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 and took up stones to kill Him (Jn.10:31). Jesus asked for which of His miracles and healings they were they stoning Him? – 33 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 stooping down to humanity 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 God, how much more does the description Son of God apply to Me! (see Jn.10:25, 32-33, 37-38).
JESUS CLAIMED TO BE THE SAVIOUR: Jesus had given fresh insights about Himself and His ministry in the Parable of the Good Shepherd. He stated that He was the door to salvation and the Good Shepherd because He would lay down His life for the sheep (see Jn.10:9-11, 14-18). His lofty claims divided the Jews, and some even claimed He was demon possessed (see Jn.10:19-21). When challenged – ‘If you are the Christ, tell us plainly’, He responded that He had already told them, again speaking about His works (see John 5:31-40). Jesus had drawn their attention to, not two, but no less than four witnesses: John the Baptizer, His miraculous works, His Father, and the Scriptures. He explained that those who belong to Him, His sheep, believe in Him and follow Him. They would be safe and secure in Him and His Father (see Jn.10:27-29). So far, so good!
JESUS CLAIMED TO BE GOD: Then He declared – I and the Father are one (Jn.10:29). We are left in no doubt what the Jews understood by this claim. In the Shema that Jews recite to this very day in their synagogues they knew He was claiming to be God (see Dt.6:4-5). Consequently, they picked up stones to stone Him to death for blasphemy (see Jn.10:31). He reiterated that they should have recognized His claims to Messiahship because His signs fulfilled the O.T. prophetic Scriptures (see Jn.10:32). They missed His point and did not deny His works but wanted to kill Him – for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God (Jn.10:33).
JESUS CLAIMED TO BE THE SON OF MAN: His title as the Son of Man spoke of His humanity and was not blasphemy but was the solemn truth that underscored His Sonship (see Jn.10:36). Under inspiration of God, even men were referred to as ‘gods’ (Elohim in Psalm 82:6). The Psalm promised the ultimate reward of sonship for those who trust God to become part of His family (see Ps.82:6). However, it is actually a damning judgment on those who fail to submit to God almighty (see Ps.82:1-5, 7-8). The Jews would have been well acquainted with this Psalm. Jesus challenged them to recognize the accompanying signs and works He did, that testified to the prophetic Scriptures about Himself (see Lk.24:25-27, 44-46).
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 (se Jn.10:39). He sought refuge beyond Jordan, where John the Baptist had made his impact, had baptized the multitudes, and pointed many to Jesus (see Jn.10:40). 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.