their very essence, Life and Spirit (see post).  So, when the disciples heard the words spoken by Jesus, which were originally given by the Father, the disciples received not only the content of the words, but a portion of God himself – a portion of his Life and Spirit.

But the disciples did not merely hear the words spoken by Jesus.  The Bible says they received; they accepted; they took possession of the words given to them.  The words weren’t merely spoken concepts that passed into their consciousness through their physical ears; the words were a substance which the disciples actively grasped.  In doing so they received the life and spirit the words contained.  To put it in the way we’ve been discussing: they recognised something tangible within their spirit and responded by receiving the message and combining faith to what they heard.

Consider carefully what you hear…. Consider carefully how you listen…

Additionally, this passage says that they received the words and knew with certainty.  On this point, I would ask you to consider your own process of hearing and knowing.  Think back to a time when you heard/felt/sensed God speak.  In these moments we usually experience a deep confidence, an inner peace, an assurance that we just encountered the Living God.  Even if this experience is momentary, if we allow ourselves to embrace what we heard from Him, it enhances our understanding of WHO he is.  If we were to analyse that moment, we would likely speak with confidence of who God is and how this newly realised truth is crucial to life.

This is, I think, what happened with the disciples that evening.  They heard an eternal truth from Jesus, recognised the Life and Spirit within that truth and responded, in faith, by receiving this truth.  Through taking possession of the truth, it was as though a seed was implanted into their spirit and Jesus knew this was all that was needed at this point.  The soil of their heart was ready and the seed carried a life of its own.

  • The Father gave the words to Jesus.
  • Jesus gave the words to the disciples.
  • The disciples received the words (belief)
  • Receiving the words led them to know with certainty.

Later would come the lessons of learning how integrate this truth into their circumstances and allowing it to alter their way of perceiving themselves and the world around them.

 

* TDNT Vol 4: 69,505

 

 

They Believed with Certainty

Our last session ended with a question about what the disciples may have heard from Jesus that was different from all the other times Jesus spoke to them.  I’m really excited to investigate that question, but before we do, I think it’s important to look further at Jesus’ response to the disciples’ declaration of belief.

Jesus affirmed their belief.  “You believe at last!”  Other English versions translate this as a question. “Now, do you believe?” (RSV).  If we were to only read the versions which translate this in the form of a question, it could be possible to read the question with a negative connotation.  But, rather than the question being interpreted negatively, is it possible Jesus would have asked the question approving tone….  “Now-w-w-w, do you get it?”

One aspect of the written record I find somewhat striking is that Jesus doesn’t spend much time on their newly realised belief.  He doesn’t spend time praising them.  He doesn’t congratulate them.  The good teacher simply acknowledges that the students finally ‘got it’ and they’re now ready for the next lesson.  You believe?  Good.  Now you need to understand that you’re going to scatter and leave me.  You believe; but very soon you’re going to make decisions as though you don’t believe.

So much for relishing their newly obtained clarity!!  I imagine they very quickly became a bit more confused.  Yet – lest my sarcasm detract from their experience – it is evident that they truly had come to a place of belief, or Jesus would not have acknowledged it the way he did.

In fact, a few verses later when Jesus prayed to the Father he said, in reference to the disciples, “For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them.  They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.” (Jn 17.8)

Did you hear what he said?!  Jesus said the disciples knew with certainty that Jesus came from God.  The RSV puts it like this: “they know in truth that I came from you”.  After three years of not getting it; after all the misunderstood statements; after all the self-promoting behaviours; Jesus says the disciples got it with certainty.

With all the questions they had over the three years – and with the questions they had even after this point – Jesus’ statement to the Father seems to give them more credit than the disciples deserve.  After all, their very next lesson was that they would soon act as though they didn’t really believe him.  Soon after this night, on the day Jesus ascends to the Father, some of the disciples were still incorrectly applying the meaning of Jesus’ purpose and asked him, “Now are you going to establish the Kingdom in Israel?” (Acts 1.6).  So, how much belief did their expression of belief really carry?

The fact that the disciples didn’t really get the full meaning of His role and personhood didn’t appear to bother Jesus.  He seemed convinced that their belief – small though it may have been – gave them the essentials.

This is one of the most comforting attributes of God.  He is so generous that he takes even a partial understanding and considers it great.  Jesus isn’t expecting the disciples, or us, to have everything all figured out.  It reminds me of what Jesus said about faith the size of a mustard seed.  It also helps me understand that the dad who wanted his son healed and cried out, “I believe, help me overcome my unbelief!”, actually contained more belief than what he is generally given credit for (see Mk 9.17-27).

I find it amazing, that Jesus would give the disciples so much credit.  I also find it comforting, that he would extend them so much grace.  But, of course, that is WHO he is.

