Book of John - Chapter 10 - Verse 38
Meaning
When Jesus said, "But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him," he was emphasizing the importance of looking at the evidence of his miracles rather than solely relying on his words as proof of his divine nature. Jesus performed numerous miracles during his time on earth, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, and calming storms, which were concrete demonstrations of his power and authority as the Son of God. By encouraging his followers to believe in the works he performed, Jesus was inviting them to witness firsthand the manifestation of God's presence and power in his life. Through these miracles, Jesus sought to strengthen the faith of his disciples and lead them to a deeper understanding of his relationship with the Father. Ultimately, Jesus wanted his followers to have a personal experience of God's presence and to come to believe in the unity of the Father and the Son.
Theological Overview
When examining the theological interpretation of the verse, "But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him," it is essential to focus on the concept of belief and the relationship between Jesus and the Father. In this verse, Jesus is urging his listeners to look beyond just his words and to pay attention to the miracles and works that he performs. By believing in the works that Jesus does, one can come to know and believe in the interconnectedness between Jesus and the Father. This points to the doctrine of the Trinity, where Jesus is one with the Father. The emphasis here is on faith and understanding the divine nature of Jesus as the Son of God. By acknowledging the works of Jesus as evidence of his divinity, believers can strengthen their faith and develop a deeper relationship with God. This verse highlights the importance of looking beyond just words and focusing on the actions and miracles that demonstrate Jesus' divine power.