Faithful Workers

Read John 11:1–12:50

37. Despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him.
38. This is exactly what Isaiah the prophet had predicted: “Lord, who has believed our message? To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?”
39. But the people couldn’t believe, for as Isaiah also said,
40. “The Lord has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts—so that their eyes cannot see, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and have me heal them.”
41. Isaiah was referring to Jesus when he said this, because he saw the future and spoke of the Messiah’s glory.
42. Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue.
43. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God. John 12:37-43

Suppose something miraculous happens to you. News of this miracle spreads quickly throughout your community, county, and state. People from miles around come to see you and the result of this incredible event. Soon, investigative reporters show up and start asking you pointed questions. The next day their stories appear under headlines containing words like hoax and fraud. There never seems to be a shortage of skeptics.

Even Jesus had to deal with skeptics. Despite the fact that he had performed many miracles, some people would not believe he was the Messiah. But, as John writes, Isaiah predicted that people would not believe. This is hard to imagine since Jesus performs one of his most amazing miracles in this reading—raising Lazarus from the dead. Some people never believe, even when the facts are undeniable.

Do you really believe that Jesus is the Messiah? How will you respond when friends, neighbors, and coworkers are skeptical about your experience with God?

Skepticism toward Jesus’ identity and claims has always been the rule, not the exception. Most people will not believe our witness about Christ. Granted, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t speak. Jesus didn’t stop preaching and healing the day people first said, “So what?” He stayed faithful to the task his Father had given him, regardless of how people responded. Likewise, we need to commit to do God’s work faithfully, no matter how people react.

Don’t be discouraged if your witness for Christ doesn’t turn as many to him as you would like. You can control only your own actions, not others’ responses. Be a faithful worker and continue to reach out to others for Jesus.