A study of John 10:31-42 reveals a murderous crowd, an Old Testament passage that makes them pause, and a reason to believe in Jesus.
A study of John 10:31-42 reveals a murderous crowd.
I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” (ESV, John 10:32)
In a dialogue with a group of Jews in John 10:22-29, Jesus uses the analogy of a shepherd’s relationship with his flock of sheep to describe his relationship with believers. As sheep recognize the voice of their shepherd and follow him, so do believers recognize Jesus’ voice and follow him. But then, Jesus makes a statement in V.30 that angrily incites the crowd. “I and the father are one.” And they respond by gathering rocks to stone him.
However, they pause when Jesus asks them a question. Which one of the many miracles that he performed are they going to stone him for? And their answer? They intend to stone him because it’s blasphemy for a man to claim he is God. This law is expressed in Leviticus 24:16.
Whoever blasphemes the Name of Yahweh shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him.
But it is not condoned as an act of mob justice. The Mosaic law outlined a legal process and trial before executing justice. What the Jews were planning was murder. And it was further prohibited by Roman law, which reserved the right to carry out executions.
Sadly, the Jews did not deny Jesus’ miracles. In fact, many had admitted the miracle of giving sight to a man born blind was only possible by the power of God. But they were willing to unjustly kill him anyway because they refused to believe he was the Messiah.
A study of John 10:31-42 reveals an Old Testament passage that makes them pause.
Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’? If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken— do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? (ESV, John 10:34-36)
Jesus keeps the conversation going with the angry Jews by quoting from Psalm 82:6-7. Was this a strategy to de-escalate the situation? Possibly. It certainly demonstrated that he was equally knowledgeable of scripture.
What’s going on in Psalm 82?
God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: (ESV, Psalm 82:1)
The scene is a divine courtroom setting with God, as the supreme judge, condemning earthly judges for unjust practices. He calls them gods because they are his appointed representatives for justice. But they are failing in their assignment. The Hebrew word used in V.1 for “God” and “gods” is the same–ĕlōhîm. It’s used in a singular form to mean God and in a plural form to mean gods. It appears around 2,600 times in the Old Testament and can refer to:
The one true God (Yahweh)
False gods/idols
Human rulers/judges (representatives exercising delegated authority
I said, “You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you; nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince. (ESV, Psalm 82:6-7)
Yaweh, the supreme God, reminds the human judges they serve according to his soveriegn will and ultimately answer to him. Furthermore, they are men who will eventually die as men.
Managing a tense situation.
Jesus faces angry Jews with rocks who want to kill him because he claims to be God. So he quotes Psalm 82:6 that refers to men as gods and reminds them scripture must be respected as God’s word. Therefore, if God can call men gods, as the one sent from the father, it’s not blasphemy for Jesus to call himself the Son of God. Especially since that is exactly who he is.
Perhaps using Psalm 82 that condemned unjust judges reminded them they were about to commit an act that condemned them too. It certainly violated Roman law that only permitted Rome to carry out executions.
A study of John 10:31-42 reveals a reason to believe in Jesus.
If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; 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 am in the Father.” (ESV, John 10:38-39)
Finally, Jesus appeals to their common sense. If they won’t believe what he says, then believe based on his miracles. They admitted that healing a man born blind was only possible through the power of God. It should logically lead them to the conclusion that he is in the father and the father is in him.
However, they still refused to believe in him and seek to arrest him instead. It was, at least, better than killing him. But he eluded them and went across the Jordan to the area where John the Baptist had ministered. And the chapter ends on a positive note.
And many believed in him there. (ESV, John 10:42.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
A Christian Detective Novel
Jack Sterling, a former Navy SEAL, is hired as a bounty hunter to track down a war veteran who skipped out on bail. But at the same time, must resolve his own spiritual crisis. With grit, wit, and unexpected grace, Soul Pursuit proves that the hardest chase is for something deeper. A soul worth saving.
A study of John 10:22-30 reveals a festival celebration and question to Jesus, the connection between belief and hearing, and the eternal security of faithful followers.
A study of John 10:22-30 reveals a festival celebration and question to Jesus.
So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” (ESV, John 10:24)
In chapter seven, Jesus travels to Jerusalem from Galilee to celebrate the feast of the tabernacles that occurs in the fall. And throughout chapters 8 and 9, Jesus remains in Jerusalem, teaching in the temple, dialoguing with Jews, and healing a blind man. Now it’s winter and another Jewish celebration serves as the background. The feast of dedication of the Jerusalem temple.
What is the feast of dedication?