He is good, He is gentle and He is humble.  He understood that the disciples only needed to catch a glimpse of the Truth for the seed of truth to be firmly planted within the soil of their hearts.  He knew, once they believed, Holy Spirit would continue guiding them into all truth (cf Jn 16.12-14).

 

 

The 12 Finally Got It

In school, I was a good student but I struggled with maths and science classes.  I still remember the feeling of not understanding an algebraic equation; as if I was lost and stumbling around in a dark fog.  It was rare that I caught the concepts the first time.  It was usually the case where, as if from nowhere, the penny would drop and I ‘got it’.  That was a glorious feeling of relief.  Chemistry class, however, was a different experience.  I remember trying to memorise the periodic table and how the different elements worked together but I never understood it.  When the teacher would explain how it worked and my classmates ‘got it’, I sat there confused and lost in a world I did not understand.  I struggled through the year and barely made a passing grade.  One thing was clear after that class, I would not be pursuing a career that involved chemistry.

When I read the stories about the disciples I find myself, on the one hand, being surprised at their inconsistency and, on the other hand, full of empathetic understanding for them.  I sometimes imagine that they, after hearing Jesus explain that he was the Son of God, may have felt a bit like I did in my chemistry class.  We heard the words you just said; we recognise there is a significance in the words; but we simply don’t get it. We’re lost.

The disciples seemed to continually struggle to understand Jesus’ purpose for his life and ministry.  Even after Jesus’ repeated explanations, and their pronouncements of commitment and desire to follow; the twelve seemed to regularly misunderstand, misinterpret and misapply what Jesus was teaching them.

All throughout his ministry Jesus told people that he had come to reveal the Father.  He even told them that he and the Father were one; they were the same (Jn 14.9, see post).  But it wasn’t until the night of his betrayal that the disciples seemed to finally grasp what Jesus had spent so much time trying to make clear to them.

“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.”  (John 16.30; NIV)

You can almost hear the penny drop for them. “Oh-h-h-h… now we get it”.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this enlightened moment, is that Jesus affirms their understanding.  He knew they finally ‘got it’.

You believe at last! (John 16.31; NIV)  

I think back to the story told in John 6 when many of the other followers left Jesus because his teaching was too difficult.  When Jesus asked the twelve if they were going to leave him as well, Peter responded by saying, “Where else would we go, you have the words of eternal life.” (Jn 6.68).  Peter was articulating an understanding that something was happening deep in his soul; but, it would appear, he still had not yet fully grasped the significance of Jesus or his words.

Later, when Jesus asked the disciples who did they think he was, Peter responded, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Mt 16.16).  Jesus commended him for being able to hear the revelation from the Father.  Yet, as we know from events that followed, Peter was yet to grow into a full understanding of that revelation.

But the belief expressed by the disciples in John 16.30 is different.  In this passage they all ‘got it’.  This passage is written as a collective declaration of belief attributed to all the disciples.  The penny dropped for them and we can hear their excitement in the way they spoke, “Now we can see that you know all things and you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions…”

I find myself relieved for them; even relieved with them.  The fog that brought confusion has lifted.  No more stumbling and fumbling through the dark.  They can now move more freely, no longer weighed down by their lack of understanding.

We’re looking at this story in the context of our recent discussions about considering carefully what we hear and how we listen.  With that as a background, I can’t help but wonder what was going on within the hearts of the disciples for them to be able to say this?  What did they hear that night that was different from what they had heard the previous three years?  What tangible activity were they perceiving within their hearts?  What did they recognise in Jesus’ words that enabled them to respond with this declaration of belief?

 

 

Re-Learning Belief

Jesus taught that we should consider carefully what we hear.  Then he taught that we need to consider carefully how we listen.  In both instances, Jesus instructed his followers to interact with him in two ways.  First, he had an expectation that his followers would engage with the content, meaning and implication of what he has taught.  Secondly, he had an expectation that his followers would recognise, identify and participate with the variety of communication methods he uses to instruct us.

In taking seriously the instruction to ‘consider carefully how we listen’ it becomes evident there is a wide spectrum on which we might respond to what we’ve heard.  For instance, at one end of the spectrum, we could respond with a confident, matter-of-fact faith that simply acts on the basis that Jesus means what he says (Lk 7.1-10, see post).  At the opposite end of the spectrum would be those who whole-heartedly rejected Jesus and completely disregarded what he said (Jn 11.47-50).  At some point on the spectrum would be the ones who heard his teaching, recognised his truth and responded but, at least for a time, weren’t overt in the way in which they lived out that belief (Jn 19.38, see post).  Most of us would land on the spectrum somewhere between the Centurion and those who tried to figure out how to live what they believed.

