Topical Bible: Faith: Trial of by the Question of Jesus, As to Who he Was

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The trial of faith concerning the identity of Jesus Christ is a central theme in the New Testament, challenging believers to recognize and affirm His divine nature and messianic mission. This trial is vividly illustrated through various encounters and teachings of Jesus, where He directly or indirectly poses the question of His identity to His followers and the broader public.

Peter's Confession of Christ

One of the most significant moments of this trial is found in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus directly questions His disciples about His identity. In Matthew 16:13-16 , Jesus asks, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" The disciples respond with various answers, reflecting the diverse opinions of the time. However, it is Peter who, through divine revelation, declares, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." This confession is a pivotal moment, demonstrating a profound understanding and acceptance of Jesus' true identity, which is foundational to Christian faith.

The Question to the Pharisees

In another instance, Jesus challenges the Pharisees with a question about the Messiah's identity. In Matthew 22:41-45 , Jesus asks, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is He?" The Pharisees answer, "The son of David." Jesus then questions them further, citing Psalm 110:1 to reveal the Messiah's divine lordship, which they fail to comprehend. This encounter highlights the spiritual blindness and hardened hearts of those who refuse to acknowledge Jesus as both David's descendant and Lord.

The Trial Before the Sanhedrin

The trial of faith is also evident during Jesus' trial before the Sanhedrin. In Mark 14:61-62 , the high priest asks Jesus, "Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" Jesus affirms, "I am," and further declares His future exaltation, referencing Daniel 7:13. This bold affirmation of His identity leads to His condemnation by the religious leaders, who reject His claim to divinity.

The Question to the Disciples on the Sea of Galilee

In the midst of a storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus poses a question that tests the disciples' faith. After calming the storm, He asks in Mark 4:40-41 , "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" The disciples, filled with awe, question among themselves, "Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" This incident challenges the disciples to deepen their understanding of Jesus' authority over creation, reinforcing His divine nature.

The Inquiry of John the Baptist

Even John the Baptist, who had proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God, faced a trial of faith while imprisoned. In Matthew 11:2-3 , he sends his disciples to ask Jesus, "Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for someone else?" Jesus responds by pointing to His works and fulfillment of Messianic prophecies, reassuring John of His identity and mission.

The Question of Jesus' Authority

Throughout His ministry, Jesus' authority is frequently questioned by religious leaders. In Matthew 21:23-27 , they ask, "By what authority are You doing these things?" Jesus counters with a question about John the Baptist's authority, exposing their unwillingness to accept divine truth. This exchange underscores the necessity of recognizing Jesus' divine authority as integral to faith.

The Revelation to Thomas

After His resurrection, Jesus appears to Thomas, who had doubted His return. In John 20:27-28 , Jesus invites Thomas to touch His wounds, leading Thomas to exclaim, "My Lord and my God!" This declaration is a profound acknowledgment of Jesus' divinity, illustrating the culmination of faith through personal encounter with the risen Christ.

These scriptural accounts collectively illustrate the trial of faith concerning Jesus' identity. They challenge believers to move beyond mere acknowledgment to a deep, personal conviction of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, whose authority and divinity are central to the Christian faith.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 16:15-20
He said to them, But whom say you that I am?
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 9:20,21
He said to them, But whom say you that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Like Precious Faith
... He speaks of the trial of faith as being 'precious.' He ... on one another, so the object
of faith is, in ... say I. But there is another question"What Christ is it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/like precious faith.htm

The Question of Fear and the Answer of Faith
... arrive at paradise?" If thou hast ever asked this question, I will ... be able to bear
such-and-such a trial?" Yes, thou ... to be impossible to a man with faith in God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the question of fear and.htm

The Trial of Peter's Love to Christ.
... into the judgment hall to attend his trial and witness ... it"appealed to him who had
put the question, lovest thou ... of Simon, and the nature of his faith appeared ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xiii the trial of.htm

In the High Priest's Palace
... of the rulers, might well make a firmer faith stagger ... have had more reserve fidelity
for the time of trial. ... It raises the solemn question, Did Jesus claim truly ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/in the high priests palace.htm

John at ??non.
... This trial of John would have been a sore one had he been swayed by human feeling. ...
Eternal life and death turn on the question of faith in Christ. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/john at aenon.htm

Prayer and Faith
... Like Peter on Gennesaret it casts the net where Jesus commands, instantly,
without question or doubt. ... What a trial to faith! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the necessity of prayer/i prayer and faith.htm

Jesus and Abraham.
... Testament nowhere teaches justification by a faith that does ... who honoreth him, will
settle that question by his ... not be inflicted without a trial and judgment. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus and abraham.htm

Beloved, and yet Afflicted
... God, and it frequently happens that the trial takes the ... expect to be fed and clothed
by faith; but this ... dear friend, to your own heart this question, "Do you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/beloved and yet afflicted.htm

Faith and Works
... I have written a book about this question, entitled Faith and ... as these are nevertheless
saved by their faith in Christ ... The fire is a sort of trial of affliction ...
/.../augustine/handbook on faith hope and love/chapter xviii faith and.htm

Jesus and the Disciples
... their daydreams were, and what a trial lay before ... themselves whether they are in
the faith, in the ... possibly conscience-stricken, asked a question and received ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 9 28-37 jesus and the.htm