Tag Archives: Jesus

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….

 

 

 

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?

 

 

Hearing the Word & Receiving the Seed

As we embark on the journey of recognising the importance of WHO we believe as opposed to WHAT we believe, the principle of applying faith to what we hear is a central component.

On one hand, since we’re more focused on WHO rather than WHAT, it can sound contradictory to say that we apply faith in the message we hear.  The question could be asked, ‘Shouldn’t we apply faith in God, rather than in the message we hear from God?’  But there doesn’t need to be any contradiction in this.

When God speaks, his message reveals an aspect of his nature.  Because of who he is, his message carries his life-giving essence and the substance of his Spirit (Jn 6.63).  This could be a reason the Apostle Paul said, “Faith comes by hearing” (Rom 10.17).

I think of the process in this way. When we hear the message from God the soft heart is predisposed to recognise the life and substance of God contained within the words we hear.  With the recognition of this aspect of God’s nature, faith is stirred within our spirit which enables the heart to respond in faith.  It’s as if the words of God contain the active ingredient which causes our spirit to respond with faith.  Remember, as we’ve discussed, faith is the by-product of belief.

In a few places, Scripture describes the word of God as the ‘seed’ of God (the Greek word used here is “sperma” [1 Jn 3.9]).  In the natural systems of reproduction, the role of the seed is to fertilise the egg.  Imagine that our faith is the ‘egg’ which is fertilised by the ‘seed’ of God.  When we combine our faith with the seed of God, a deeper awareness of his nature is conceived within our hearts.

In the natural, life must be cared for and nurtured.  In the same way, we need to learn how to nurture the newly received revelation in order to integrate it into our lives and decision-making.  It’s as if the newly grasped revelation needs to develop within the womb of our soul.

Forgetting or Paying Attention

There are some things that I rarely seem to forget.  Rarely will I go a morning without having a mug of coffee.  Unfortunately, I am one of those who get a slight headache by noon if I haven’t had a coffee.  (I know, that’s telling me something…).

Sometimes I forget things that are important.  Sometimes I forget things when I leave the house in a rush.  My wife is accustomed to me coming back into the house a few minutes after I left because I forgot my phone, my watch or my wallet.  On a more important level, I am prone to forgetting people’s birthdays and anniversaries.  This doesn’t bother some people, yet I would like to remember so I can communicate how much they mean to me on their special day.  But I still forget.

Sometimes, when I read Scripture I realise I’ve forgotten an important part of the message Jesus delivered.   How could I forget something of such importance?  How is it that a component of such good news could fall outside my intention and focus?  Perhaps I hadn’t taken it seriously…?  Maybe I didn’t really understand it in the first place…?  Is it possible I had not given it priority in my heart or thinking…?

In thoughts like this I am reminded of what the author of Hebrews said, “we must pay more careful attention to what we have heard”.

If I paid more careful attention to what I’ve heard from Jesus, maybe I wouldn’t forget so much of what he said.  Could it be that the ups & downs I face in my attempts to become like Jesus would become less extreme if I paid more attention to what I’ve heard from him?  Is it possible that if I gave more careful attention to the message Jesus spoke, my pursuit of becoming more like him may become more consistent?

“We must pay more careful attention to what we have heard” (Hb 2.1)

Message of Importance

I have four children; three of whom are teenagers.  This means that sometimes our house can be a busy, active place.  In this environment details about collection times, after-school activities, and weekend plans can often be missed – even though one person is convinced the others were informed.  Usually these kinds of miscommunications are easily managed: a family calendar is used for scheduling, reminders are given and greater efforts at communication are made by all.  But, in order to ensure a certain message is made clear to the entire family (eg. housekeeping responsibilities) it is not uncommon for me to gather everyone into a room and make a family announcement in the form of a ‘town crier’.  Yes, I do the “Hear ye, Hear ye…” complete with my best attempts at old English to get the point across.

Some messages are important and must be heard.

We live in a society in which people, companies and advertisers are constantly sending us messages.  Through visual displays, roadside signage, TV & radio commercials and ads delivered through the apps and websites we use, companies are sending us messages to sell their brand and lure us into buying their product.  I am usually able to simply tune out, or ignore most of these messages because they aren’t important or relevant to me.

Some messages are not important and do not need my attention.

Some messages are important.  Some messages are not important.  How do I decide what message is important?  That may come down to my frame of mind or concerns of the moment.  But for matters of real significance the determination will likely be based on my core values and who or what I believe.

Western culture is increasingly opposed to the idea that Jesus is even real – let alone the idea that his message is relevant.  When a myriad of messages clamour for my attention, most of them delivering standards which compete with the values of Jesus, it can be challenging to filter out the negative and maintain clarity on what Jesus has said.  In this context, it is even more necessary for those who follow Jesus to remind one another of WHO it is that we believe.

Some messages are important and need to be heard.  Other messages are not important and can simply be ignored.  But the messages delivered and declared by Jesus are of supreme importance and require my utmost care and attention.

“In the past God spoke to us through the Prophets; but in these last days he has spoken through his Son.” (Hb 1.2)

Words of Jesus

Jesus is the ultimate example of the power of words.  He is the living word – he is the WORD made flesh (Jn 1.1-3).  Jesus was with the Father during the creation process, and through him all things were created.  Is it a coincidence, then, that creation was brought into existence through the spoken word (Gen 1.3; Col 1.16).