One of the things I’m humbled by – and asking Holy Spirit to help me in – is the wide variety of places I land on this spectrum, depending on the heart issue I’m investigating at any given time.  In some areas, I have heard Jesus’ words and find it somewhat easy to respond in a measure of confidence, peace or rest – because I have an assurance of how God has spoken to me or demonstrated himself.  Perhaps it was a past encounter or perhaps it was the clarity in which I heard him; but standing in these places my feet do not easily slip.

However, in other areas where I am learning to apply the lessons we’re discussing, I don’t feel as steady on my feet.  In some of these areas, I find myself unsteady; revisiting previous intentions, listening for wisdom that leads to stability.  Some of these areas, while they are not new, carry what feels like new lessons; as if the practice of considering carefully how I listen brings fresh instructions.  It’s as though, by taking his instruction more seriously the last few years, I’m re-learning how to believe what Jesus taught and thereby, discovering HIM more deeply.

I wish I could say I always live with the faith of the Centurion or the Syrophoenician woman.  But, I often relate with those who presented their need, expressed their confusion or admitted their lack of faith.  In these times, with desire for a deeper experience of what Jesus taught, the following stories help me refocus on the content of Jesus’ message and prompt me to consider more carefully how I listen.

When fear or doubt get in the way of belief:  “Don’t be afraid, just believe….” (Mark 5.36)

When I get frustrated with a lack of breakthrough, healing or change:  “I believe, help me overcome my unbelief… “  (Mark 9.24)

When I feel confused, uncertain, or at a loss for direction: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled.  Believe God, Believe me also”  (Jn 14.1)

When I consider carefully what I hear and how I listen, many Scripture verses take on new meaning.  The freshness of HIS voice peels back the layers of familiarity and invites me into a deeper experience with HIS words.

“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” (Jn 14.6)

 

I am learning to come to him, listen to what he says and then put his teachings into practice (see post).  I am on a journey of rediscovering the practice of trust, of faith, of belief.

Struggles of a Secret Believer

As I read through the Scriptures I’m fascinated with the way different people responded to Jesus.  The poor and uneducated seemed to swarm around Jesus, following him from place to place and hanging on every word he spoke.  But the educated and, in particular, the religious leaders always seemed to be on the defensive or, even worse, on the offensive against Jesus.

It may be tempting to apply our 21st century awareness onto the historical and religious context of Jesus’ time and presume we understand the thoughts and motives of those people.  But, how often do we sincerely put ourselves into the shoes of those who were there?

For example, Scripture tells us there were some among the religious who believed Jesus but they were afraid to make that known publicly (Jn 12.42).  They were, in effect, ‘Secret Believers’.  One of the religious leaders, Nicodemus, seemed to be drawn to Jesus and went under the cover of night to meet with Jesus.

What was happening in the hearts of these educated and trained people?   What did they hear in Jesus’ words that was different from their religious and occupational standards?

These people were among the group of those who strategized ways to trap Jesus and who, ultimately, plotted to kill him.  They were working, socialising and living among some of the hardest-hearted people alive.  Yet, these ‘secret believers’ seemed to demonstrate a sensitivity to the heart of God.  What did they recognise within their hearts that prompted them to acknowledge Jesus in a way that went against the opinion, of their colleagues?

I’m intrigued by these ‘secret believers’.  Their hearts were clearly at odds with the conventional wisdom of their colleagues.  The Gospels articulate some of the things their minds struggled to come to terms with, “… this man comes from Galilee, but we know the Messiah will come from David’s line, and from Bethlehem” (Jn 7.42).  Yet Nicodemus was able to recognise that the signs Jesus performed were evidence that he was from God (John 3.2).

It may be easy for us to lump all the religious leaders into the same category of hard-hearted, arrogant, evil, etc.  But it is clear that some of these people were dealing with the same internal struggles so many of us have.

For example, how do I respond when I recognise that my heart clearly hears a truth – even when that truth is contrary to what I understand in my mind?  Adding to the challenge, how do I respond when doing so carries significant social or reputational risk?

At one point the temple guards had been sent to arrest Jesus but when they didn’t bring him in, their explanation to the chief priests was to say, “No one has ever spoken the way this man does” (Jn 7.45).  The guards heard something from Jesus and their hearts were affected to the degree they couldn’t bring themselves to obey the order they’d been given.  The Pharisees snapped back at them, “Have any of us or the rulers believed in him?  No! This mob knows nothing of the Law…” (Jn 7.49).

It is significant that Nicodemus spoke up at this point.  Perhaps their jibe that no one of their training or social standing were foolish enough to believe Jesus felt a bit like a slap in his face.  He needed to speak up, to challenge them; but he knew that a direct approach would only cause another angry outburst.  So, he challenged them on the basis of their own reasoning (Jn 7.51).  From this point forward, I think it is safe to say, Nicodemus was watched quite closely by most of the other Pharisees.

