The book of John contains within its pages examples of two kinds of faith. Jn 2:24-25 shows us one kind of faith, the faith that Jesus wont recognize, the kind of faith that is natural and human. Jn 3 introduces faith that is true faith, supernatural faith. This is faith that does not originate from ourselves but from God Himself. This is the kind of faith that is granted to humans and has with it a reward of eternal life with Jesus (Jn 3:15). We could call it true and false faith. Now lets look at Jn 8 and try to find out two things. First, what kind of faith is present in the chapter. Second, how does Jesus deal with the faith that he sees.
Jn 8:30-31a “As he was saying these things, many believed in him. So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him”. In these two verses we are introduced to some Jewish people who had clearly believed in Jesus. The words could not be clearer, these people moved from disbelief of Jesus to belief in Jesus. What Jesus proceeds to do is almost unbelievable. He picks a fight. Jesus tells them they are slaves to sin, they have murderous thoughts, they are from Satan and not God, and that they don’t really believe in him. What!!! Does it not seem like Jesus should do the exact opposite with these newly “converted” Jews? Shouldn’t Jesus tell them to go tell the good news or to follow him?
Jesus’ reaction reveals to us our answers to our two questions. What kind of faith did these Jews possess? It was false faith or superficial faith. They may have believed certain things about Jesus but they did not believe they needed Jesus as a savior. They might have thought he was an interesting teacher or that his ways could help them succeed in life. But they did not truly believe in him. Anyone can believe in Jesus in that way. Only supernatural faith can bring someone to a place of utter brokenness and desperation and sheer joy and euphoria simultaneously at the sight and sound of the Gospel of Jesus.
How does Jesus deal with this false faith? He sees right through it. He is not going to give a high 5 to people trying to sneak into the kingdom through a window and not the door. Jesus picks a fight with this group and what happens? True colors are revealed. When Jesus tells them He is God they “Picked up stones to throw at him”. How quick it can be that those who seem to believe in Jesus start hating Him when they start to get to know him. Hate, indifference, independence, and pride, all flow from false faith.
Examine yourself. Are you the one who believes in Jesus or the one who believes in Jesus?
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