When Your Faith Is Tested How Do You Handle It - Christian Perspectives
The disciples of Jesus experienced a rough time the night they arrested Jesus. Judas completely failed while Peter had a recoverable setback. The Bible says none of the others stuck around. How do you handle it when your faith is tested?
Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, “Rabbi, am I the one?” And Jesus told him, “You have said it.” Matthew 26:25
The time Jesus physically spent with His disciples was coming to an end. For over three years they enjoyed some great privileges. They walked with Jesus, sat under His teaching, and saw firsthand many of the miracles he performed.
His followers came from a variety of backgrounds and they each possessed unique qualities. Judas, one of the twelve, served as the group’s treasurer.
According to the gospel of John, the intentions of Judas weren’t always on the up and up. John revealed it when Mary, Martha’s sister, anointed Jesus with expensive perfume.
Judas Iscariot said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself. John 12:5-6
We now know the mindset of Judas and the love he had for money. So let’s get back to our scripture verse for today. Jesus named Judas as His betrayer, but look at what else He said.
“For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!” Matthew 25:24
The Disciples Didn’t Do Very Well When Their Faith was Tested
Even after Jesus made that statement, Judas still betrayed Him. If Judas would have never left that room, but . . . With hindsight revealed, his love for money and power trumped the warning Jesus gave of his terrible outcome.
Jesus also predicted how the other apostles would react before the end of that night. Later in the garden, Judas started the ball rolling. He led the authorities to Jesus so they could arrest Him.
Earlier, Jesus told Peter that he would deny Him not once, or twice, but three times. Why didn’t Peter catch himself after the first time? Why didn’t he just leave so he wouldn’t have denied him anymore?
Peter and Judas were the only two disciples who were mentioned by name in this exchange. But the rest of them weren’t excluded. Their faith was tested as well.
On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ Matthew 25:31
Verse 56 confirmed what Jesus said earlier, At that point, all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Each of His disciples did exactly what Jesus had predicted. Could Satan have had something to do with their behavior? Possibly, or maybe Satan just used the circumstances with some manipulation.
We have already mentioned what motivated Judas. Fear, however, motivated Peter and the other disciples. They thought Jesus had met defeat, thus turning the situation into every man for himself.
Our Faith Can Be Reliable
No matter how our faith becomes tested, we must keep our eyes on Jesus. The enemy of our soul will try to convince us of one of three things. Either God doesn’t care, He’s not there, or He’s not able.
All three of those are lies from the pit of hell. If you are going to run or flee, run to Jesus. He does care and He is always there and He can do all things. He is waiting for you with open arms.
Here are 4 other related devotions about faith.
- How To Supplement Your Faith In God
- Does Your Faith Embrace Honesty And Boldness?
- How Do You Handle Forced Faith?
- Is My Faith Being Tested During A Storm In Life?
Lord, as bad as things may get in our lives, help us to keep our eyes on you. And when we run, we want to be facing you so we will run into your open arms.
Enjoy reading all of Matthew 26.
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