Doubter to Disciple

Nathanael was without deceit, he spoke his mind. Not taking Jesus at face value, he questioned His origin. Nathanael doubted a person of importance could hail from a small, insignificant village. He hesitated. He judged Jesus as unfit, since He did not fit into Nathanael’s profile of a prophet, much less Messiah. In similar fashion, some people today don’t take Jesus seriously. Christ’s credentials don’t meet the standards of their cultural bias. They doubt His credibility.

However, Jesus did not defend the quality of His origin. His hometown was not the focus of their discussion. Instead, He complimented His critic as being a good man, one without guile. Because Jesus knew his heart, Nathanael’s heart was drawn to Jesus. Thus, when someone seeks first to know Jesus, they quickly realize, they are known by Jesus. Sometimes a serendipitous spiritual moment happens when we are honest with God. Yes, a guileless heart easily reaches God in faith.

“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit” (Psalm 32:1-2, NKJV).

Furthermore, our role as disciples of Jesus is simply to present Jesus. “Come and see Christ for yourself,” should often be our first step in apologetics. Seekers of God can weary over arguments for God. It’s not our flawless logic that finally converts them to Christ, but the Spirit’s wooing. God’s love is what’s irresistible. Perhaps instead, we challenge them to rest in the Lord’s presence and quietly read His words in the Bible. The Holy Spirit will draw them to Himself.

Therefore, we move from doubter to disciple when we take Jesus at His word. Wherever He leads, we follow. Whatever He says, we do. We obey His commands, because we love Him. Anyone can find reasons to doubt, but few choose to unconditionally follow Christ. Since we believe in the resurrection of Jesus, we can trust in Jesus. Where do you struggle to trust Him? Your future career? Your present problem with a child? Your past divorce or addiction? Trust. Stay in a prayerful process, as you process pain. Be a trusting Nathanael, not a doubting Thomas.

Check out Boyd’s live webcast talk on “Freedom in Christ” 7pm ET, this Saturday, March 15… www.united27.org click the “Watch Live” button

“Jesus said, ‘You [Nathanael] believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that’” (John 1:50).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, calm my fears. Replace my doubts with trust. I place my faith in You.

Related Readings: Genesis 28:12; Psalm 17:1, 26:4; Matthew 4:3; John 12:13, 14:12

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