Finding Faith: A Man Of God's Return And Redemption

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus asks a curious question: However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth? (Luke 18:8). This question is part of a broader passage in which Jesus discusses the coming of the Son of Man and encourages his disciples to always pray and not give up (Luke 17:22, 18:1).

The question about faith seems to predict that faith in God will have diminished significantly by the time of his return. This prediction is echoed in Genesis 6:6-8, where God regrets creating mankind due to their lack of faith, and in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, where only a few righteous people remained.

Jesus' query is a sobering reminder that our faith will be tested and proven when he returns. It also highlights his lordship and authority, providing comfort and encouragement to continue in prayer and persevere in faith.

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

Jesus then explains the moral of the story: if an ungodly and unfit judge can be swayed to deliver justice by the persistent requests of a widow, then God, who is loving and holy, will surely answer the prayers of His children. This parable teaches that effective prayer requires tenacity and faithfulness, and that God can be trusted to answer prayers in His own time and way.

The parable also serves as a reminder that God's justice will prevail, even in a corrupt world. The unjust judge, despite his incompetence and lack of fear of God, is compelled to carry out his duty and deliver justice by the widow's persistence. Similarly, God will bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night.

Jesus' prediction of dwindling faith

This rhetorical question seems to suggest that Jesus predicts a dwindling of faith by the time of his return. However, it is important to understand the context in which this question was asked. In the preceding verses, Jesus tells the Parable of the Persistent Widow, found in Luke 18:1-8. In this parable, Jesus compares God to an unjust judge, who eventually grants justice to a widow because of her persistent faith.

Jesus then asks, "Will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?" (Luke 18:7). He assures his followers that God will indeed bring about justice swiftly for those who cry out to him.

In this light, Jesus' question about finding faith on earth when he returns can be understood as referring to a specific kind of faith—persistent faith that trusts God to be the ultimate judge and to settle all accounts. It is not a prediction that there will be no believers, but rather a challenge to his followers to maintain their faith and trust in God's justice, even in the face of wrongdoing and troubles.

This interpretation is supported by the broader biblical context. For example, in Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Hall of Faith," various biblical figures are commended for their faith. These include Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and others, who demonstrated unwavering faith in God despite living in a faithless society.

So, while Jesus' question in Luke 18:8 may suggest a prediction of dwindling faith, it is more accurately understood as a call to his followers to persist in their faith and trust in God's ultimate justice, even in the face of adversity.

The lordship of Christ

The concept of Christ's lordship is further emphasised in Paul's letter to the Philippians. Paul directly mentions Jesus' lordship, highlighting that Jesus' power and authority are universal and independent of human will. This reinforces the idea that Jesus is the Lord of this world, whether people believe in him or not. His authority will ultimately hold all people accountable for their actions.

In exploring the lordship of Christ, it is essential to understand the context of his question in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus had been discussing the "coming of the Son of Man" with his disciples, foretelling a time when faith in God would diminish significantly. This prediction is echoed in the Book of Genesis, where God expresses sorrow and grief over the state of mankind, ultimately deciding to bring a flood to destroy all but a few faithful souls, including Noah.

Jesus' question in Luke 18:8 is a stark reminder that our faith may be tested and challenged as we await his return. It serves as a call to persevere in our faith, even when faced with difficulties or doubts. The lordship of Christ provides comfort and assurance that, despite the uncertainties of this world, Jesus is the Lord, and he will bring justice.

As Christians, we are called to emulate selfless servants like Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus, who loved Jesus, suffered for him, and put others before themselves. We must remain steadfast in our faith and continue to pray and wait hopefully for Christ's return, trusting in his ultimate lordship and authority over all creation.

The work of gospel

The work of the Gospel is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and to make disciples of all nations. It is a call to share the love of God with others and to help them find faith in Him.

When Jesus returns, will He find faith on the earth? This is a question that Christians have wrestled with for centuries. The Bible seems to indicate that, at the time of Jesus' second coming, faith on earth will have waned. In Luke 18:8, Jesus asks: "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" This suggests that Jesus is predicting a decline in faith during the end times.

The Parable of the Persistent Widow, found in Luke 18:1-8, further illustrates this point. In the parable, Jesus tells of a widow who persistently seeks justice from an unjust judge. Despite her persistence, the judge refuses to help her. Jesus then contrasts this with God, who will surely bring about justice for His chosen ones. However, He asks the question: "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"

This parable is both a warning and an encouragement to believers. It serves as a reminder that our faith will be tested and that we must persevere in prayer and faithfulness, even when it seems that the world is turning away from God. It also reassures us that Jesus is Lord and that He will ultimately bring about justice.

As Christians, we are called to share the Gospel with others and to be a light in the darkness. We must continue to pray and not give up, trusting that God will use us to reach the lost and strengthen the faith of fellow believers.

The work of the Gospel is an ongoing mission until Jesus returns. It is our duty to spread the Good News, make disciples, and help others find and keep their faith in Jesus Christ.

The ultimate judgement

In this parable, Jesus asks a rhetorical question: "When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?". This question is a warning to Christians, suggesting that faith in God will have diminished by the time of his return.

The answer to this question seems to be 'no', implying that Jesus will not find faith on earth when he returns. However, this does not refer to those who have repented and trusted in Christ. Rather, it is a question of whether people will trust God to be the ultimate judge and have faith in his ability to execute justice and settle all accounts.

Jesus' question is a call for Christians to examine their faith and to persist in prayer and trust in God, even when faced with difficulties and uncertainties. It is a reminder that Jesus is the Lord and that he will bring justice and hold people accountable for their actions.

The Parable of the Persistent Widow is both sobering and encouraging. It highlights the reality that not everyone will maintain their faith until the end, and that some will fall away. At the same time, it reassures believers that Jesus is in control and that he will ultimately bring justice.

As Christians await the Second Coming, they are called to continue in prayer, remain faithful to Jesus, and trust in his lordship and authority over the world.

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