The next time we see Nicodemus, he, along with another ‘secret believer’, were using their financial means to provide for Jesus’ burial (Jn 19.38ff).  Both men held positions of significance within society.  Though, they kept their belief in Jesus secret while he was alive; at his death, these were the only men mentioned to carry out the most emotionally challenging of tasks.  Their beliefs were no longer secret.  These men were now firmly counted among the followers of Jesus.

While it is never easy, or fair, to judge what may have been happening in the hearts of others.  Investigating what we know of their circumstances can provide insight that may help inform the decisions we face.   Looking into the situation these ‘secret believers’ found themselves in, brings me back to the central point of our recent discussions.  Learning to give careful consideration to HOW we listen requires that we learn to recognise what our heart is hearing and that we learn to respond to that prompting.   Becoming better acquainted with WHO is speaking into our hearts increases our confidence of recognising HIS words which increases our courage to respond to what we hear – even if our peers do not understand.

Response of Faith

As we  learn to carefully consider what we hear, it may benefit us to look at examples of others.  We previously discussed how the writer of Hebrews painted a picture of those who did not consider what they had heard as having value and, therefore, did not combine it with faith.  By way of contrast, it will now be worth exploring examples of those who demonstrated a response of faith.

The New Testament is full of stories of people who came to Jesus for a healing or a miracle, which he provided for them.  But there are a few written accounts that absolutely amaze me.  These are situations in which Jesus himself said that the people would receive what they requested because of their faith.  Did you hear that?  In these situations the Bible doesn’t say, “Jesus had compassion on him and healed him.”  It says that in other places.  It doesn’t say, “Go and be healed of your disease”.  Again, that is in other passages.  No, in the situations mentioned below Jesus told each of the people involved it was THEIR FAITH that brought about the result they were seeking.

  • Woman with Bleeding (Mt 9.20-22; Mk 5.24-34)
  • Roman Centurion (Mt 8.5-10; Lk 7.1-10)
  • Syrophoenician Woman (Mt 15.21-28; Mk 7.24-30)

I have been spending a lot of time reading these stories and asking Holy Spirit to reveal what he was stirring in each person that prompted them to go to Jesus the way they did.  While each situation was different and each need was unique there are few things they all have in common.

Each request broke a social/cultural norm.  Each person had to step over a cultural boundary in making their request of Jesus.  But this boundary was not a small risk; they were putting everything on the line.  Imagine, the implications they faced!!  Because they received what they requested I would guess there were no negative social consequences – or, if there were, the people certainly didn’t care any longer.  But try putting yourself into their situation and consider the thought process they went through before they took the risk.

The woman with bleeding was considered unclean and, therefore, not allowed to be among a crowd in case she were to make everyone else ‘unclean’.   In addition, devout men would have gone to great lengths not to bump into a woman to prevent becoming accidentally unclean. By forcing her way through a crowd to touch Jesus, this woman crossed several social boundaries.

The Roman Centurion faced great risk to his career and his ability to maintain authority over his subordinates.  Ironically, this is the very understanding on which he based his request to Jesus.

The Syrophoenician Woman was a Gentile and, therefore, not considered part of God’s people; so not entitled to request anything of Jesus.  Further, as a Gentile, she would not have been allowed to enter the home of a Law-abiding Jewish person.  And, as a woman she was not considered of high enough standing for a Rabbi to speak with her.

Another thing they all have in common is, after the initial request, each person had a follow-up response to Jesus.  While this may not sound like a big step, it was.  Jesus was considered a Rabbi and the fact that so many people followed him and wanted to see him, his time was precious.  We can glean from the Gospel writers that Jesus was quick in his decision-making, direct with his questions and not overly concerned about pleasing everyone.  If someone had any hesitation in coming to him, a quick decision, a seemingly off-putting comment or a challenging question could have caused a person to second-guess their request.  But none of these people faltered under Jesus’ initial response.  They each responded to Jesus in a way that demonstrated to him they were operating in faith.

The way my mind works, it’s at this point I ask myself, what was going on in Jesus’ heart and his interactions with the Father as he listened to the person?  What language of the Spirit did he recognise from each person?  How did he move from agreeing to go to the Centurion’s house, to simply stating the man’s faith had granted him the request?   What was Jesus listening for when he reminded the woman that children must eat before the pets?  How did her response confirm that her heart was full of belief that he would grant her request?  And, how did his awareness of power leaving his body connect with the woman’s faith that pulled on that power?

I’m fascinated with all these stories and the way in which they can help us consider carefully how we listen.  Before these people approached Jesus they recognised something in what they heard about him or from his teaching.  And their response to what they heard, while it took great personal risk, demonstrated a belief in HIM that was greater than their obedience to cultural boundaries and understanding of personal circumstances.