The first temple in Jerusalem was built by King Solomon around 966 BC (1 Kings 6–8). However, it was destroyed by Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar who conquered Israel in 586 BC. Later, Persia conquered Babylon and King Cyrus let the Jews return and rebuild the temple, which was completed in 516BC. However, when Alexander the Great established his empire, he introduced Greek culture. And following him, under the Seleucid dynasty, King Antiochus IV Epiphanes forced Greek culture on the Jews. It included desecrating the temple by installing pagan idols and sacrificing pigs. This resulted in the Maccabean revolt which led to the cleansing and rededication of the temple in 164 BC.
It celebrated:
Restoring true worship
Purifying the temple
Preserving God’s covenant people
Although not prescribed in the Mosaic law, the feast of dedication was observed by many faithful Jews in Jesus’ day.
Now as Jesus walks through the area of the temple called the colonnade of Solomon, a group of Jews stop him to ask a question.
A study of John 10:22-30 reveals the connection between belief and hearing.
The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, (ESV, John 10:25-27)
The Jews wanted a direct answer from Jesus. Stop speaking in parables, making vague references, and give us a yes or no answer. Are you the Messiah or not? But Jesus didn’t comply. What he had said up to now was sufficient. Furthermore, his miracles were even more confirmation. So why all the mystery?
Probably because Jesus knew they weren’t interested in more clarification. But to elicit an incriminating response they could use against him. They had more than enough evidence to make an informed decision. Just refused to believe. Why? Because they weren’t his sheep. His sheep heard his voice and followed him.
The Greek word for “believe” is pisteuete, which means to believe and trust. However, it goes beyond intellectual assent and represents covenantal trust in the Son. And the Greek word for “hear” is akouousin written in present tense. Therefore, it involves ongoing responsiveness rather than a one time event. In other words, salvation is an ongoing life of faithful perseverence and obedience.
Additionally, people who claim to reject Jesus based on intellectual reasons do so in denial of the moral one. Prideful refusal to give up their sin.
A study of John 10:22-30 reveals the eternal security of faithful followers.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. (ESV, John 10:27-28)
Jesus summarizes the teaching he has presented the last few chapters in one sentence. It involves a relationship between sheep and shepherd. Christ-followers, represented as the sheep, hear the voice of Jesus, the shepherd. And Jesus individually knows us relationally too. As we follow him he gives us a divinely secured, eternal life. The Greek word for “snatch” is harpazō, which means to seize, catch away, pluck, pull, and take by force. It is reassurance that what God secures cannot be undone.
The parable extends beyond a transaction of receiving Christ as savior and following him in discipleship as Lord. The only parts to the Gospel not included are still to come. The crucifixion and resurrection.
Finally, Jesus drops a bomb.
I and the father are one…
The Greek word for “one” is hen, which is the neuter form. If John had used the masculine form heis, it would have suggested that the Father and Son are one person. But the neuter form suggests the Father and Son are one in mission and purpose.
The irony in this whole exchange is the Jews were celebrating the feast of the dedication of the temple, when the Christ, who embodied the temple, stood before them. They celebrated the cleansing of the temple and completely missed the one who came to cleanse sinners.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
A Christian Detective Novel
Jack Sterling, a former Navy SEAL, is hired as a bounty hunter to track down a war veteran who skipped out on bail. But at the same time, must resolve his own spiritual crisis. With grit, wit, and unexpected grace, Soul Pursuit proves that the hardest chase is for something deeper. A soul worth saving.
A study of John 9:1-41 reveals a question and miracle, an investigation and disbelief, certain but fearful parents, a spiritually insightful blind man, and a pursuing savior.
A study of John 9:1-41 reveals a question and miracle.
Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him (ESV, John 9:3)
Jesus had been teaching and engaging with hostile Jewish leaders in the Jerusalem temple during the Feast of Tabernacles. After leaving the temple he encounters a man blind from birth. We’re not told how this information is obtain or why it’s relevant. Scholars suggest that John, the author, uses it to symbolically represent the spiritual blindness of Israel. And the disciples ask Jesus a question. Was the man blind because of his parents’ sin or his own sin? The question expressed a common belief that people suffered as a consequence of sin.
This belief is also expressed in the story of Job. When Job’s friends gather to support him in his physical affliction, they suggest he is guilty of sin. But Job insisted he was righteous before God. We know, of course, that sinful actions can result in consequences. But here, Jesus dispels the belief it is true for every case of human suffering. He tells the disciples this man’s blindness is an opportunity to display the works of God.
Jesus then mixes his saliva with dirt to make mud and applies to the man’s eyes. Then tells him to wash in the pool of Siloam. And when the man returns is he able to see. The man’s neighbors and friends are amazed and asked how it happened. And he tells them Jesus healed him.
A study of John 9:1-41 reveals an investigation and disbelief.
