Thursday: The Faith of Jesus
Daily Lesson for Thursday 21st of May 2026
As this world comes to a close, part of the three angels’ messages describes God’s people keeping the commandments of God and having the faith of Jesus.
Read Revelation 14:12. What does “the faith of Jesus” mean?
If you study how Seventh-day Adventists have understood justification by faith, you’ll see that in the 1890s, an understanding of the faith of Jesus and the three angels’ messages was greatly emphasized in the church. Up until then, the church had put a great deal of emphasis on the law, and it needed more of a gospel emphasis. Ellen G. White summarized it well: “The commandments of God have been proclaimed, but the faith of Jesus Christ has not been proclaimed by Seventh-day Adventists as of equal importance, the law and the gospel going hand in hand.”—Selected Messages, book 3, p. 172.
Although Hebrews 11:1-40 lists godly men and women who had strong faith, no one has had faith that is comparable to Jesus’ faith.
Read Matthew 26:36-42. What does this tell us about the faith of Jesus at this crucial moment?
Image © Krieg Barrie from GoodSalt.com
When we have the faith of Jesus, this means not only that by obedience to Him and His Word we will emulate the faith that He had in God, but also that we will have an active and living daily experience with Jesus. It’s knowing and acting on the fact that without making Jesus the center of our daily lives, we can’t have a saving relationship with God.
Having the faith of Jesus means to have Jesus abiding in us, and thus His faith in our hearts, for Jesus is the true foundation of our faith. At times our faith might be weak and feeble. But Jesus is worthy (Revelation 5:9), and we can have His faith, both reflected in our own experience and being credited to us, by His gift of grace to all who believe.
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How much do you want the faith of Jesus? Humbly ask God to give it to you and claim Hebrews 11:6 as your personal prayer, saying, “Lord, without faith it’s impossible to please You. I come to You and believe that You are, and that You will reward me when I diligently seek You. I do so now.” |
Faith in Christ is by far more than a religious option or a marginal addition to our lives. It is the only source of true life itself. The bible reveal that we must remain united to Christ as the branch is to the vine to ensure His life flows into our lives. As Jesus declared in John 15:4–5, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” When we abide in Christ, His words abide in us, His love becomes ours, and His joy fills our hearts. Faith is therefore not merely believing about Jesus, but living in continual dependence upon Him, allowing His Spirit and His life to dwell within us.
Whatever a person abides in will naturally abide in them. If we remain in sin, compromise, guilt, condemnation, or shame, those things will shape and fill our lives. Yet the gospel calls us into a greater reality — to rest and remain in Christ Himself. As Galatians 2:20 declares, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” True faith is the life of Christ expressed through those who abide in Him. Therefore, if we desire true transformation from within, we must change what we are resting in. We must choose to remain in Jesus, trusting Him fully, and He promises to remain in us.
Just wow! Montaya, this is simple and critical truth. “Whatever a person abides in will naturally abide in them”.
How can we abide so that the faith of Jesus naturally abides in us? When I look at my faith, it seems so patchy and frail…Lord have mercy. Jesus shows us that it is doable.
Jesus abided in the Father consistently (woke up early each morning to spent time apart and communicate with the Father, spoke only His Father’s words (and ideas), sought only to glory His Father in His pronouncements, humbled Himself to do what He and the Father agreed to do (despite the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual anguish evident in the Garden of Gethsemane).
May we go and do likewise… Lord I believe, help thou my unbelief.
Revelation 14:12: here’s the patience of the saints; here’s those who keep God’s commandments and have the faith of Jesus Christ.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church grew out of Methodism. Both William Miller and Ellen White had Methodist connections. This carried with it a fair bit about Christian perfection and holiness. Spiritual discipline, moral behaviour and conformity to a strict Christian lifestyle was a major emphasis. Beginning in 1888 with the Minneapolis General Conference, the idea that we were saved by grace started to infuse the collective Church’s thinking. The journey to understanding the importance of grace and the faith of Jesus has been a long one. The debate has at times been quite acrimonious and quite a few folk lost their way over the debate. Even today, any discussion about grace and the faith of Jesus often comes with “Yes but … ” clauses as we try to justify our Seventh-day Adventist roots in Methodism.
