The works of Jesus and the lack of faith today

Third Sunday of Lent 2nd Edition

Gospel John 12:37–43 Jesus the Conqueror of Evil

Although Jesus had done many signs before the people, they did not believe in him. This was to fulfill the word of the prophet Isaiah:

- Lord, who has believed our report?

To whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

They could not believe, for Isaiah says in another place:

- He has blinded their eyes

and hardened their heart,

so that they would not see with their eyes

and understand with their heart

and turn

and I would heal them.

Isaiah said this because he had seen the glory of Christ; he was referring to Christ.

Nevertheless, many of the rulers also believed in Jesus. However, they did not confess it for fear of the Pharisees, lest they would be put out of the synagogue. They loved the honor of men more than the honor of God. (John 12:37–43, second edition)

A Significant Review

The life of Jesus offers moments that still make us think about the power of faith today. Although Jesus performed incredible miracles that could have convinced anyone, the unbelief of his contemporaries is still problematic. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, especially the Gospel of John, tell of Jesus’ miracles that demonstrate his power over natural forces, sickness, and death. So why was faith in Jesus so difficult among his contemporaries?

The Miracles of Jesus

Jesus Christ performed over 30 miracles that confirmed his divine status. The Gospel of John highlights seven significant miracles that illustrate his power in various areas of life:

The Turning of Water into Wine at Cana - This first miracle occurred at a wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11), where Jesus turned water into wine. This event opened the door for greater miracles and marked his public appearance.

The Cleansing of the Temple - Jesus cleansed the temple of commerce and corruption, demonstrating his love and respect for the house of God.

The Healing of the Official's Son - Jesus healed from a distance, demonstrating that physical presence was not necessary for miracles to occur.

The Healing of the Paralyzed and the Blind - These miracles not only healed physical ailments, but also brought hope and faith to the hearts of the people.

Feeding the Five Thousand - This event (John 6:1-14) occurred when Jesus used only five loaves of bread and two fish to feed a large crowd. This miracle increased people’s faith in His ability to provide.

Raising Lazarus from the Dead - This was one of Jesus’ greatest miracles, establishing His power over death. Raising Lazarus is an example of a powerful faith-arousing act.

All of these miracles were more than just spectacular acts; they created an environment that should have inspired faith. Yet, many people chose to doubt.

Obstacles to Faith

The roots of people's unbelief are manifold. At that time, many lived under the influence of powerful, dark forces. Pagan religions and the Pharisees' strict interpretations of the teachings of the Old Testament created an atmosphere of fear that bound many to old beliefs.

The intimidation of the Pharisees, such as threats to excommunicate those who would acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, affected the courage of many. For example, the Gospel of John (John 9:22) tells us that the Jews were afraid to publicly acknowledge Jesus.

The importance of faith today

Today, a world where science and reason dominate, makes it challenging for many to confess their faith. Statistics show that a large proportion of Finns do not actively profess their faith. This may be because the works and miracles of Jesus may seem distant.

We do not have the same fear of confessing our faith as before, but many feel that their hearts have been closed. They do not feel that Jesus’ teachings are significant or relevant. Faith is a personal journey that is difficult to impose on others. In Finland, the gospel message is often perceived as useless.

Historical and cultural comparisons

In recent decades, many countries have seen opposition to religion. For example, in the Middle East, changing one’s beliefs can lead to severe punishments. In Finland, in other words, faith is not punished — yet many find it difficult to commit. Efficiency, rationality, and materiality seem to be top priorities.

Although we do not have the same fear as Finland, about half of the respondents said that they think about their faith only rarely or not at all. This is sad because understanding Jesus’ message and his actions can change the direction of life for many.

Jesus’ message today

Jesus’ message of love and forgiveness is still relevant. His teachings help us to understand each other better. His basic principles, such as love and care for our neighbors, have not lost their relevance. They are essential no matter where we live or what era we belong to. The story of Jesus’ life reminds us of what he did for us. His miracles show that he is powerful and that his kingdom is very different. Today, believers can find peace and comfort in his promises, even when the world around them is full of doubt.

In conclusion

The life and works of Jesus still speak to us powerfully. Even though the faith of his contemporaries was shaky, we have the opportunity to understand that faith is a personal journey that requires courage. The real impact of Jesus’ signs and teachings can still change people’s lives if we can only see their profound meaning.

We ask ourselves: What biblical truth are you willing to believe? The simple beauty of Jesus’ life and works invites us on a journey of faith that can be challenging, but is absolutely worth it. Are you ready to take a step on the path of faith? Jesus offers the keys to the world of faith. His message can challenge and inspire us even today. Faith in Jesus is a living hope for anyone who is willing to open their heart.