John 8:21-32 CSB
Then he said to them again, "I'm going away; you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I'm going, you cannot come." [22] So the Jews said again, "He won't kill himself, will he, since he says, 'Where I'm going, you cannot come'?" [23] "You are from below," he told them, "I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. [24] Therefore I told you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I am he, you will die in your sins." [25] "Who are you?" they questioned. "Exactly what I've been telling you from the very beginning," Jesus told them. [26] "I have many things to say and to judge about you, but the one who sent me is true, and what I have heard from him-these things I tell the world." [27] They did not know he was speaking to them about the Father. [28] So Jesus said to them, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own. But just as the Father taught me, I say these things. [29] The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what pleases him." [30] As he was saying these things, many believed in him. [31] Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. [32] You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
2 Corinthians 5:15 CSB
And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised.
Faith that Works
If you go to the Grand Canyon, there is a cantilever glass bridge called the Skywalk. You can venture out on this horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that extends seventy feet beyond the rim of the canyon. For those who dare, you can look down and see the breathtaking views four thousand feet below, surveying the dry, hard rocky ground. Many modern skyscrapers offer similar panoramic, dizzying views from transparent outdoor observation decks.
The engineers design these to be safe, and the construction crews make sure they are built right, but I question if I have the faith to believe them. You see, even though I used to replace lights at the topmost masts of ocean-going ships, I am still afraid of heights. It sends a tingle through my body. I do not know if I have the faith to venture out on these structures—at least not for any amount of time. Maybe I would step out a foot and hurry back just to save face.
This brings me to the question: What is faith? What is belief? Can you believe and not have faith? I hear it from pastors all the time—that all you have to do is believe and be saved. Say this prayer, and you are heaven-bound. But God looks at the heart. The book of James says, “You believe that God is one. Good! Even the demons believe—and they shudder.” Maybe the distinction between mere belief and true faith is becoming a disciple. It is walking out on the glass, knowing that the Lord is there with us.
For the third time in the Gospel of John, we see Jesus explaining that He is going away. Many, including the Jewish leaders, thought that maybe Jesus would kill Himself. Others thought He would go to the Gentiles in far-off lands. The sad reality is that Jesus would willingly give Himself over to these leaders so they could put Him to death. Jesus knew He was the sacrificial lamb—that He would give His life to save those who believe in Him. But again, what is belief? Even the demons believe and shudder!
Twice in our verses, Jesus says that if you do not believe, you will die in your sins. You can beg a person to believe up to their death, but if they do not, there are no more chances. Jesus plainly says if you do not believe that He is who He claims to be, you will die in your sins.
The last earthly proof Jesus gave that He and the Father are one was when He was “lifted up” for our sins. The sky went dark, the temple veil was torn in two from top to bottom, and the way into the presence of God was made open for all who believe. We can visit the gravesites of many religious leaders, but not the resting place of our Lord Jesus. The resurrection—the lack of a body—proves that He is the Son of God.
So what is the true belief that saves? It is following the teachings of our Lord and making Him Lord of our lives. It is stepping out and doing His will even when it makes us uncomfortable. It is truly making Him King. Will we fall short? Of course. But we have a loving, forgiving Savior who died for those who follow from the heart.
Reflection Questions
- Is there a “glass bridge” in your life right now—something God is asking you to do that makes you uncomfortable or triggers a “tingle” of fear?
- Jesus says in verse 31 that if we continue in His word, we are really His disciples. How does “continuing” differ from just “saying a prayer”?
- When you look at the cross and the empty tomb, do you see a historical event, or do you see the King who has the right to lead your daily life?
Prayer
Lord,
Help us to have a faith that moves. We don’t want to just have the intellectual belief of demons who shudder; we want the heart of a disciple who follows. Give us the courage to walk out onto the “glass” where You are calling us, trusting that You have already opened the way into the Father’s presence. Thank You for Your mercy when we fall short, and for the strength to keep following You as our King.
Amen.
