Jesus' Most Frequently Asked Question

          

            One of the most perplexing realities for Jesus is why people who know Him lack faith in Him.  I really don’t blame Him.  That is an excellent question.  He repeatedly asked His disciples about their faith. There are a total of 13 references in which Jesus asks a question related to faith if you count the times the question was repeated in Gospel accounts.

1.       Matthew 6:30--But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

2.       Matthew 8:26, Mark 4:40, Luke 8:25 (Jesus calms the storm)--Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?

3.       Matthew 14:31 (walking on water)--O you of little faith, why did you doubt?

4.       Matthew 16:8 (warning about Pharisees)-- O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread?

5.       Matthew 17:17, Mark 9:9, Luke 9:41, (healing demonic boy)-- O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you?

6.       Luke 12:42 (being ready for his return)--Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?

7.       Luke 16:11 (parable of dishonest manager)--  If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?

8.       Luke 16:12 (parable of dishonest manager)--  And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own?

9.       Luke 18:8 (parable of the persistent widow)-- I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?

            I think it is a great question to ask myself.  I need to check in with myself on a regular basis and ponder: Debi, Where is your faith?  Asking myself this question will turn around my doubts.  It was a simple question for Jesus.  Faith in God’s goodness came as natural to Him as breathing.  He never worried about the troubles the Pharisees would bring to Him that day.  He had faith that whatever He had to face with them God has permitted and God would protect Him.  Why don’t I think like that?

            Every day opens opportunity for faith.  Each time I exercise my faith, it not only makes me feel better, but my faith gets stronger.  My faith is not that everything will go my way.  My faith is that God is good and will guide me through whatever I face this day.

            What about you?  Does your faith cause Jesus to ponder why you don’t use it?  It’s there inside of you.  You have faith so why no use it?  The more you use it the easier it is to access.  Try going through one day keeping track of your faith.  Take notice of your faith.  Learn to use your faith until you have peace in all circumstances.

Copyright © 2015.  Deborah R Newman  teatimeforyousoul.com  All Rights Reserved.