They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. (ESV, John 9:13-14)
The people take the healed blind man to the Pharisees to report the miracle without saying why. Perhaps they felt the Pharisees should be up to speed on the latest miraculous news. The man repeats his story and credits Jesus for the miracle. However, rather than praise God and celebrate, the Pharisees are divided in their response. Kneading was an act of work that violated the sabbath according to Pharisee tradition. And since Jesus spat on dirt and kneaded it into mud as an ointment for the blind man’s eyes, he was guilty of violating it.
Even though the man didn’t disclose any of these details in his story, it didn’t matter. The Pharisees considered Jesus a known sabbath breaker. And to those diligent to the law, anyone who broke it couldn’t possibly be from God. On the other hand, others said only someone from God could perform such a miracle.
Therefore, further investigation was needed. Perhaps they might unravel the story.
A study of John 9:1-41 reveals certain but fearful parents.
His parents answered, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. (ESV, John 9:20-21)
After the miracle, some people questioned if the seeing man was even the same person as the blind beggar. Why? Perhaps because there are physical differences in someone blind who can suddenly see. Or maybe the people spent so many years completely ignoring a blind beggar, they never really looked at him before. The man insisted he was the same person. But the Pharisees demanded more proof. So they called in his parents for questioning.
The parents confirmed the seeing man was their son who was born blind, but didn’t know how he gained his sight. And suggested the Pharisees ask him to explain since he was old enough to answer for himself. They were clearly intimidated by the angry Pharisees out to harm Jesus. Best to avoid saying anything that further angered them and risked being put out of the synagogue.
But the facts were undeniable. The healed man was their son. He was born blind but now could see. And Jesus was the one who performed the miracle.
A study of John 9:1-41 reveals a spiritually insightful blind man.
We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him (ESV, John 8:31)
Now desperate, the Pharisees called the man in for one more lame attempt (pun intended) to discredit the story. When people lie, their story often changes when it is retold. No such luck with the former blind man. When asked to retell his story, he repeats the exact same version and wonders why the Pharisees want to hear it again. Did they want to be Jesus’ disciples?
It’s hard to capture the man’s tone of voice, but possibly directed as a cynical jab at the Pharisees and their attitude of superiority. To suggest they wanted Jesus as their teacher was insulting. And perhaps a bit risky on the man’s part. But then, he probably didn’t fear exclusion from the synagogoe like his parents. Since as a blind beggar up to now, he didn’t hang out there much anyway.
And yet, the man highlights a truth the Pharisees most certainly knew, but refused to acknowledge.
Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” (ESV, John 9:32-33)
The ironic contrast is evident. A formerly blind beggar speaks with spiritual insight to spiritual leaders blind to God’s truth. The religious elite schooled by a common sinner. And those who should have eagerly embraced Jesus as the messiah committed the unpardonable sin. Rejecting the Son of God.
A study of John 9:1-41 reveals a pursuing savior.
Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.” He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. (ESV, John 9:37-38)
Jesus sought out and found the former blind man when he heard the Pharisees made him leave the temple. Rejected by the religious leaders, but pursued by Jesus who now challenges the man in his faith. And when Jesus identified himself as the Son of God, the man believes in and worships him.
He demonstrated what scripture consistently teaches about God and man. God pursues and extends his redeeming love to all mankind. But we must all individually believe in and personally confess Jesus Christ as savior and lord. But the Pharisees, who thought they saw with spiritual clarity, were actually blind and their guilt remained.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
The Christian faith in simple words
Christianity for the Average Joe explains the core beliefs of Christianity in clear, everyday language—without theological jargon or confusing religious talk. But in a friendly, conversational tone of voice.
A study of John 8:39-47 differentiates between physical and spiritual relationships, reveals the scriptural claim to a spiritual relationship, and that we demonstrate the actions of the one we follow.
A study of John 8:39-47 differentiates between physical and spiritual relationships.
They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. (ESV, John 8:39-40)
Jesus taught in the Jerusalem temple during the Jewish festival of Tabernacles. And following an adversarial exchange with Pharisees (V.12-29), he instructed a group of believers (V.31) on discipleship. He said true disciples abide in his word and are set free. Surprisingly, the believers rejected his teaching. Their reason? They were already free because they were physical descendents of Abraham.
Jesus answered by addressing a spiritual realty. Those who reglularly practice sin are slaves to it (V.34). However, as the Son, he sets them free. He also speaks the words of his father and then suggests they have a different father since his word finds no place in them (V.37-38).
The Jews stubbornly repeated Abraham was their father like it was a final answer (V.39). As if shouting louder or with greater conviction makes something true. It doesn’t. And Jesus made another spiritual observation. The children of Abraham should also follow his spiritual example (V.39). In other words, Abraham was a man of faith. He demonstrated his faith through righteous actions and so should his children. Instead, they were listening to and doing the work of their real father.
