If Jesus sat down with us for some one-on-one time, what would we ask Him? More importantly, how would we respond to His questions?
Knowing He is omniscient God, the Living Word of God [John 1:1-3] who knows the “thoughts and intents of the heart” [Hebrews 4:12], compels us to answer honestly and fully. No hiding, deflecting, or excusing. Just honest answers.
John’s Gospel records several questions Jesus asked in His earthly ministry. By personally considering each of His questions, we face His same probing truth. By responding truthfully, may we be drawn into a more intimate walk with Him.
9th Question – Do You Believe in the Son of God?
Jesus healed a blind man on the Sabbath.
Normally, that miracle calls for a celebration. A grown man, blind from birth, yet now he could see? Break out the party favors and begin to dance! Oh, wait. Big problem. “Healed on the Sabbath? We better check with the religious leaders about this.” Regardless of its significance, it was a religious taboo.
So, his neighbors and family brought him to the Pharisees—those who favored formal legalism. Yes, it was against their laws to heal on the Sabbath! “Who did this to you?” they asked as if investigating a crime.
“A man called Jesus. All I know is I was blind, now I see.” Such simple acceptance and honest response. Yet, it wasn’t what the religious elite wanted to hear. So, they excommunicated him—forfeiting access to religious ritualism and tradition.
Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.” Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him [John 9:35-38, bold text added].
Response
Salvation is that easy. When religion fails and ritualism proves hollow, Jesus asks, “Do you want to believe in something miraculous, fulfilling, energizing, and eternal?” In Him alone do we find our hearts’ desires, our soul’s deepest longings. In Him alone is life, liberty, and the pursuit of eternal abundance.
As the Living Word of God [John 1:1-3, 14], Jesus is relevant and credible. He is the absolute Truth [John 14:6] so we can believe Him. Whoever believes in Him has eternal life [John 3:36]. Whoever comes to Him, He will never reject [John 6:37]. It’s that simple.
If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. [Romans 10:9-10, bold text added]
Although Jesus’ question is simple, its response holds eternal significance. On that question hangs the eternal destiny of each person. Death comes without warning. Christ’s return is imminent—and without warning. Now is the time, today is the day of salvation [2 Corinthians 6:2].
Do you believe?
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This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Nate Stevens
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