23 March 2018 - public works projects

Today's Readings (Audio)

No one has ever spoken like Jesus. Some begin to believe because he speaks this way. But for the Pharisees it is not enough. Maybe they're too invested in being right. Maybe they're too prideful to acknowledge that someone like Jesus could matter. Whatever the reason, his words alone are not enough to persuade them. But Jesus doesn't stop with words. He does everything he can to make his case.

If I do not perform my Father's works, do not believe me;
but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me,
believe the works, so that you may realize and understand
that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.

When the LORD needs to penetrate into stubborn hearts he is willing to use "demonstration of the Spirit and of power" (see First Corinthians 2:4). Yet neither Jesus nor Paul rely on themselves when it comes to showing force the presence and the power of God to the world.

But the LORD is with me, like a mighty champion:
my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph.
In their failure they will be put to utter shame,
to lasting, unforgettable confusion.

Jesus tells the world who he is. But he does it precisely because it is the will of the Father for us to know him. He does not do it merely out of pride, but out of obedience and love. The works he gives us our the same. Even though the works he does vindicate him they are not done for his sake but for ours. There are many people who are ready to believe without seeing, those for whom the power of the word of God alone is enough. This should not be a point of pride if that describes us. It is only by grace ("Blessed are they") that we believe without seeing. But Jesus wishes to allow some who need to see to see. Works are one way that Jesus often works. Jesus is able to reveal the Father even in these works because of how completely open he is to him.

In my distress I called upon the LORD
and cried out to my God;
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry to him reached his ears. 

We are called to trust God as our mighty champion. Even when we have trouble making the case for Christ we know that his words are unlike those of others. We must be ready to do the works of the Father, the demonstrations of the Spirit to which we are called. For us, great humility is needed. We know we are not worthy of such things being worked through us. Even so, God does not call the qualified, but qualifies those whom he calls. We really can trust him. The LORD is more than able to accomplish that which he desires through us.

"John performed no sign,
but everything John said about this man was true."
And many there began to believe in him.