People were asking for proof that Jesus was the
Messiah. How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the
Messiah, tell us plainly (vs. 24).
This was a similar question to John the Baptist’s question to
Jesus. (See yesterday’s Devotional.) Jesus gave the people an answer that sounded
like that given to John. The proof is the work that I do in my
Father’s name. (vs. 25)
This week, Jewish people are celebrating Hanukkah, the “Feast of Dedication” (vs. 22), recalling the miracle
of one day of oil for the Menorah lasting for eight days. This occurred after the Maccabean revolt
against the Greeks and the rededication of the “defiled” Temple. Jews
today, as in Jesus’ day, are waiting for the Messiah to come. Thus feelings about Roman
domination might have surfaced, prompting the question.
Most people asking for “proof/sign” that Jesus is who he said he was, do so for the wrong reasons. In Jesus’ day, the questioners did not want to follow Jesus, especially if it meant submitting to his leadership. The same is true today. People were hoping Jesus would declare himself Messiah for their own reasons. They were looking for someone to drive out the Romans. Today, people may be looking for Jesus to do … (add whatever topic). Others were hoping Jesus would identify himself so they could accuse him of telling lies. Today, some are looking for Christians to say Jesus can do … (add action) and when it doesn’t happen, it is “proof” to them that Jesus was only a historical person who did not do miracles.
Jesus’ response to the question was: You don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep hear my voice and follow me (vs. 25-26). Just as a shepherd protects his sheep, Jesus protects those who follow him. This does not mean that we, who follow Jesus, will not experience suffering on earth. We live in a “broken world,” and are not exempt. We can know, we are never alone, God is with us, and will bring us through pain. Jesus said: I give eternal life, and they will never parish.
No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me… No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one (vs. 28-30). This is clearest statement of who Jesus is. He is divine. Jesus and the Father are One, not the same person but same in essence and nature. Jesus was not merely a good teacher—he is God! His claim is unmistakable. The people wanted a Messiah to overthrow Rome. The religious leaders wanted to kill Jesus because of Jesus’ claim of being God. Verse 31 records how the Jews reacted. Jesus questions: I have shown you many great miracles/signs from the Father. For which of these do you stone me? Note the response: for your blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God. That is the question. Who is Jesus?
Question: Read John 10:34-42. What is Jesus’ response to those who wanted to stone him? What accounted for the difference of reception across the Jordan as compared to Jerusalem? (vs. 41) Who is Jesus to you? Are you following him? If so how? Advent (Coming) is preparing and anticipating. Maybe we can appreciate our Jewish friends, who are reading Isaiah 35 and still waiting for the Advent of the Messiah , as they celebrate Hanukka, recalling God’s miraculous provision.
Prayer: Loving God, what joy it is recalling your promise to come. What peace I have knowing you came in the form of a human baby, so that we would know who you were, and lived on this earth experiencing everything I do. Your coming brought new life, hope and direction. Come, O Come live with me and reign within me now and forever. Amen.
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