Most of Jesus' disciples had a very hazy faith during the three years that they were with him. But on the last night before the crucifixion, there is evidence that many of them saw the truth for the first time with real clarity. The concentrated teaching that Jesus gave them on this occasion in the Upper Room seemed to go over there heads. But, towards the end, he reassures them that all would eventually be made plain (verses 25-27). (Jesus is referring to the help they will ultimately receive from the Holy Spirit – compare verse 13).

Jesus then summarises his whole historic task in one memorable verse. Verse 28 condenses his mission, incarnation, death, resurrection, ascension and glorification into a few short words. (It may remind us of Philippians 2:6-11.) The disciples were immediately struck by the implications of these words. Read verses 29-30. Their minds were opened to the truth. It was a kind of foretaste of the understanding they would soon be receiving regularly once the Holy Spirit was poured out.

Jesus' reaction in verse 31 provides the focus for our thoughts this morning. What was it in the disciples' words that convinced the Saviour that there had been an eleventh hour breakthrough in terms of their understanding and commitment to him? Their words in verses 29-30 actually contain three 'breakthrough' statements:

Breakthrough Statement 1
'Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech.' In fact, Jesus had not said anything he had not told them in different ways perhaps a thousand times before. It is often the case in spiritual matters that what once seemed so complex is suddenly revealed in all its true simplicity. Maybe this morning the Holy Spirit will so clarify the gospel in your thinking. From being mere 'foolishness', what Jesus did on the cross suddenly becomes the most important thing you have ever heard. You are convicted of your desperate need of Christ and what he did for you on the cross.

Breakthrough Statement 2
'Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions.' Jesus had just demonstrated that he could read their innermost thoughts (verse 19). But the Holy Spirit took them beyond this to realise that this was an indication of his omniscience. They began to see the irrelevance (and irreverence) of all their doubts and questionings. Have you come to understand that the Son of God knows your deepest needs better than you do? Have you come to the point where you can be silent before him and receive his salvation?

Breakthrough Statement 3
'This makes us believe that you came from God.' Here is the almost inevitable conclusion that they needed to draw. It is the conviction of true saving faith. It is a confession of acceptance of all that Jesus has taught them about himself over the previous years. These disciples are now Jesus as the divine Messiah, their Saviour. Is that where you are?

Jesus' response in verse 31 implies surprise, joy, relief and some rebuke! Why had it taken them so long to see the obvious, when they had lived in the light of his words and works for such a period of time? Every moment of unbelieving delay adds to our guilt, and brings the terrible danger of eternal damnation that much closer. Remember, it is not perfect faith that God requires (see verse 32 for that) but genuine faith. Then we may know the true peace in our souls that we so desperately need – and only God can supply (verse 33).