John 10:22-42
Have you ever misread a situation that led to being embarrassed? Some gaffes are simple enough, such as walking into the wrong classroom on the first day. But sometimes, willful ignorance combines with pride and results in destruction. In this passage the Jewish leaders engaged in willful ignorance concerning the identity of Jesus.
Despite the words of their question they were certain that Jesus would not be the Christ. It is almost as if they thought that the Messiah of God required their stamp of approval to be worthy of the title. They are upside-down people sure of their righteous prerogative to sit in judgment of Jesus. They make themselves out to be God’s judge. Can you imagine a more dangerous attitude before God? But Paul said, 1 Corinthians 11:31, “For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.”
Does Jesus know their hearts? He knows their bitter, envious, malevolence and the hopeless uncertainty that energized it. Sinners are driven to hate God by the very conscience that speaks of their need for him.
Jesus doesn’t condemn them, he calls them to believe. Once again, he points to his works that they might renounce unbelief and join the flock of God. 1 Corinthians 4:20, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” This is grace, patient forbearance and unending hope that they might yet repent in spite of their enmity toward him. But as he knew they would not listen, he speaks plainly as they requested.
His sheep listen to him and follow him. He gives them eternal life, he protects them and keeps them perfectly. Once God has given a believer to Jesus the deal is irrevocable. Anyone who truly belongs to Jesus will never want to leave and Jesus doesn’t lose sheep. No lion or bear can get us, no storm can overwhelm, no drought can parch Romans 8:38-39, “I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” (MSG)
And in this glorious declaration the hard hearted Jews heard only, “I and the Father are one.” and concluded that it was blasphemy. And it was. It was very blasphemous of them to reject Jesus. It is very common for the guilty to engage in projection. That is, to accuse the innocent of the very thing they are guilty of.
In response Jesus gives them Psalm 82. They thought themselves gods but here was God among them bringing judgment. But even now in judgment Jesus is calling them to belief. They tried to seize him. Here was The Light shining in darkness but the darkness apprehended him not. (Jn1:5) He eluded their grasp, physically, mentally and spiritually.
brotherpayne 