Miracles, doubt and faith: lessons from Messiah

I am currently watching the series  MessiahThe concept of this series is particularly interesting. The story follows a figure seen by many as a new Messiah. What makes this series so intriguing is that it makes us think about the role of the Messiah in our time.

In the story, this Messiah is first seen as a savior within the Muslim community. Then he is brought into contact with Christians and even other faith groups. This universal approach makes the story exciting and makes you wonder: who is he really and what is his purpose? It raises the question for me of how we would react if Christ were not to return gloriously today, but simply appear among us as Messiah. How would we receive him?

The Messiah for everyone

What I found remarkable is that this Messiah clearly presents himself as someone who is for everyone. Yet, people often react to this with disbelief. Those who initially see him as their savior begin to doubt as soon as they realize that he has come not only for them but also for others. This touches on a fundamental point: the Messiah cannot be ‘claimed’ by one group or belief. He is for everyone. This insight prompts reflection on our own view of Christ. How often do we, even as members of the Church ofJesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, make the mistake of unconsciously keeping Christ ‘for ourselves’?

The series shows how this Messiah performs miracles, such as causing a sandstorm in Damascus, suddenly appearing in another place, or even walking on water. This immediately leads to conspiracy theories. People claim it's fake news, that it's all staged, and that he is a false Messiah. This aspect made me think: how would we react to miracles today?

I have often said that if our Heavenly Father wanted us to believe in Him without a doubt, He could show miracles daily. Yet, this series teaches me that even then, people would continue to doubt. Even if Christ stood before us in the flesh, some would still deny it. It's striking how difficult it is to believe nowadays and how natural it seems to doubt.

Courage to believe

The series also shows how people who believe in this Messiah are treated with disbelief and hostility. They are ridiculed, even on social media, where anonymity makes it possible to completely tear people down. Governments in the series try to portray him as a troublemaker who wants to disrupt the established order. All of this shows how courageous it is today to openly profess your faith. It makes me both sad and proud. Sad because faith seems to be less and less accepted, butproud of everyone who continues to believe despite everything.

What gives me hope is that when I personally testify about my faith, I almost always receive respect. People listen, and even if they don't believe, they respect my choice. This is very different from the often venomous reactions online. For me, this is proof of the power of a personal testimony. I believe that the Holy Spirit is present at that moment and touches people, even if they don't always directly acknowledge it.

Ask others to reflect on faith

The series  Messiah challenges us to reflect on our faith. It invites us not only to enjoy the story but also to ponder what it stirs within us. How would we react if tomorrow someone stood before us claiming to be the Messiah? Not with grand heavenly signs, but in all simplicity and humility, just as Christ did when He was born in a stable.

This is a beautiful time to reflect on that, now that we celebrate the birth of Christ. His coming was simple, without grand gestures, and even then, many reacted with disbelief. In our time, we might call that 'fake news,' but the principle remains the same. How do we deal with the message of Christ? How do we ensure that we can testify that He lives, that He truly exists?

For me, this remains an ongoing question. It is my wish to keep telling about it and to let others feel what Christ can mean for us. In this Christmas season, I hope we all find ways to spread the light of Christ, so that others can feel that He is real and what He can mean for them.