Faith vs. Unbelief

Read Proverbs 28:1-14


Read Mark 6

We have a stark contrast between the first half of this chapter and the second half. In the first half, we see a saddening lack of faith. We see that Jesus is rejected in his own town. The people's lack of faith in him is surprising - so much so that we are are shocked when Mark says, "He could do no mighty work there," (v. 5). This doesn't teach us of Jesus' power (we know he is all powerful), but it teaches us of the peoples' lack of faith. We learn that where there is no faith in Jesus, then there should be no expecting of goodness and displays of divine power. Jesus himself "marveled because of their unbelief." (v. 6)

Jesus then sends out the twelve, with instructions on what they should do when rejected. Then we hear of John the Baptist beheaded. There are evil and wicked people in this world. And they lack faith. They oppose Jesus and his disciples. This drives home the point that God's grace is resistible.

But look what happens where faith exists! Even a few in the opposing town of Nazareth are healed (v.5). The twelve disciples are not always rejected as they go out. Rather they are able to heal and cast out demons (v. 13). Then also believing and faithful people are miraculously provided for as Jesus multiplies fish and loaves. And this Jesus, who walks on the water, has power over the weather and also over all sickness. Many people at Gennesaret believed that if they even touched the fringe of his garment, they would be made well.

See what miracles come when we believe in Jesus! Needs are provided for. Sicknesses are healed. "But," you might argue, "Jesus does not always heal us. Jesus does not always calm the storm. Jesus does not always multiply our bread (or dollars). Jesus does not always rescue us out of our suffering." Fair enough. But do not forget that Jesus has healed our sin-sickness! Jesus has quieted the raving Devil and his horde of demons! Jesus has provided the one thing needful, our salvation! Jesus has rescued us from sin, death, and hell! Aren't these the greater miracles?

Yes. And he has done these for us. And the faith that was given to us by the Spirit of God through the means of grace, this faith has enabled us to receive these miracles with joy and thanksgiving. "Sola Fide," Luther would say. Faith alone.

And so it is that we sing in the hymn "Salvation Unto Us Has Come":

Faith clings to Jesus' cross alone
And rests in Him unceasing;
And by its fruits true faith is known,
With love and hope increasing.
For faith alone can justify;
Works serve our neighbor and supply
The proof that faith is living.

(LSB 555:9).

Pray:

All blessing, honor, thanks, and praise
To Father, Son, and Spirit,
The God who saved us by His grace;
All glory to His merit.
O triune God in heav'n above,
You have revealed Your saving love;
Your blessed name we hallow.

(LSB 555:10)

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!