A lot of effort goes into carefully teasing out the semantics so that we appear to be kosher in our wording. Most Seventh-day Adventists can spell “justification” and “sanctification” correctly and even give succinct definitions of them in Sabbath School class.
The idea of the “faith of Jesus” is something much more organic than abstract definitions and teased out semantics. Earlier this week, I used the example of the difference between an abstract understanding of electricity and its utility in serving us in our every day lives. The faith of Jesus is not meant to be an abstract or mystical understanding, but a utility driver in our relationships with God and one another.
Jesus spent a fair bit of time turning conventional religion on its head in his day. It had become consumed with definitions, rules and precedents, to the extent it had forgotten about compassion. Is it possible that we need to do a reset today to get back to the core relationship with Jesus that changes our lives and empowers us to share that change with others?
Dear Maurice, I am in total agreement with your comments about an over emphasis on explanations about faith. Earlier this week reference was made to the phrase, “looking at swimmers swim will not make us into swimmers.” We have to want to be a swimmer first, learn the correct technique second, and then practice what we learn. The more we practice the better we get at it. The final step is to use our “gift or talent” to bless others and glorify God. The gospel is the good news of our salvation – this is what Jesus did for me. It is the most powerful sermon that we could preach.
I’ve come to learn that the Greek phrase translated as “faith of Jesus”, has two applications “faith in Jesus” or “faithfulness of Jesus”, both of which are so relevant in our connection and relationship with God. Coming from the word pistis (πίστις) which could mean faith, belief, trust, and fidelity, this multiple-pronged phrase provides a rich two-layered significance in our relationship with God.
First, faith in Jesus is our divine access to the Father in heaven, as Jesus says
And then, the “faithfulness of Jesus” teaches us how to believe and live a life that honors God. Jesus’ life on earth lifted the spirit of the oppressed, the beleaguered; breaking chains of the captives, setting them free with healing, teaching and showing love to all.
This faith of Jesus is something we should yearn for because it transforms and readies us for our purpose in His holy vineyard. It’s such a beautiful experience and we should long to have this. It’s such a blessing.
Dear Stanley, thank you for your comments. In simple phases, how can someone, who has little faith, get the faith that the lesson speaks about this week.
Dear Melvin, our ability to have faith or trust in someone is not an act of the will. It is the result of a relationship. Jesus indicates that very clearly when he said to his listeners – “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15 (KJV). Our Lord understood that we had no ability to keep the Commandments until we had grown to know, love and trust Him. Only then could we access power to live for Him. For it is only by faith in Him can we derive power to live holy lives.
Therefore Melvin we must spend quality time with Him. Not simply seeking for information in order to display our Theological brilliance ; but to know Him personally, to love Him fervently and to trust Him completely.
Thank you, Steve. And to take it one step further, when we obey His commandments, our faith grows deeper.
It is not possible to grow in faith or our relationship with Christ without obeying His commandments – doing what He asks us to do.
When we look at the faith of Jesus, we see that His life was marked by steadfast and perfect obedience. Each day He was perfectly submitted to the Father’s will.
So if we would have the faith of Jesus, we need to submit ourselves to Christ fresh every morning – and often many times a day.
In fact Inge, the proof that we truly have faith in Him , that we truly trust Him, is our obdience to His commands.
Exactly!
True
Thank you! Hope this answers Melvin. Thank you Melvin for the question.
You are welcome Steve. Don’t forget, let us keep each other in prayer.
Earlier in the week, someone wrote that there is a difference between having faith in Jesus and having the faith of Jesus. There are many giants of faith in the Bible and we have been reminded of them this week, but as the lesson author said, “no one has had faith that is comparable to Jesus’ faith.”
