Certain Of What I Do Not See

Jesus answered, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

John 7:16-18

Chapters 7 and 8 take place in Jerusalem at the Feast of Tabernacles. There is mystery and secrecy surrounding Jesus among the people. Jesus even told his own brothers that he was not going up to the Feast and then half way through He goes. The religious leaders were on the look out for Him, but it wasn’t Jesus’ time to be handed over to them (John 7:30; 8:20). The Pharisees even sent the Temple Guard to arrest Jesus, which they did not do. When they returned and were asked why they said, “No one ever spoke the way this man does” (John 7:32, 46).

There is secrecy and ambiguity with Jesus. He is mysterious, yet very clear, and the people are conflicted over Him. Some believe that He is the Messiah… but the Messiah cannot come from Galilee, everyone knows. The Scriptures are clear that the Christ will be from Bethlehem, David’s town (John 7:41-44). So it was not clear who Jesus was at that time. What it came down to was faith. Many put their faith in Him, even though it didn’t all line up. They believed.

This is exactly right when it comes to faith! If you can prove without a shadow of doubt what you believe, you don’t have faith any longer… you have fact. You don’t believe… you know. Faith is no longer needed.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1

Lord Jesus – You are brought honor and great glory through my faith in You. I can’t prove You, but there’s evidence for You! I don’t think You want to be proven beyond a shadow of all doubt. You want me to believe in what I cannot see. You want my faith and trust. I choose to believe. Thank You for bringing God to humanity. You are Immanuel – ‘God with us!’