“I’ll believe it when I see it.”
I expect that sentiment from people who want to justify their agnosticism or atheism, even though I think it’s a lame excuse for many of them. But for a lot of people, Jesus Christ—God Himself—stood right in front of them, but they still wouldn’t believe. Read any of the four Gospels about Jesus, and it becomes clear that many saw but didn’t believe.
“Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him” (John 12:37).
I am particularly amazed with the Pharisees. These men were experts in the Hebrew Scriptures, the words of God that pointed to the coming Messiah. Surely, they could see the ways Jesus was fulfilling the prophecies. But they were focused on the type of Messiah they wanted, rather than the One standing in front of them.
I can’t help but think how easy it would’ve been to believe in Jesus back then. How could people see the life of Jesus and hear His words, yet not come to full faith in Him? The Son of God was right in front of them!
Surely, it’s harder today because people don’t have Jesus standing right in front of them. Right? Perhaps more people would follow Him if Jesus stood in their midst.
Then it hits me. I represent Jesus to those around me.
- “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us” (2 Cor. 5:17).
- “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20).
- “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Eph. 5:1).
- “In this world we are like Jesus” (1 John 4:17).
The words and actions of an ambassador do not represent that person nearly as much as they represent the country or king that sent him. I represent Jesus and my life is to reflect Him. In every way.
Lynn Pryor 