Topic: Do you believe?

Some People Know, But Don’t Believe

I want to share with you a little background of John 3:16. Nicodemus, a ruling Pharisee of the Jews came to Jesus by night to ask a question. He was a knowledgeable teacher of God’s Law in Israel yet was troubled. He knew about Jesus, in fact he said, “We know that you have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”

We see that Nicodemus knew Jesus, but there was something lacking. The problem was this: he knew, but he didn’t believe.

In verse 11 it records Jesus telling Nicodemus, “We speak what we know and testify what we have seen…” Jesus adds, “you do not receive our witness.”

In verse 13, Jesus states, He is the only person who speaks what He knows about heaven and God from personal eyewitness experience. “No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven, even the Son of Man.”

In essence Jesus is telling Nicodemus, you believe my teaching and signs are from God, but you won’t accept the truth they point to. You know about Me, but you don’t really believe in Me.

Will you accept the testimony or not? Nicodemus will believe, will you? The purpose of John’s gospel is that you will believe (John 20:30-31).

Maybe you’re going through strain and grief and danger and disappointment. You may be filled with lots of doubt. Maybe you’re waiting for Jesus to come to you in body. Maybe you’ve said like countless others that you won’t believe unless Jesus does more for you. That is unbelief.

Why believe? Look at John 3:18. Those who believe in Christ will have no judgment against them. But those who do not believe, even Jesus can’t stop the judgment you’re condemned for. There is life waiting for you when you believe.

I encourage you to believe!

See you Sunday!

Dr. Scott Kallem