John 10:19-30
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. – John 10:27
Why do people hesitate to accept Jesus’ identity? Is it because Jesus was unclear about who He was, or is it because of their own hardened hearts and lack of faith?
In today’s passage, the Jews are once again divided over Jesus’ claims. What did He declare? Earlier, Jesus said, “No one takes [my life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father” (v. 18). By publicly asserting His authority over life, Jesus revealed His equality with God and His unique relationship as the Son of the Father.
This declaration caused further division among the Jewish crowd. Those who rejected Jesus accused Him of being demon-possessed and insane. Others, however, believed He was the Christ, the Son of God, sent by the Father. Why were the Jews repeatedly uncertain about Jesus’ identity? Was it because Jesus was being cryptic or inconsistent, or was it due to their own stubbornness and spiritual blindness?
The Gospel writer, John, specifically notes the time and place of this event—the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem. Jesus was walking in the temple courts, in Solomon’s Colonnade, surrounded by Jews. John’s purpose is to show that Jesus made His declarations openly, in a public setting, witnessed by many. His claims were not hearsay or rumors but were heard and seen firsthand by the people.
Moreover, Jesus used a key phrase: “I told you.” This indicates that He had repeatedly revealed His identity, yet many chose not to believe Him. Looking back at the Scriptures, we see that Jesus consistently revealed who He was through His words and actions:
– “I told you, whoever believes in Me has eternal life.” (3:15)
– “I told you, I am the Son of God, and I will judge all humanity.” (5:19-23)
– “I told you, the Scriptures bear witness about Me.” (5:39)
– “I told you, I am the bread of life.” (6:48)
– “I told you, I fully reveal the Father.” (7:28-29)
– “I told you, I am the light of the world.” (8:12)
– “I told you, I came from God.” (8:42)
– “I told you, before Abraham was, I am.” (8:58)
– “I told you, I am the good shepherd.” (10:11)
The issue, then, is not that Jesus failed to clearly express who He was or where He came from. Rather, the problem lies in the hardened hearts of the Jews, who sought to shift the blame for their unbelief onto Jesus. Why did the Jews refuse to believe? There are many reasons. Sometimes it was due to pride and self-righteousness, as they believed they were without sin and had no need for Jesus’ salvation and forgiveness. Other times, it was fear of losing their power and influence, as seen in the religious leaders who rejected Him. Still others only wanted Jesus to solve their immediate problems, refusing to let Him address the deeper issues of their lives.
What about you? Are you willing to accept Jesus’ claims? Who do you believe He is? Do you trust Him?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, open my eyes and ears so that I may see and hear You clearly. Grant me the faith to accept You as my Savior and the Lord of my life. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
Why do people hesitate to accept Jesus’ identity? Is it because Jesus was unclear about who He was, or is it because of their own hardened hearts and lack of faith?
In today’s passage, the Jews are once again divided over Jesus’ claims. What did He declare? Earlier, Jesus said, “No one takes [my life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father” (v. 18). By publicly asserting His authority over life, Jesus revealed His equality with God and His unique relationship as the Son of the Father.
This declaration caused further division among the Jewish crowd. Those who rejected Jesus accused Him of being demon-possessed and insane. Others, however, believed He was the Christ, the Son of God, sent by the Father. Why were the Jews repeatedly uncertain about Jesus’ identity? Was it because Jesus was being cryptic or inconsistent, or was it due to their own stubbornness and spiritual blindness?
The Gospel writer, John, specifically notes the time and place of this event—the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem. Jesus was walking in the temple courts, in Solomon’s Colonnade, surrounded by Jews. John’s purpose is to show that Jesus made His declarations openly, in a public setting, witnessed by many. His claims were not hearsay or rumors but were heard and seen firsthand by the people.
Moreover, Jesus used a key phrase: “I told you.” This indicates that He had repeatedly revealed His identity, yet many chose not to believe Him. Looking back at the Scriptures, we see that Jesus consistently revealed who He was through His words and actions:
– “I told you, whoever believes in Me has eternal life.” (3:15)
– “I told you, I am the Son of God, and I will judge all humanity.” (5:19-23)
– “I told you, the Scriptures bear witness about Me.” (5:39)
– “I told you, I am the bread of life.” (6:48)
– “I told you, I fully reveal the Father.” (7:28-29)
– “I told you, I am the light of the world.” (8:12)
– “I told you, I came from God.” (8:42)
– “I told you, before Abraham was, I am.” (8:58)
– “I told you, I am the good shepherd.” (10:11)
The issue, then, is not that Jesus failed to clearly express who He was or where He came from. Rather, the problem lies in the hardened hearts of the Jews, who sought to shift the blame for their unbelief onto Jesus. Why did the Jews refuse to believe? There are many reasons. Sometimes it was due to pride and self-righteousness, as they believed they were without sin and had no need for Jesus’ salvation and forgiveness. Other times, it was fear of losing their power and influence, as seen in the religious leaders who rejected Him. Still others only wanted Jesus to solve their immediate problems, refusing to let Him address the deeper issues of their lives.
What about you? Are you willing to accept Jesus’ claims? Who do you believe He is? Do you trust Him?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, open my eyes and ears so that I may see and hear You clearly. Grant me the faith to accept You as my Savior and the Lord of my life. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
