DAY #162: John 10:19-42

Some of the unbelieving Jews, who heard Jesus, pronounced a twofold judgment against him: “He has a demon, or he’s crazy.” Jesus had already been accused of being demon-possessed but this is the first and only time in John’s Gospel that Jesus is accused of being crazy. What must it have been like for Jesus? He is God and He has to put up with the doubt of others, the lies about His character and motives, the accusations, the assumptions, the rumors, the innuendo, the suspensions and slander. And Why? Because of His love for us. Simply amazing.

A couple of months had passed since Jesus’ last teaching to the people. That teaching had occurred during the Festival of Shelters in September/October; the coming words occurred at the celebration of Hanukkah in December, in winter. This celebration was not one of the official festivals in the Old Testament. It was instituted by Judas Maccabeus in 165 b.c. to commemorate the cleansing of the Temple after Antiochus Epiphanes had defiled it by sacrificing a pig on the altar of burnt offering.

Once again, we see many people who ask for proof of who Jesus is. Most of these questioners didn’t want to follow Jesus in the way that he wanted to lead them. They hoped that Jesus would declare himself the Messiah, but only if he intended to get on with their political agenda and drive out the Romans. So they wanted to hear an open declaration from Jesus’ lips: “If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

It is doubtful, however, that a plain declaration would have convinced them, for they had already made up their minds on the issue. Some of them hoped he would identify himself so they could accuse him of telling lies or catch him in the act of blasphemy.

Of those who do believe, Jesus says, “My sheep recognize my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them away from me.” In this grand statement, Jesus summarized the blessings of those who truly listen to and believe the gospel.

The believer in Jesus knows him personally, has eternal life, will not perish, and is secure in his care. But many of those who heard had no intention of truly listening. It is also true that those refusing to listen to Jesus’ voice are not his sheep. We recognize Christ’s voice when he speaks to us through the Bible. Are we truly listening for it? They cannot be snatched away because the Father has given them to Jesus, and the Father is more powerful than anyone else. God’s power guards and preserves the flock for salvation.

Finally, we see Jesus going to the east side of the Jordan. It was his final preaching mission out in the countryside and the final opportunity for many people to respond. Jesus did not return to Jerusalem again until the day he made his Triumphal Entry.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what i have read today?)

I am moved by the unselfish, unabated and unconditional love of Jesus. Oh Lord, give me that kind of love for everyone. The kind of love that doesn't need to be recognized or thanked. The kind of love that endures and perseveres. The kind of love that keeps on keeping on regardless of how I am treated or cared for. Regardless of what people say about me or do to me. And Lord, protect me from developing a martyrs complex.

Lord, make me more like Jesus in all I do and say today. Do this kind of work in me and my family. Protect my kids form just being good kids or church kids. Lord, help them love You with their whole heart and soul and mind and strength. Give them Your dream for their life and Lord, give them the courage to chase after that dream with reckless abandon.

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5 (NIV)