If

 

And he is saying to Him.  "If You are God's Son, cast Yourself down, for it is written that 'His messengers shall be directed concerning Thee' and 'On their hands they shall be lifting Thee, lest at some time Thou shouldst be dashing Thy foot against a stone."  Jesus answered to him, "Again it is written, 'you shall not be putting on trial the Lord your God.'"

Matthew 4: 6-7, Concordant New Testament 

I can recall a few times in the life of Jesus where those around Him sought the definite proof that He was Whom He claimed to be.  The Son of God.  One occurred while He was in the midst of Satan's temptations while another took place at the cross.  I began to wonder to myself, with all the publicity which Jesus has attained in His life, death and resurrection, why is it that people would demand proof that He is Whom he claims?  I can honestly recall a few instances in my own life where my prayer began, 'Jesus, if you're real.'  I didn't doubt that He was the Son of the Living God, I just wanted to know if He was there when I needed Him.  Well, it turns out that He has always been an intimate part of me.  The apostle Paul speaks to this in Galatians {Galatians 2:20}.  Yet there are those who still seek proof that Jesus is who He says He is.  Even His own disciples once questioned His identity {John 20:24-29}.  Growing up a Christian, I was well versed in the stories and selected scriptures which spoke of Jesus.  So, I knew OF Him from an early age.  I never felt the need to question who He was.  I guess that it's for this reason that I do not understand why it is that others question the lineage of Christ.  Jesus does not need to be proving Himself to me.  

Now those going by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, "You who are demolishing the temple and building it in three days, save Yourself!  If You are the Son of God, descend from the cross!" 

Matthew 27: 39-40, Concordant New Testament 

I believe that it is never a good way to began a prayer with Jesus with the word "If."  For by asking if we are instantly doubting the reality of Jesus.  Instead, we should approach Him with a spirit of confidence that we know who He is.  Through faith, we know in our hearts that Jesus is real.  Paul himself realized that he no longer existed.  The old man he once was had been nailed to the cross with Jesus.  In his place dwelled Christ Jesus.  Paul realized that he was living in faith that was of the Son of God {Galatians 2:20}.  This is the reality of Christ Jesus in us.  We have no need to ask Him to prove His existence, because He exists in us.  Jesus lives and feels as we do.  Would I ever broach the question if I exist?  No, because I know through experience that I live and breathe, albeit through Christ who remains in me.  I know in my heart that Jesus is Who He says He is.  I...am Christ.  

The other disciples then said to him, "We have seen the Lord!"  Yet he said to them, "Should I not perceive in His hands the print of the nails, and thrust my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will by no means be believing."  And after eight days His disciples were again within, and Thomas was with them.  The doors being locked, Jesus is coming and stood in the midst and said, "Peace to you!"  Thereafter He is saying to Thomas, "Bring your finger here and perceive My hands, and bring your hand and thrust it into My side, and do not become unbelieving, but believing."  And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"  Now Jesus is saying to him, "Seeing that you have seen Me, you have believed.  Happy are those who are not perceiving and believe." 

John 20: 25-29, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~