The Faith of the Son of Man

Faith in the Synoptic Gospels as taught by the Greek word “pistis” - Part 5:

We continue our study of the Greek word “pistis” translated with the English noun “faith” found 24 times in Matthew, Mark and Luke. (It is not found in the book of John.) Jesus uttered it 23 times, His disciples once. Part 1 of this series (Vol 3, No 15) described 8 incidents in which Jesus alluded to the faith of 13 people as the key to their healing and/or forgiveness from sins. In Part 2 (Vol 3, No 16) we studied 4 incidents in which Jesus told His disciples all they could accomplish if they had even a tiny amount of faith and the one occasion when the apostles asked Him to increase their faith. Part 3 (Vol 3, No 17) examined the word used once regarding the Apostle Peter's faith being tried. In our last study (Part 4, Vol 3, No 18) we saw the word used to teach that the Law given to Moses had to be kept through faith in God and not in one's own self. The 14 incidents studied to date account for 23 of the 24 occurrences of “pistis” in the Gospels. Today we examine the 15th incident (24th occurrence.) This is in Luke 18:88 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

b when Jesus asked His disciples the question: “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?”

Dominion of the Son of Man/The Kingdom of God on earth: Before we look at what faith means here we need to consider the title “the Son of man,” which occurs 88 times in the New Testament, 84 of which are in the Gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke and John where Jesus refers to Himself all 84 times. (This title also occurs once in Acts; once in Hebrews and twice in Revelation.) When used of Christ it always includes the article “the.” The title, “the Son of man” has to do with His relationship in dominion on earth. To understand this we have to go back to the first Adam who was originally given dominion over the works of the Creator, Genesis 1:2626 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

. However, this was forfeited by the fall, Genesis 3, lost to mankind and has been in abeyance since then. Satan has unsuccessfully attempted to gain this dominance on earth from time to time through various world leaders but he has not and will not succeed until he raises up the Antichrist, who will have this power for a short time. After that, the last Adam, (1 Corinthians 15:4545 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

) “the Son of man” to whom all dominion in earth has been given by God, will take His great power and reign over the Kingdom of God on earth. (See Appendix 98 of the Companion Bible.)

The context of our study today starts at Luke 17:2020 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:

20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:

20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:

and culminates in Luke 18:8, where Jesus asked whether the Son of man will find faith when He returns to earth. In the chapters leading up to Luke 17:20 Jesus was talking to, alternatively: publicans and sinners; His own disciples; and unbelieving Pharisees and Scribes, teaching about various aspects of the Kingdom of God. Then the Pharisees demanded He tell them when the Kingdom of God would come and He answers that it would not come merely because they wanted it to, Luke 17:20. Jesus points out that some will attempt to mislead by saying the Kingdom of God is here or there when actually it will be right among them, Luke 17:2121 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

. Then He turns from the Pharisees: “And He said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.” Luke 17:2222 And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.

. His title, “the Son of man,” is used a total of 5 times in the context, i.e., 17:22, 24, 26, 30 & 18:8 and makes clear that the Kingdom of God on earth will not come to fruition until the Son of man takes his place therein.

In 17:23 & 24 Jesus warns His disciples that false prophets will claim the Kingdom of God is here or there but they should ignore them because it will be obvious to everyone when it comes because it will be like lightning striking from one part of heaven and across the sky.

During Jesus' ministry His disciples were looking for His Kingdom, i.e., the Kingdom of God, to be established on earth and they asked Him a number of times when it would happen and even discussed which of them would be the greatest therein, Luke 22:2424 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.

. His disciples were not aware He had to suffer and die even though Jesus alluded to this a number of times. So it is here that Jesus told His disciples that He, who will someday take dominion over the earth as the Son of man, must first suffer and be rejected by that generation, Luke 17:2525 But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.

25 But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.

. He then pointes ahead to the future day of tribulation that will preceed the days of the Son of Man (the Kingdom of God), using as examples the days of Noah, 17:26 & 27 and what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah in the days of Lot, 17:28 & 29. He said the Son of Man will come suddenly and sure judgment will come to this sinful world when He does, 17:30 - 37. (We note here that it has been almost 2000 years since His suffering and death, Luke 17:25, but the tribulation, followed by His coming as described in Luke 17:26 - 3726 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.

