4TH WEEK OF EASTER

Believe because of the works themselves.

Speaking at the Last Supper, Jesus urged his disciples to believe that to see him was to see his Father (John 14:9). Even if you don’t believe because I have just told you that I am in the Father, he said, at least believe because of all that you’ve seen me do. Jesus could just as easily say the same thing to us.

Believe because of the works. Of course, there are the many miracles that Jesus performed. Who but the Son of God could walk on water, cast out demons, or raise the dead? Who else could feed thousands with just a few loaves and fishes? So believe in Jesus. He can perform miracles in your life: miracles of healing, miracles of deliverance, miracles of restoration.

Believe because of the works. Don’t just think about the miracles. Think of the special kind of work involved in bringing the Samaritan woman at the well or Zacchaeus, the tax collector, to faith. Think of how tirelessly Jesus worked with his disciples before sending them out to preach and heal. So believe in Jesus. He is not put off by your sin or weaknesses any more than he was put off by theirs. Trust that, no matter what your state, he loves you and wants to help you overcome everything that clouds your vision of him.

Believe because of the works. What was Jesus’ most powerful work? His death and resurrection! On the cross he defeated death and drained it of all its power. That means you don’t have to fear death, whether your own or a loved one’s. So believe in Jesus. He has come to give you eternal life. Believe that he has prepared a heavenly home for you, where all your tears will be wiped away and all suffering and pain will be banished forever.

Jesus has done so many marvelous works! Every single day he continues to work in this world and in the lives of his people. That means you have millions upon millions of reasons to believe in him today!

“Jesus, I believe in you! Lord, I love you and I trust in your power in my life!”

Acts 13:44-52
Psalm 98:1-4
John 14:7-14