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Jesus is greater than the lies of the world

Devotional

Thinking about the life and claims of Jesus immediately produces barriers and questions to faith. Understandably so, the message of the gospel is mind-blowing. It is helpful to realize that the disciples that lived with Jesus for three years struggled with doubt. These men witnessed miracles, spent time with Jesus face-to-face, and were constantly under His teaching. Yet, they doubted.

In verse six of this passage John says they were filled with grief at the news of Jesus’ departure. Jesus tells His followers the coming of the Holy Spirit will guide, comfort and prove the truth of Jesus. To this actual, in-person conversation, the disciples grieved. They doubted.

Today, in our world, our minds and hearts operate in a similar way. We hear the truth of Jesus and His gracious gospel, and we doubt. It’s important to realize why we doubt. We assume that if could have only been there and seen, or heard Jesus in the flesh, life and faith would be totally different. That assumption is doubtful. Time and space are not our problem. The disciples lived in the time of Jesus and were in His space. And, they doubted! We don’t share the physical front row seat the disciples experienced, but we do share the same faith problems. The following verse tells us why. Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away.” (v. 7)

If you are going to follow Jesus you will experience times of doubt. We doubt because it’s difficult to accept things we can’t understand. How could Jesus leaving be good? We don’t understand ‘good’ because we constantly frame the concept of what is good from our own perspective. We claim to be the ultimate judge of what it best for us – but not out loud! No one would ever say they know better than God, but doubt is the same sentiment dressed up for our approval.

In the grace of God, hope is immediately available. When you accept Jesus as Savior from the penalty of sin and Lord of your life, He promises the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to guide you in truth about righteousness. Jesus will always guide you to what is good.

Pray

Thank you Jesus for giving Your Holy Spirit to keep me from falling away. Please make me sensitive to the destructive nature of sin. By Your Holy Spirit, guide me so other people will know I belong to You.