28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;

29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.

30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.

32 Remember Lot's wife.

33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.

34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.

35 Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

37 And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.

has as yet still not occurred.)

After describing the times of the Kingdom of God when He will take dominion as the Son of man Jesus gives the parable of an unjust judge in Luke 18:11 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

- 81 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

to inform His disciples what their attitude should be in waiting for His Kingdom. Unlike most parables, this one gives the explanation first: “And he spake a parable unto them [to this end], that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” Luke 18:1. He is teaching that during the Great Tribulation God's people should continue in prayer and not give up, i.e., they must have faith that God will answer their prayers. Then He gives an example of a self-righteous all powerful earthly judge who really doesn't have to be concerned about anything but his own personal agenda, Luke 18:22 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

. A woman comes before him with a grievance against someone who is abusing her in some way and asks for his help verse 3. She is a poor widow, which in those days meant she had no authority or power on her own.

Although this judge doesn't give a twit about her and her problem, her persistence makes him weary so he grants her wish just to get rid of her nuisance, verses 4 & 5. Jesus then asks rhetorically, if this unjust, ungodly judge would give in and grant redress to a helpless woman, it is only logical that God will avenge His own elect, i.e., those who belong to him, who cry day and night to Him. Luke :18:6 - 8a.

Jesus then asks, “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Luke 17:88 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

b. The answer to this rhetorical question is: He will not find faith on earth, per se, but only in those who continue in prayer to Him and faint not, as stated in Luke 18:1. We learn from this parable among other things that Prayer is the resource or asset of faith. A person who doesn't have faith that God is and that He will provide what He has said, does not pray. However, on the other hand, those who believe God's Word and His promises do pray to God for His will to be done. The Jewish disciples of Jesus living at the time He spoke these words subsequently died, but they kept the faith. They offered up prayers to God until the end and they will be raised up into the Kingdom of God when the Son of man returns. However, these words spoken by Jesus almost 2000 years ago are also addressed to and will encourage and comfort a true believing remnant of Jews living in the future at the time of the Great Tribulation who will be looking for the Son of man to return. They will read these words then and continue in prayer until He comes for them. They will have the entire Word of God, as revealed to the Apostles Paul, John, etc., and will understand that the man Jesus who humbled Himself unto death, Philippians 2:6 - 116 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

, will rule over the Kingdom of God on earth as the Son of man, Revelation 1:13 - 1813 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

& 14:14.

Jesus' message in our text today is directed to Jewish believers during the Great Tribulation period, which has not yet occurred.

But, His title “the Son of man” is not found in the Pauline epistles because Paul's writings contain God's promises to believers living today in this age of Grace. We will not go through the Tribulation, which will lead to the Kingdom of God on earth. His promises to us today are not earthly but heavenly in nature and calling, Ephesians 1:33 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

; 2:6; Colossians 1:55 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

; 3:1 - 4; 2 Timothy 4:1818 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

. However, we find the role of prayer for us is similar to what Jesus taught His disciples. The Lord Jesus Christ revealed to the Apostle Paul to write to we who are living in this age of Grace today: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6 & 76 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

. And even if we don't know what is best for us we have assurance that God does: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.” Romans 8:26 - 2826 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

. See also Romans 12:1212 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

; Ephesians 6:1818 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

; Colossians 4:22 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

.

For us today the “bottom line” so to speak, as revealed through the Apostle Paul is basically the same as what Jesus told His disciples when it comes to prayer.

Paul, by inspiration of God, tells us to “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:1717 Pray without ceasing.

. The difference between the Jewish remnant who will be living during the Tribulation period and us today is that they will be looking for the Son of man to return to earth to rule over the Kingdom of God on earth while we are looking for the rapture, when we will be caught up by the Lord Jesus Christ to heaven, 1 Thessalonians 1:9 & 109 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

; 4:13 - 17, etc., which occurs before the Tribulation Period.