On Superficial Faith-Lent 32, 2015

John 16:29 Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.” 31 “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied.

Shallow understanding.

Superficial faith. 

Lip service. 

Shutdown. 

The disciples have had enough of all this confusing stuff.

This is one instance in which the English translations don’t do justice to what is actually in the text With Christ in the Upper Room.  Read the similarity of these English translations (click link).

The English all make it look like Jesus acknowledges the disciples have had a Eureka moment and the light bulb appears over their heads.  They get it!  YAY!  In fact, it’s a bit more like their shutting down this whole thing by giving Jesus a bit of lip service, proclaiming their faith.

If, as they acknowledge, Jesus truly knows all things (and He does) and He knows what’s in their hearts (and He does), He knows that their faith is paper thin.  All this proclamation and bravado must have been very hurtful to Jesus.  It’s no wonder that His response borders on sarcasm.

He knows that they have no clue how much they really don’t know at all.

It must be enough for now.  Jesus is already interceding for them that their fragile eggshell faith won’t fail when the reality of His Crucifixion hits them square upside the head and their world crumbles apart.  They’re pretending that they understand.  They’re shutting down.  He knows they’re in for a shock.

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Give it Up for Lent: Lip service

Put it On for Lent: Real faith that grows deeper by the day

For further thought:

• If Jesus were to look in your heart right now, what would be the measure of faith He’d see?
• When we praise Jesus are we doing it because it’s expected or because it’s the only right response to what He has done for us?
• I confess that my faith is often shallow.  My praise is often half-hearted at best.  I hate how much I hurt Jesus by being that way.  I don’t know why I’m so superficial so often.  If that same sentiment applies to you, the Lent is the perfect time to repent that and ask Him to grow your faith in authentic, deep, genuine, and transparent ways.

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