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These are daunting words because they bring into question belief and assurance (the essence of faith).
What makes them more daunting is who raised the question, Jesus!
“I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
Luke 18:8
New International Version
Jesus is instructing his followers on prayer. He uses a parable about an unjust judge and a persistent woman.
The parable is a lesson in itself, but the following question is asked about the Christ-followers at the end of the age.
A recent article regarding the Shroud of Turin raises questions about its authenticity.
While the Scientists were doing what they do best, discovering things, (God delights in concealing things; scientists delight in discovering things. Proverbs 25:2 The Message) the discovery points to the question Jesus raised some two thousand years ago, will he find faith?
Doubt and unbelief are natural components of (fallen) human nature.
We tend to doubt what we hear without evidence, and even then, we tend not to believe the evidence when we see it.
Jesus addressed this with Thomas, one of his followers.
“So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.
A week later, his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
John 20:25-26
New International Version
In this context, faith is the belief (and assurance) that God is who he says he is and will do what he says he will do.
He sent Jesus to provide a way to return to humanity’s original (eternal) purpose.
Though Thomas walked with Jesus before his passion (trial and crucifixion), his unbelief or lack of faith could not allow him to accept the words he heard from his fellow Christ-followers.
As I study this portion of the life of Jesus, I understand that it was those closest to him (Peter and John) who first believed.
It was the words of those closest to him that helped the others believe; however, Thomas doubted.
His doubt was not without merit.
He knew about the
Trial,
The lies,
The beating.
He saw the crucifixion and the place where his body was laid
This is very strong evidence to overcome.
However, Jesus told his disciples that after three days he would rise from the dead.
“They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.”
Mark 9:30-31
New International Version
For Thomas, and many like him, the evidence outweighed the words, which stifled faith.
My concern about the time we live in is that the words from the Bible about Jesus will not be believed.
This is where a close personal relationship becomes important. Remember, it was Peter, James, and John who were the closest to Jesus, and whose words helped the others believe.
I have been amazed at the increase in archeological finds supporting the Christian faith over the past couple of years.
For Example:
Phoenician Gold Pendant—King Solomon
The Siloam Pool
Ancient Garden Under Church of the Holy Sepulcher
A silver amulet from a grave in Frankfurt, with the inscription: “In the name of Jesus Christ, Son of God”.
The compelling evidence is growing, and yet, people refuse to believe.
The Apostle Paul speaks of this in his writings.
“While Jews clamor for miraculous demonstrations and Greeks go in for philosophical wisdom,
We go right on proclaiming Christ, the Crucified. Jews treat this like an anti-miracle – and Greeks pass it off as absurd.
But to us who are personally called by God himself – both Jews and Greeks – Christ is God’s ultimate miracle and wisdom all wrapped up in one.”
1 Corinthians 1:22-24
The Message
We need evidence, and once provided, we refuse to believe.
The question of Jesus, once again, comes to the forefront: Will I find faith?
The answer is yes, IF you have a close personal relationship with him.
The Apostle Paul speaks to this.
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”
Romans 10:17
New International Version
In other words, it is a steady diet of hearing (and listening) the word of God, and allowing it to settle deep within your heart.
My concern about the time we live in is that an unwillingness to believe will outweigh the words about Jesus ‘ return.
Humanity has entered a time of historical proportions, and being close to God will mean the difference between finding spiritual freedom and deepening spiritual bondage.
Stay close.