The Silent Skeptic
He was not in a rush as he enjoyed a beautiful sunny Jewish holiday with his large family. My partner in outreach started the conversation, not hiding our belief in Jesus. The man was pleasant and eager to engage, and we talked for a while. At a natural transition I asked a favorite question, “Why do you believe that Jesus is NOT the Messiah?”
Skeptics, like this man, differ from scoffers and scorners in that they tend to be polite and reasonable, though their fixed convictions prevent them from seeking truth.
Having heard his response, I followed up, “Would you be interested in my take on one of your objections?”
This Jewish man had several kids playing in the sand nearby. Noticing that his wife was expecting another child, I drew his attention to Isaiah 9:6:
For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
“In this messianic prophecy, a seemingly human son receives divine names, one of which is El-Gibor, Mighty God.”
A common objection to this passage is that it is just a name. The name Michael, for example, also has “El” and translates to “Who is like God?” Having mentioned it, I asked, “Is El-Gibor just a name? You are expecting a child. Would you call him El-Gibor? No! You would not even consider it, because that would be blasphemy.” Our new friend sat in silence, nodding in agreement. “It seems the Bible is clear that the Messiah WILL BE divine,” I concluded.
Usually when I’m expecting a counterargument but am met instead with silence, I sense that God is at work. This father-to-be didn’t become angry or defensive. He simply reflected for a moment until we shifted to a different subject.
Moving skeptics to belief in one conversation is nearly impossible. Even the apostle Paul, after his encounter with the Lord, needed three days to process what had happened. I pray that the Spirit will finish the work. Only God knows what this Jewish man thought about when his child was born and he gave him a name…
Written by Life in Messiah staff
serving in the Pacific Northwest
