John 4:48 So Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you simply will not believe.”
This is a very interesting reply by Jesus. The “you-people-see” is a third-person singular form, meaning, Jesus isn’t referring to Himself or to the official. He’s referring to someone not in the immediate audience. Then Jesus used the second-person plural when He said, “you will not believe”, referring to the official and those associated with him. Jesus’ reply is a rebuke that we probably all need to hear and consider.
In this verse, we see an example of Jesus’ insight regarding man. Jesus knew the hearts of men. John 2:24-25. “But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man.” In this case, Jesus exposed what was apparently a common “show me” attitude detected in the official and the Gentiles of Galilee. Here’s a somewhat more contemporary version of this. Missouri is called the “Show Me State” primarily due to a statement made by Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver in 1899, emphasizing the need for proof or evidence. He applied it generally to people in Missouri. That’s what Jesus did when He said, “Unless you people see signs and wonders.” He rebuked the man with a general comment.
Now let’s be encouraged not to have this attitude. Have you ever asked God for a sign before you really trusted Him? You know, “God, if you will do this, I will trust You and give my life to You.” or “If you’ll have my husband or wife be more loving, I’ll love him or her with You.” That’s what Jesus picked up in this man’s heart. In contrast, our trust in Jesus should be based on His character and His word. He says, “I will never desert you nor will I ever forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). He promised the Holy Spirit would be with us forever (John 14:16). So as we live to love with Jesus, we step out to love people based on His word to be with us. We should not demand that He prove that He is with us before we obey Him. Our obedience to God reveals that we believe in Him. We seek His help for His glory and trust Him to do what is best for us. There are no strings attached before we believe and trust in Him. We will still trust Him even if He doesn’t do what we so deeply desire or feel that we need to have from Him.
With no intent to rebuke my friends in Missouri, let us not tolerate a “show me” attitude in our hearts toward God. May we step out to love God and others in obedience to His word with a confidence in His presence and His promises to us. He will be faithful to love everyone the Father places in our paths.
I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of “giving it forward,” so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.
