John 7:31

In spite of the fact that the crowd turn on Jesus, many among them put their faith in Him. They ponder, “When the Messiah comes, will he be able to do greater miracles than this man? Perhaps he is the one.” John 7:31 EFP 

This verse gives me reason for hope and pause at the same time. I am encouraged by the fact that in the midst of the mob suddenly turned mad there is a kindling of faith. They wrestle within their minds with the evidence and wonder out loud if this could be the Long-expected One—the Messiah. In the midst of religious blindness and prejudice, they demonstrate an openness to the claims of this mysterious rabbi. The text says they put their faith in Jesus.

But I also note the basis for their faith in him—the “miraculous signs” he has performed. So far, John’s narrative notes the people saw Jesus perform “miraculous signs.” (2:23; 6:2), but in the end these miracles fail to evoke true faith in these witnesses.  Note the words of John 12:37—“Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs, they would still not believe in him.” How sad. Yet there is a fickle nature inherent in those who base their belief on the miraculous. Perhaps it is the dependence on the miraculous to sustain the faith. In the end this miracle-worker is unwilling to perform the miracle of his escape from death. Yet this is his greatest wonder of all! For this he came into the world (John 8:37). 

What is the foundation of my faith in Jesus? What moves me to believe? Where is my faith in him anchored? Do I believe, as Peter, that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God?” What will I do with that confession when it becomes mine? I feel so puny in the presence of such a grand confession. Lord, help me.