Reading the gospel account as shared by John is reading of Jesus in continued contention with the Jews.
They express an adamant refusal to acknowledge who He is and preferred stance of seeking to undermine Him through ridicule and then blatantly looking to get rid of Him through violent means.
Chapter 10 is typical of their stance. Here Jesus talks of the relationship between the sheep and the Shepherd and how well they are protected by the Gate. Even when He explains it to them, the Jews take umbrage at His claim to be one with the Father. In doing so they completely miss the point.
Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father. (John 10:37, 38)
You can refute the claims of someone just talking for the sake of talking. You cannot refute the claims of a man who turned water into wine; who fed five thousand with a handful of bread and fish; who allowed a man who was lame for many years to rise up and walk; who gave sight to a man born blind.
It takes a great deal of blindness not to accept these things and seek to persecute the one who came to give life to the full to those who believe. This is why it’s reassuring to read at the end of the chapter how there are those who still hear the Shepherd and follow Him.
Today I trust His sheep follow His voice and go where He leads knowing they are protected and blessed with abundant life.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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