John 7: Room to Doubt
Read: John 7, Psalm 7
Who: Who wrote this book? Who did they write it to? What was their reason for writing?
What: What does this passage say about God, me, and my relationship with Him?
Many among the crowds at the Temple believed in him. “After all,” they said, “would you expect the Messiah to do more miraculous signs than this man has done?” John 7:31 (NLT)
This chapter tells me that when I struggle with doubt, I’m normal. Even Jesus’ brothers didn’t believe. We see the crowds debating and reasoning about whether or not Jesus was who he said he was. I’d say that it makes sense then for people to still struggle with who Jesus is 2,000 years later!
However, there is also one piece of reasoning that stands out to me. In verse 31 it says, “…would you expect the Messiah to do more miraculous signs than this man has done?” Whatever doubts I’ve had at different points when working out my own theology have been overshadowed by one simple thing: I’ve seen God move in mighty and miraculous ways.
This passage gives me room for doubt, but it also reminds me that my God is beyond natural comprehension and no one can display a power greater than his.
Why: Why is this truth important?
This truth is important because it leaves room for me to be a human as I attempt to comprehend a supernatural God. God knows me and leaves room for my doubts, but it doesn’t change who he is for an instant.
The truth that we serve a God who is bigger and greater than our doubts gives us a freedom to come to him with all of our questions and fears.
How: How would my life/character/perspective be different if I truly believed this truth?
When I remember this truth, I am in awe of God. I am constantly amazed by how he makes complete sense and no sense at all. My inability to comprehend all of who he is has become a comfort to me.
I love serving a God who is bigger than my capacity to explain every detail of who he is. I love that in all his complexity, we can always point to what he has done and know he is who he says he is.
Prayer:
Thank you for giving us minds with the ability to reason, question, and study. Thank you for loving us as we attempt to wrap our heads around who you are. But mostly, thank you for revealing yourself to us in mighty, miraculous, and undeniable ways. Help us to hold on to those moments when we struggle with doubt and fear.
Amen