How should believers respond when others doubt Jesus' divine nature and mission? Recognizing the Doubt in John 7:27 “But we know where this man is from. When the Christ comes, no one will know where He is from.” • The crowd assumes Jesus’ Galilean upbringing proves He cannot be the promised Messiah. • Their confidence rests on human reasoning, not on the full witness of Scripture. Jesus’ True Origin Revealed • John 7:28-29 shows Jesus answering, “I have not come on My own, but He who sent Me is true… I am from Him and He sent Me.” • John 1:1, 14: “In the beginning was the Word… and the Word became flesh.” • Micah 5:2 foretold Messiah’s birthplace and eternal nature: “His origins are from of old, from everlasting.” • Colossians 1:15-17 affirms His pre-existence: “in Him all things were created.” How Believers Can Respond to Modern Doubt 1. Return to the text – Share clear passages that speak of Christ’s deity (John 8:58; Hebrews 1:3). – Let Scripture answer speculation; avoid relying on personal opinion alone. 2. Highlight fulfilled prophecy – Show Bethlehem birth (Micah 5:2; Luke 2:4-7). – Point to resurrection predictions and fulfillment (Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:31-32). 3. Emphasize eyewitness testimony – Reference John 20:30-31: miracles recorded “so that you may believe.” – Cite 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 where over five hundred saw the risen Lord. 4. Model humility and confidence – 1 Peter 3:15: “Always be ready to give a defense… yet with gentleness and respect.” – Avoid defensiveness; let the truth stand in its own light. 5. Invite seekers to “come and see” – John 1:46-49: Philip’s simple invitation led Nathanael to believe. – Encourage personal reading of the Gospels and honest prayer for understanding. Living Out the Truth • Worship Jesus openly, acknowledging Him as both God and Man (John 10:30). • Grow in knowledge—daily study prevents shaky answers (2 Timothy 2:15). • Share testimonies; personal experience with the living Christ complements biblical evidence (Revelation 12:11). Closing Reminder When others question Jesus’ divine nature, anchor your response in Scripture, prophecy, eyewitness accounts, and a gracious spirit. The same Lord who settled doubts in first-century Jerusalem continues to reveal Himself today through His Word and His people. |
    |