John 10:22-42
Q.1. On what basis were the people to accept Jesus as Messiah and Saviour? How secure are those who follow Him? – (Jn.10:22-29)
This exchange happened during Hanukkah, the Jewish feast that celebrated the victory over the Syrian leader Antiochus Epiphanes, who had desecrated the temple in 170 BC. The people wanted Jesus to speak plainly about His identity. He answered … the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me (Jn.10:25). Then He spoke of His followers – 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand (Jn.10:27-29). Believing in Jesus involves listening to His voice and following and obeying Him. It lifts the believer from doom to a safe haven forever.
Q.2. Whom did Jesus claim to be? Why did the crowds want to stone Him to death? Why do sinners need Jesus? – (Jn.10:30-33)
Jesus claimed to be equal with God. The Jews had asked for plain speech. Jesus obliged, and told them – … I and the Father are one (Jn.10:30). They clearly understood this claim – For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God (Jn.10:33). They rejected His claim because they saw Him as just a man. They could not imagine God’s humility in sending His Son to save them. However, this was the only way in which Jesus could be the sin-bearer and substitute for all sinners.
Q.3. What truth about man’s identity did Jesus use to defend His claims? – (Jn.10:34-38)
God had made Adam in His own image. Consequently, the Scriptures speak of men with the Hebrew word – Elohim (Ps.82:1-2, 6-8 c.f. Gen.1:26-27). What Jesus was pointing out was – If people, who do evil, and judge unjustly are Elohim … how much more is He who does only good works … and if all of you are sons of the Most High, how much more does the description Son of God apply to Me! (Jn.10:25, 32-33, 37-38)
Q.4. Where did Jesus find refuge? Why did many believe in Him there? – (Jn.10:39-42)
Jesus eluded the grasp of His enemies because it was not yet the right time for Him to die. He sought refuge beyond Jordan, where John the Baptist had made his impact, had baptized the multitudes, and pointed many to Jesus. At that time and place, the signs Jesus had done at the Jerusalem Feast of Dedication were believed and affirmed – … While John performed no sign, yet everything John said about this man was true (Jn.10:41). Faithful biblical teaching is a precursor to people finding faith.