John 14:11

In our verse for today, Jesus tells His disciples – both then and now - to believe Him - both on the credibility and reliability of His Word and of His miraculous Works – two convincing Truths which point to the fact that to know Jesus is to know the Father as well:

7 “If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:7 (NIV)

Such an example our Lord displayed in the patient teaching of His flock! Certainly He had gone over His relationship with the Father time and time again with His guys yet it appears to have totally eluded them – going in one ear and out the other. They seemed to have neither understood nor even remembered His Words or all-powerful actions. He sets forth for us a model in our verse for today of repetitive instruction, gently condescending to their human weaknesses. Seriously, we can all be pretty dull can we not? I am reminded of the famous coach Vince Lombardi’s reply when asked the reason for his great success: “I go over the basics and I go over the basics and I go over the basics.” One continues the teaching until one sees the proof in the action. We know something at the very core when we flesh it out – simply put, we live what we believe. Interestingly, the term “disciple” is from the Greek word “Mathetes” which carries the following meaning:

“Denotes an adherent who accepts the instruction given to him and makes it his rule of conduct.” Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible – New Testament Lexical Aids.

One who models faith will demonstrate it by obedient action. Sadly, our behavior often shows that we have more faith in the mundane chair to hold us when we sit down or more faith in the brakes of our cars to keep us from crashing than we do in Jesus’ Words. Believers who trust fully desire to fully obey. Distractions or fears will not often negatively fuel the true believer’s behavior causing them to turn away. Our minds are to be set on things above – not on earthly things. Every choice and action is placed through the sieve of the burning desire to bring God glory by passionately pursuing His pleasure. Our minds must first be convinced before our hearts and legs will follow suit. Works based religiosity or emotionalism will not stand this test.

“If you keep in step with God, be out of step with the world.” Anonymous

“Blessed are the single-hearted; for they shall enjoy much peace.” Thomas a Kempis

Lastly, our Lord speaks of His miracles – the finger marks of God – things too hard for man to do. Jesus was known for them. Only God can make the blind miraculously see, the dead rise and the insane sane. Christ’s miracles were proof of His Divine mission. They were sweetly given both for the conviction of the unregenerate and for the confirmation of the faith of His disciples. Indisputable proofs – Who but God could do such things as these? Jesus refers to these miracles often as a reminder lest we forget:

36 “I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me.” John 5:36 (NIV)

37 “Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. 38 But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” John 10:37-38 (NIV)

I am reminded of the words the prophet Isaiah penned regarding the supreme creativity of God who alone creates “ex nihilo” – out of nothing. It is a strong reminder for us to examine the evidence – to not be dull. As Jesus reminded His disciples - at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves:

26 Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26 (NIV)

King David, the man after God’s own heart, had the correct response upon his observance of the miraculous. He was amazed that such an insignificant creature as finite man could be cared for and loved so immensely by God:

3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? 5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. Psalms 8:3-5 (NIV)

“The essence of true holiness consists in conformity to the nature and will of God.” Samuel Lucas