As Bible believing, Sabbath keeping Adventists, we can be tempting to rest on our laurels as we think we see ourselves described here: “here[b] are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”
I looked at various translations of this text and I found that invariably, apart from The Berean Bible, all the newer translations, (NIV, NLT, ESV, NASB, CEV, CSB, NASB, etc) translate the phrase as “faith in Jesus”. All the classic translations, literal translations, Aramaic translations use the phrase, “faith of Jesus”.
In my mind, it is much easier to have faith in Jesus. If people can have faith in the pantheon of all time sports GOATs: Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps, Lionel Messi, Novak Djokovic, Usain Bolt, how much easier to have faith in the Man who walked on water, multiplied a child’s lunch to feed thousands, healed the sick, raised the dead… I can have faith in such a man, but to have the faith of such a one is something else. I don’t even know if I have the faith of Noah — to ignore ridicule and continue to preach and build an ark for 120 years never having seen rain? Yet, I claim to have the faith of Jesus! Really?!
It is the faith of Jesus that clearly shows me that all my righteousness is filthy rags. It is what keeps me humble and pricks me when I give the side eye to others.
So where then is my hope if I cannot rightly be described as one who has the faith of Jesus? My hope is in the same place that gives the patience of the saints: It is a free gift of God, lest I should boast. It is God who works in me both to will and to do his good pleasure. He begins the work and finishes the work. It is my daily coming to his throne of grace and having the faith to believe that I will find mercy.
Lord, I come to you this morning acknowledging that I am unworthy. I accept your unmerited favour. Fill me with your righteousness and with the faith of Jesus.
Live out Thy life within me, O Jesus, King of kings!
Be Thou Thyself the answer to all my questionings,
The temple has been yielded, and purified of sin,
Let Thy Shekinah glory now shine forth from within.
The original Greek uses the expression “pistin Iesou” (πίστιν Ἰησοῦ) – literally, “Faith Jesus”. “Ἰησοῦ” in a genitive noun indicating that the words “Faith” and “Jesus” belong together. The English language does not have a direct equivalent, and that has resulted in the phrase being translated as both, “Faith in Jesus” and “Faith of Jesus”.
There is a tendency by some to say that one translation is superior to the other, but I submit that there is meaning in both translations. The idea of “Faith in Jesus” indicates a personal choice to trust in Jesus, especially in times of adversity. Faith of Jesus focuses on the reliance on Jesus and his faith in God.
I submit that the two ideas are not antagonistic but are complementary. Perhaps we may like to consider that “having faith in the faith of Jesus”, is a meaningful and scripturally sound way of combining the two ideas.
I agree with you, Maurice. Regarding Galatians 2:20, it’s interesting to do a search in Ellen White’s writings for these phrases filtered by her lifetime works.
“by faith in the son of God”
“live by faith in the son of God”
“live by the faith of the son of God”
She uses them interchangeably.
Jocelyn, several of the translations you mentioned are literal. The ESV and NASB are very solid translations.
When there are differences in translations, it’s probably wise to consider that the text can be looked at different ways and not be dogmatic about it.
How can imperfect human beings possibly have the perfect faith of Jesus Christ?
The perfect faith of Jesus Christ is not simply an example to admire, but we have been invited to participate in it. If we can make Jesus the foundation of life, then we are assured of the faith of Jesus. “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2). This is not about knowing the faith of Jesus but trusting as He trusted, obeying as He obeyed, surrendering as He surrendered, and loving as He loved. We must live in union with Jesus Christ. “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…” (Galatians 2:20). This is the gift of God through grace.
If those in the Hall of Faith are described as not having been even close to Jesus’ faith, how can we be sure that we can have it? Is it achievable?
In our own abilities it is not achievable. It is only possible through God working in our lives. And really that is no different from the heroes of faith. They didn’t generate their faith either.
