There was a time in my life that I questioned whether God, indeed Jesus, was even real. Like many things in life, there is difference between “honest skepticism” and “phony skepticism”. I was an honest skeptic. I simply wanted to the Gospel to make sense; I wanted to understand how the Gospel made a difference in practical living. Interestingly enough, it was a combination of “signs” and answers to my honest questions that broke down my skepticism.
Mark 8:11-13 (TNIV)
11 The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. 12 He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.” 13 Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side.
These Pharisees (religious leaders) were not honest skeptics…..they were phony skeptics, they asked for a sign as a barrier against belief, not an honest inquiry. Jesus had been healing the sick, ridding people of demons, performing miracles and they still demand to see a “sign”? Give me a break! They were not seeking truth, but seeking to cement their unbelief. Eventually, that cemented unbelief gets so thick that it is impossible for light to penetrate the darkness.
In all things, this is important now, so listen closely: IN ALL THINGS ……ALL THINGS…….SEEK TRUTH…..not just justification of your position.
John 8:32 (TNIV, Jesus Speaking)
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
If you have honest questions, ask them. I believe that Jesus wants you to ask them. Most obviously in this case with the Pharisees, as many other cases with their phony skeptics, Jesus simply was not going to perform and entertain their phony skepticism on demand. However, in response to people’s true faith, many miracles were performed.
If you are asking in unbelief looking to bolster your position rather than seeking truth……don’t expect an answer that will satisfy you as you know as well as anybody that no answer will satisfy you. You aren’t prepared to give an inch. In your pride, you are simply looking to bolster your position.
If you are honestly seeking answers to questions……ask them….make a move to seek truth……..Jesus will answer. Extend your hand to Jesus and His hand will be there to embrace yours. Step toward the light, reach out toward the light, grasp His hand…….you will find a friend….and you will find truth.
John 20:29 (TNIV)
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”