Faith in Jesus Alone

I met a very interesting new patient this week. He is a 98-year-old WWII veteran whose mind is still very sharp. Soon after my arrival he stated something that he would repeat several times during my visit – “Saved by grace through Jesus and nothing else.” I had not even asked him yet about his spiritual beliefs. Naturally, I was very glad to know exactly where he stood. I think he was testing me right away since I am just a young (59.5) whipper snapper! I assured him that I totally agreed with him. He seemed to be as relieved as I was.

When he asked about my denominational affiliation, I told him what kind of a pastor I am. He asked if my denomination was known for having draft dodgers. I answered with a firm “no.” When he revealed his denomination, I was not surprised with his next question. “How old is the earth?” When my answer was under 10,000 years, he actually said “Ha! Millions.” I have never had a theological debate with someone who is almost a century old and do not plan to. I respectfully mentioned my having studied Hebrew and that the word “day” that is used in the creation account always meant a literal 24-hour period of time. Years ago, his denomination bought into a liberal interpretational view of the Bible, especially Genesis. I will not be changing his mind. The fact that we agreed on salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ was enough for both of us. He also accurately quoted John 1:1.

When we last looked at the gospel of John, we saw a bit of a transitional time. The crowds that followed Jesus began to thin as he more boldly claimed to be the Son of God and the only path to salvation. Those wanting political changes through him would be disappointed. Ones who wanted heaven without a change of direction in life would also be frustrated. The folks in the crowds had their own agendas that did not line up with Jesus’. He asked the twelve disciples if they wanted to go away as well (John 6:67). Peter was one who did not always say and do the right thing. He did here. “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God (68-69).” No one else spoke like Jesus because he alone was God’s Son who offered eternal life to those who believed. “Life” is a major them in the gospel of John, as he used the word nearly 50 times. These twelve (or eleven) believed and were not going anywhere.

Most scholars agree that perhaps six months passed between the end of chapter 6 and the beginning of chapter 7. The Passover is mentioned in chapter 6 and it took place in April. The Feast of Tabernacles was held in October. Remember that the gospel writers did not write everything that Jesus said and did (John 21:25). It is very possible that during this period of time Jesus did very little, if anything, publicly. He likely used that time to disciple his disciples. They would become the spiritual leaders of the church and had much to learn from the Master.

“After this” is how chapter 7 begins. No doubt, that after this period of time passed, Jesus was still not as ready as his disciples were to make a big splash on the scene. Jesus knew that opposition would be intensifying and that it was not yet time for him to be delivered up to the cross. That is why “he went about in Galilee,” but “would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him” (7:1). Yet, Jesus’ brothers (Joseph and Mary’s sons) encouraged him to get out there and go back to doing the miracle thing (3-4). They thought he should show himself to the world. They figured it can only be good for him and them if his popularity grew as he did miracles. A very sad and telling verse follows. “For even his own brothers did not believe in him” (5). The Bible tells us very little about Jesus’ siblings. The brothers are named in Matthew 13:55. We do not know how much younger they were. But they grew up with him and saw him living with them as a human being. They could not deny that he was powerful but obviously missed his purpose and deity. They would eventually put their faith in him. That is a good reminder to never give up on a family member or friend who does not yet trust in Jesus.

Therefore, Jesus told them, “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil. You go to the festival. I am not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” After he had said this, he stayed in Galilee (6-9). While Jesus had to have been disappointed in his brothers, he kindly stated the fact that he was not going. He did, however, go secretly to the Feast (10).

Now at the festival the Jewish leaders were watching for Jesus and asking, “Where is he?” Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others replied, “No, he deceives the people (11-12).” Some thought he was a good man in light of the kindness he showed in his miracles and teachings. Of course, Jesus was not just good, he was and is God. Others not only denied his deity but assumed he had bad motives and that they should be wary of him.

Just as it was when Jesus was on the earth, so it is now- one’s spiritual state and eternal state come down to what one does with Jesus. Those who believe that he is the Messiah and Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world will have everlasting life. We are saved by grace through faith. I am glad that my new, old friend believes that truth; even if he is wrong about the age of the earth that Jesus came to and will return to!