Having the faith of Jesus comes by daily relationship with Jesus. In His word daily with prayer and meditation on His Word, the Bible. Cherished sin disappears and becomes rubbish. Our own righteousness does not work, rather we take on Christ righteousness which is from God through faith in God. The power is with us by faith rather than our own strength, to be overcomers. We have forgiveness, and strength to repent all a part of growing in Christ. Absolutely Omwenga, it is no longer I who live rather it is Christ who lives in me. It will be said, here is the patients of the saints, here are they who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus. Absolutely ours for the asking and acting(obedience), by daily prayer while reading and contemplating the Word of God
Philippians 3:7-11.
2 Timothy 1:7.
Romans 8:37-39
Galatians 2:20.
Revelation 14:12.
John 1:1-4.
Personally, the faith of Jesus is the trust and faith that evolve from having a personal relationship with God.
There is no other way to conquer faith but through Jesus. He is the One Who has left us the real example. Looking at all of the Bible characters that we can learn a lot from, Jesus is THE CHARACTER! He can make a real difference in our faith.
The faith of Jesus was acquired through the relationship between him and the Father. It was obtained through adversity, and forged in the fires of affliction. It was tested through severe temptations even to his final breath. It didn’t just fall out of a coconut tree (or palm tree) onto him. It was built day by day in the quiet times and quiet places. It happened as he experienced Isaiah 53:3.
If we want the faith of Jesus, it will grow in us through similar situations and circumstances. Expect to experience some blood, sweat, and tears along the journey. It doesn’t happen by osmosis. The prosperity gospel teaching sets people up for disappointment. The Christian life is a battle and a march, however Christ fights for and marches with us.
I would like to share that the “Faith of Jesus” can be rightly understood as it is read the ” Faith-of-Jesus”. My mind goes back to religious groups like the one many years ago who committed mass suicides in the jungle of Guyana. Can one honestly conclude ; although they claimed to be Christians, that they possessed the “Faith of Jesus”?
The question comes to mind although in our personal lives we may not go to such extremes, and we see ourselves as Seventh-Day Adventist in good and regular standing ; ( think before you answer) do we truly have the ” the faith of Jesus” ?
The Enemy has appeared to have executed a master strategy in Protestant Christianity today. You have out Protestant brethren in Christ proclaiming ” a Lawless Grace ” and we have some of our Seventh Day Adventist brethren proclaiming “a Graceless Law” . What a masterstoke !
May we return to the “Faith of Jesus” both in its authenthicity and its functionality.
‘The Faith of Jesus’ – … O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your Will be done.” Matt.26:42.
To be accused by corrupt man, not having committed any wrong, being innocent of what He was accused of, knowing the kind of tortuous death He was to suffer but still trusting the Father that He will remain faithful – this is to me the ‘Faith of Jesus’.
Ultimately, trying to ‘protect His body’ did not rise to the same level of importance than ‘doing the Will of the Father’. In this crucial moment, I see our Savior’s love, faith and trust in the Father displayed, providing a glimps into that which governes their relationship.
To me, this highlights the quality, the most salient aspects of our relationship with Him and the Father. How the individual believer goes about learning to apply faith/trust/love is between God and His Child.
Jesus Christ’s Gospel shared with mankind – His Love and Faith in the Father – our Salvation by God’s Grace through faith – teachings about life, death, and His and our resurrection – etc. is His Testimony as the Son of God. Who are we to challenge the Faith of Jesus?
I’m looking for additional insight into the “faith of Jesus” or “Faith in Jesus”. Are there any verses in the Bible that say that Jesus had faith?
It is useful to refer to the original Greek (the Greek in the Textus Receptus). The expression translated “Faith in/of Jesus occurs 4 times in the New Testament. Galatians 2:16, Romans 3:22, Philippians 3:9, Revelation 14:12. In each case the original is “pisteōs Iēsou”. Note there is no explicit preposition and it is implied by the genative case “Iesou” The in/of translation is an implied. translation and depends on the context. This is often the case in translation, particularly from ancient languges as there are often no exact equivalents. (One of the orginal English translations tried doing a word for word translation and was quite unreadable – I forget which one)
I submit that both “in” and “of” are meaningful and we do not have to take sides.