Someone to Believe InSample

The Stability of Our Times

John is the last remaining disciple, writing his gospel, a theological reflection on the life of his Savior long after all his friends have died. He’s seen it all—probably to a much more severe level than any of us have seen—and yet still believes.

It would be easy to doubt and give up for John. No one likes to be alone. In fact, repeated persecution is one reason people give up. It just hurts so much. But as one theologian writes, it’s in these dark moments that we see him as someone to believe in.

In the person of Jesus, those hungering for righteousness see his justice. Those thirsty for compassion see One who will not break a bent reed. Those battling doubt meet One who hears prayers to help our unbelief without judgment or shame. And those perplexed with confusion over the complexities of lies, and the fear of being lied to again, come face to face with the only One who is faithful and true.

As the last man standing, that’s what John tells us. He places us face-to-face with the One “who is faithful and true.” In short, John isn’t writing to us from an ivory tower when he introduces us to Christ in his Gospel account. He’s writing to us from a place of suffering, from a place where all earthly trusts turned out to be either untrustworthy, disappointing, heartbreaking, or simply unable to last. And on the other side of that, his portrait of Jesus is clear:

• In a world filled with ache for Christ to make things right, the preexistent Christ came to rescue us.
• In a world that cracks and shakes and changes its landscape faster and faster, Christ can steady you.
• In a world that demands perfect performance, Christ is not interested in your religious works.
• In a world that motivates people by shame, Christ has covered yours.
• In a world that is constantly thirsty, Christ quenches your thirst by his Spirit.
• In a world that always hungers for more, Christ satisfies you with himself.
• In a world that gives up on you or disappoints you, Christ exceeds your expectations.
• In a world that leaves you alone, Christ is with you as a faithful friend.
• In a world that forgets about you, Christ prays for you.
• In a world that takes care of only itself, Christ provides for you.
• In a world that cannot cure human suffering, Christ offers resurrection life.
• In a world of cruel leaders and wounded sheep, Christ is the Good Shepherd.
• In a world that never feels quite right or safe, Christ makes a home for you.

And Jesus is not just that way for a moment, only to change the next. He is all of this and more for you forever. He has been these things for you in the past. He is these things for you in the present. And he will always be these things for you in the future. He cannot change.

“I know pain,” John essentially says. “I understand the disillusionment and devastation that comes when you are let down,” John laments. “But I’m telling you in every symbol I can reach for: he is someone to believe in.”

Derek Rishmawy, “Take a Hard Look at Jesus,” Before You Lose Your Faith: Deconstructing Doubt in the Church, ed. Ivan Mesa (The Gospel Coalition, 2021), 139.

Thank you for reading!

This plan was adapted from Someone to Believe In by author Courtney Reissig. Click here to learn more or purchase your copy.