THE WEEK OF TRINITY XXI - TUESDAY

LESSON: JOHN 20:26‒29

Jesus therefore said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” John 4:48

We have mentioned the outstanding faith of this royal official and pointed out that Jesus was pleased with his faith. How does this agree with what we read here? If his faith and confidence brought this official to Jesus, why does Jesus now say to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe”? He wants to show this man that his faith is not yet strong enough; he still wants to see and experience the presence of Christ.

Christ also reprimanded the disciples in the ship when the storm came upon them, saying, “Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?” (Matthew 8:26). It is as though He meant to say to them, “Where is your faith now?” Therefore, no matter how good and upright faith is, it is bound to fall short in a moment of crisis if it is not exercised and developed.

You must never think that it is enough to begin to believe. You must always exercise a very watchful care to remain established in faith; otherwise, it will decline. You must take precautions to retain the treasure which you have obtained. The devil is always using his cunning and power to tear this treasure from your heart.

The increase of faith is as strong as its beginning, and probably even stronger. But it is all God’s work. Like infant milk, faith at first is sweet and small. When some real blasts arise and assail faith, God must strengthen it; otherwise, it will not stand up to the blows. It is Christ’s intention here to strengthen this official’s faith with the remark. “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe.”

SL.XI.1764,8‒9
AE. 79:225-232

PRAYER: Strengthen our faith, O Lord, so that with our whole hearts we trust in the promises and assurances of Your Word and saving Gospel, in and through our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.