Jesus told us that his words will never pass away (Mt 24.35).  How could they?  His words are Spirit and they are Life (Jn 16.13).  His words were not just sounds emanating from his mouth.     The very essence of his words was life.  Their very substance was spirit.  His words do not merely communicate life; they do not just contain life – they are life.  Because of this Jesus’ words do not, cannot, fade away or disintegrate.

His words are living and active.  From the moment Jesus spoke, his words have lingered in the realms of the Spirit; pregnant with creative power.  When we become exposed to those words, our spirit is quickened because the words are just as powerful today as when Jesus first spoke them.  They retain the fullness of his nature and carry the goodness of his promises.

Many have attempted to relegate the statements of Jesus to the mere sayings of a prophet, a philosopher or a wise teacher.  The only way one can relegate his words to this human level is through the hardness of our heart.  But no matter how hard it may have become, the heart that hungers can be made soft again.  Once alerted to the life-giving sustenance of his words, the heart quickly acknowledges that bread alone will no longer satisfy (Dt 8.3; Mt 4.4).

And that seems to be one of the main purposes for the words spoken by Jesus.  His intent was to help people hear, see and understand the Father (Jn 14.9).  One way he did this was by speaking only that which he heard the Father say (Jn 5.19).  And, because Jesus revealed and declared the purposes of God, His words that continue to linger will not return to him empty but will accomplish the purposes for which he sent them (Is 55.11).

Words

Words.  We use them all the time.  We use words to communicate; to express an idea, a thought or an emotion.  We use words to entertain; to sing a song, tell a story or share a joke.  We use words to conduct business; to promote a cause; to influence others.  Sometimes, we use words without fully thinking through the way others will hear the words – so we often must use words to clarify, to apologise or seek forgiveness.

Words are powerful.  Words create new realities; new possibilities.   Words can inspire, convey truth, elevate thoughts, ignite hope and impart faith.   Words can change someone’s demeanour; someone’s outlook; someone’s perspectives.

Words can build up and words can tear down.  The words we speak can discourage, distort truth, dampen hope, spark conflict, invite chaos and perpetuate fear.  In this context, the message of Proverbs is a stark reminder; “Life and death are in the power of the tongue” (18.21).

The power to bring life and death through the spoken word is available to all.  This power is a natural ability which carries a spiritual reality, which is true for those outside the Kingdom just as it is for those within the Kingdom.

But for those of us inside the kingdom, those within whom Holy Spirit dwells, the choice of words is even more important.  This is true for several reasons.  One of the main reasons is found in Jesus’ statement,  “It is from the overflow of the heart that the mouth speaks” (Lk 6.45).

What are the reservoirs from which my words come?

Simon, Do You Love Me? (Part 6)

When I first realised that Jesus gave Simon the new name but didn’t seem to use it when he spoke to him, I found myself being a little confused; even a little uneasy.  Why give him the name and not call him that when you talk to him?   Why put the guy through that kind of confusion?

Now that I see the end of the story I am more settled, more at peace.  Again, much of this is my own surmising, but when we get to the final conversation between Jesus and Simon, it is clear that something very significant had taken place.

After the resurrection – and after Jesus had appeared to the Disciples a few times – Simon and some of the others were out fishing.  Although they had seen Jesus and experienced the breath-taking awe of his resurrection, I still wonder what was going through Simon’s mind?  How was he dealing with the fact that he had denied Jesus?

While they were in the boats Jesus showed up on the beach cooking fish that he ‘caught’ before the others dragged in another substantial catch.  After breakfast Jesus had a conversation that is often referred to as the re-instatement of Peter, yet Jesus continued to call him Simon.

Simon…, Simon…, Simon…

Three times Jesus asks, “Simon, do you love me?”  The Greek words used in this conversation (Jn 21.15-17) relay an increasing level of personal commitment; intimate, experiential knowing; and profound, godly love.  By using a progression of words which reveal a deepening of the meaning of love, Jesus is directing Simon’s attention more deeply into the very core of his identity and, therefore, the very depths of his relationship with Jesus.

It’s as if each question from Jesus reminded Simon of his three denials.  Each question about the level and type of love he had for Jesus forced Simon to face what was at the root of each denial.

“I don’t know him.”   …Simon, do you love me?

“I am not one of his followers!”  …Simon, do you really love me?

“I don’t know what you’re talking about!!”   …Simon, do you truly love me?

After the third exchange Jesus told him of the kind of death Simon would undergo and then re-issued his invitation for Simon to follow him.  It’s as if Simon had to get to the very bottom of ‘Simon’ in order to become the ‘Peter’ Jesus knew he was.  Once Peter had gotten to that place, Jesus re-issued the call, “Follow me!” (Jn 21.19).

The power of Jesus’ mercy is striking.  He didn’t condemn Simon; yet neither did he ignore the denials.  But rather than give him a lecture, Jesus went straight to the heart of the issue.

Simon, do you love me?  You denied me because you were afraid.

Simon, do you love me?  You were afraid because there was a part of you that was insecure about my love.

Simon, do you love me?  There is a depth of relationship with me that can free you from the effects of fear, insecurities and desire for reputation.

Peter…. Follow me!