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.
8th Question – Why Do You Not Believe Me?
What else does Jesus have to do for us to believe and trust Him?
In view of everything we can read, know, and research about Jesus, it is amazing how many people refuse to believe His words, works, claims, and identity. Scripture, extra-Biblical resources, and historical facts all clearly identify Him. Yet, the human tendency to discount and discard such information remains. So, He questions:
If I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.” [John 8:46-47, bold text added for emphasis]
Those with open hearts for God’s Word, those who have God’s Holy Spirit revealing His truth, they readily believe Him. They are “of God.” Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” [John 10:27].
By saying, “I know them,” Jesus indicated an intimate knowledge based on relationship. In other words, He said, “My sheep hear My Word, they are in personal, intimate relationship with Me, and they follow (obey) Me.” Such intimacy only comes by way of the new spiritual birth Jesus described in John 3:3-7.
Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again (from above; reborn spiritually by the Holy Spirit of God), he cannot see the kingdom of God” [John 3:3, parenthesis added].
Contrarily, those who do not hear His Word, do not believe Him, and do not follow Him, are not of God. They are not in “relationship” with Him. Their disbelief prevents them from hearing Him, following Him, and, most importantly, from entering into a personal, intimate, eternal relationship with Him.
Response
In spite of all He has done—loving us, dying for us, and providing us the only way to live forever in heaven—many still disbelieve. Since He is “the way, the truth, and the life” [John 14:6], they remain lost, confused, and blinded. Lost in sin. Confused by Satan’s deceit and this world’s lies. Blinded in their self-made, hopeless darkness.
The question remains: “Why do you not believe Me?” Those not answering with faith in Him in this life will hear it differently in the afterlife. “Why didn’t you believe Me?” By then, opportunity will be forever lost. They will only hear, “I never knew you; depart from Me” [Matthew 7:23].
Oh, may we all believe and accept Him while there’s still time.
(Link to 7th question; link to 9th question)
