Credo

CREDO – SUNDAY MAY 11, 2025



John 10:22-30  “At that time the Festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me, 26 but you do not believe because you do not belong to my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, in regard to what he has given me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.”

➖

Knowing and believing are not the same thing.

“Knowing” is being convinced of the truth of something. I “know” 2+2=4, or that the sun will rise again tomorrow, or that the Trump Administration will continue to misrepresent themselves.

“Believing” means to be dedicated or committed to something, whether or not I “know” it to be true. So, I “believe” that God has created the world, and that life is sacred. That is to say, I am committed to the sanctity of life and its protection. I “believe” that my children deserve respect and space to live their own lives, even when I disagree with their decisions. Often times that means not saying things I might otherwise. And I “believe” in “God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord . . .”

"Knowing" is in the head. "Believing" is in one's hands and heart.

In the Bible lesson for today the disciples want answers. “How long will you keep us in suspense?” they say to Jesus. “If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” I get that. I like answers, too. But did you catch Jesus’ response. “I have told you. You just don’t believe me!”

Knowing and believing are not the same thing.

When I get discouraged, I often sit down and have a talk with myself. “What do you know Dave, or think you know? What is getting you down right now? Is it true? Is it the whole truth?” Sometimes it is and sometimes it isn’t. Sometimes I can talk myself into being in a better mood. Sometimes I can’t. It's all in my head.

The better question, though, is “What do you believe Dave?” That is to say, “What am I committed to?” What reality do I look ahead towards? What future or promise has power for me? Asking that I can always choose to get up and do something if I want - because believing is in one's hands and heart.

“My sheep hear my voice.” says Jesus. “I know them, and they follow me.”

(Believing can be in your feet, too!)

Choosing to follow Jesus is not an ignorant thing. It is not a deluded thing. Sure, I have lots of questions about Jesus and the whole death and resurrection thing.  And for sure following Jesus is not a way to optimize power or efficacy in the world. But believing is "a" thing - and for people of faith it is generally "the" thing. 

Now more than ever believing - committing to, doing, following - is a "sacred" thing. All the more so, I think, when you consider the alternatives!

Comments

  1. GaryMay 11, 2025 at 2:53 PM

    Thank you for this powerful reflection. I really appreciate how you distinguish between knowing and believing Dave. I agree with you that knowing is intellectual, but believing is embodied, relational, and active. That does resonate deeply with Jesus’ words in the passage: “My sheep hear my voice... and they follow me.” It’s not just about having the right information. It’s about recognizing the voice of the Shepherd and choosing, over and over, to trust and follow, even when clarity is elusive.

    I also hear in your words a challenge: when life is uncertain or discouraging, when the answers aren't clear, belief calls us not to individual paralysis but to collective participation. That’s both encouraging and humbling. It reminds me that faith isn’t something we merely hold in our minds; it’s something we live with our whole selves.

    Your reminder that believing is a sacred act, especially “when you consider the alternatives”, feels timely and necessary. It invites us not to retreat into skepticism or despair, but to recommit ourselves to love, to justice, to the sanctity of life, and to the One who calls us by name.

    ReplyDelete

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