Understanding Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Unbelief in Christ's Brethren

What does John 7:5 reveal about the tragedy of Jesus' rejection during His earthly ministry?

John 7:5 ("For neither did his brethren believe in him") reveals the profound tragedy that even Jesus' own brothers rejected Him during His earthly ministry. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains, this verse highlights how the Lord was rejected not just by strangers or enemies, but by those closest to Him. This rejection came from His own people (the Jews), from His own brothers who shared the same mother, and even at times from His disciples. This heightens the tragedy of His rejection - that those who should have known Him best failed to believe in Him. This verse provides a key to understanding the broader pattern of rejection Jesus faced throughout the Gospels, culminating in His crucifixion.

According to Lloyd-Jones, what is the foundational principle emphasized throughout the New Testament regarding salvation?

According to Lloyd-Jones, the foundational principle emphasized throughout the New Testament is belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. He points out that "all the great promises in the New Testament are the result of believing in him." The preacher cites John 3:16 as the prime example, where everlasting life is promised to those who believe. He also references the apostles' consistent message, from Peter's sermon at Pentecost to Paul's instruction to the Philippian jailer: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that this principle of belief is the universal answer to all spiritual distress and the key to receiving all of God's promises.

What does Lloyd-Jones identify as the key manifestations of unbelief based on the example of Jesus' brothers?

Based on the example of Jesus' brothers, Lloyd-Jones identifies several key manifestations of unbelief:

1. Misunderstanding of the Lord - unbelievers are always troubled by problems and difficulties in understanding Christ's words and actions
2. A spirit of disputation and criticism - they argued with and criticized Jesus for being inconsistent
3. Adopting a position of superiority - they presumed to tell Jesus what He ought to do
4. Lack of reverence - they approached Jesus with pride rather than humility

Lloyd-Jones notes that these same manifestations appear in modern unbelief, where people approach Christ as critics and judges rather than with reverence and humility.

What does Lloyd-Jones identify as the primary causes of unbelief?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies several primary causes of unbelief:

1. Spiritual blindness and deadness - the fundamental cause
2. Focusing on Christ's works rather than His person - "They started with the things he was doing and with the things he said. They didn't start with him himself."
3. Taking parts of Christ's character and ignoring others - seeing only His teaching, or only His priesthood, or only His kingship
4. Expecting the wrong things from Christ - wanting Him to be a political leader rather than a spiritual Savior
5. Failing to recognize His true identity as both God and man - seeing Him merely as a human brother rather than the divine Son of God
6. Misunderstanding His purpose - not recognizing that He came to save individuals from sin rather than merely solve social problems

How does Lloyd-Jones define true belief in Christ as contrasted with unbelief?

Lloyd-Jones defines true belief in Christ as the exact opposite of unbelief in all its manifestations. True belief:

1. Begins with worship - recognizing Jesus as "my Lord and my God" as Thomas did
2. Understands the unity of Christ's person - seeing both His human and divine natures
3. Comprehends His mission and purpose - understanding why He came to die
4. Accepts the mystery of God's plan rather than being filled with skepticism
5. Submits humbly rather than criticizing or giving advice
6. Results in "wondering love" and gratitude rather than perplexity and criticism

True belief leads to a heart response of love and surrender: "Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all." Unlike unbelief, which constantly questions and criticizes, true belief results in worship, understanding, submission, and grateful love.

Why does Lloyd-Jones emphasize that understanding Jesus' identity is the key to belief?

Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that understanding Jesus' identity is the key to belief because without grasping who He truly is, everything else about Him remains confusing and contradictory. He points out that Jesus' brothers' fundamental problem was that "they thought he was one of them" - merely their brother - without recognizing His divine nature. They failed to see that while they shared the same mother, they did not share the same Father.

The preacher argues that if we don't understand that Jesus is both fully God and fully man, "the eternal Son of God, come from heaven to earth," we will inevitably misinterpret His words and actions. Every confusion about Christ's teachings, methods, and mission stems from this fundamental misunderstanding of His person. Once we grasp His true identity as the God-man, the seeming contradictions resolve themselves, and His purpose and methods make perfect sense. True belief begins with recognizing that "the one who looks but human is the divine, the eternal."