A study of John 8:39-47 reveals the scriptural claim to a spiritual relationship.
They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God. (ESV, John 8:40)
The Jews finally moved from insisting on a physical connection with Abraham as their forefather to a spiritual one. They claim to be children of God. And they specifically mention the purity of their conception unblemished by sexual immorality. The Greek word used for “sexual immorality” is pornia from which we get pornography. Other translations may use the word “fornication” and “illegitimate.”
Scholars differ on what the Jews meant. There was an obvious inference to the questionable circumstances around Jesus’ potentially illegitimate birth as a personal attack. Illustrating even in ancient times, the destructive power of gossip. They were all born in lawful wedlock and Jesus was not.
Furthermore, Exodus 4:22, Jeremiah 31:9 and Deuteronomy 14:1-2 mention God as Israel’s father and them a treasured posession. So there was scriptural support to spiritually claim they were children of God. As legitimate Hebrews and not heathen idolaters, they were true worshipers of God who were special to him.
A study of John 8:39-47 reveals that we demonstrate the actions of the one we follow.
Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. (ESV, John 8:42)
Jesus doesn’t refute their scripturally supported claim. Instead, he points out another connection. His eternal relationship to the father. He was the son sent by the father and speaks the words of the father. Therefore, if they really love, worship, and know the father, they should love him and abide in his word.
But they don’t. Why? Because their real father was the devil, a murderer and the father of lies. And their will was to do his desires. Therefore, they didn’t hear or understand Jesus’ word. They didn’t believe him because he spoke the truth (V45).
The point is the one we genuinely believe and follow is demonstrated by our actions. Followers of Jesus will pursue his righteousnes. Followers of the devil will pursue their own sinful desires. And eventually, the evil desires of the people Jesus confronted would demonstrate themselves when they supported the religious leaders with calls to crucify him.
Jesus issues a brazen challenge.
Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God. (V.46-47)
No other person in human history has made such an audacious claim. Even more amazing? No one has ever identified one sin Jesus ever committed. And many have tried.
Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward.” (ESV, Matthew 26:59-60)
The apostle Paul both confirms this truth and explain its importance.
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (ESV, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
Jesus came to offer himself as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. And that required the sinless life that he accomplished.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
The Christian faith in simple words
Christianity for the Average Joe explains the core beliefs of Christianity in clear, everyday language—without theological jargon or confusing religious talk. But in a friendly, conversational tone of voice.
A study of John 8:31-38 reveals the key to discipleship and truth that sets you free, the enslaving power of sin, and the differece between truth and lies.
A study of John 8:31-38 reveals the key to discipleship and truth that sets you free.
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (ESV, John 8:31-32)
Jesus taught in the Jerusalem temple during the Jewish festival of Tabernacles. And in V.12-29 he dialogued in an adversarial exchange with Pharisees who rejected him. But V.30 says other people did believe in him. So Jesus instructed the believers on discipleship.
As true disciples they should abide in his word to know the truth that sets them free. (V.31)
The Greek word for “abide” is meno, and means to stay in expectancy, to continue, dwell, endure, and remain. In other words, believing in Jesus required more than intellectual knowledge, but involved a relationship with him. To accept him as Lord and obey his teachings.
And the result? It would set them free.
A study of John 8:31-38 reveals the enslaving power of sin.
Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (ESV, John 8:34-36)
However, the believers reacted in a surprising manner to these instructions. They insisted that as descendents of Abraham, they had never been enslaved and rejected the need to be set free. What prompted this reaction? Apparently, their belief in Jesus was superficial and excluded messing with their lifestyle. Not unlike today. People are quick to accept Jesus as an intellectual acknowledgement or entrance into heaven. But balk when it includes submitting to him as Lord.
Enslavement of sin
Although they probably didn’t mean they had never been physically enslaved. The Festival of Tabernacles was itself, a reminder of the temporary shelters Israel lived in during their wilderness journey after leaving slavery in Egypt. Furthermore, they currently lived under Roman occupation and their history included multiple times of captivity, exile, and oppression by other civilizations.
Rather, they felt entitled as descendents of Abraham that earned them automatic entrance into the Kingdom of God. Another misunderstanding that seeps into modern thinking. There is no heavenly inclusion because your parents are believers or through membership in a church or denomination. Every person must choose to believe in and follow Jesus.
So Jesus shifts to explaining spiritual enslavement. Those who practice sin are slaves to it. The word “practices” is the Greek poiōn. It means the one who is continually doing and represents a habitual or ongoing action. In other words, an ongoing, sinful lifestyle will also enslave you. The Apostle Paul also affirms this truth.
Do you not know if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? (ESV, Romans 6:16)
Furthermore, the truth Jesus refers to is not a concept but himself–Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Jesus sets us free from sin and judgement. Accepting him as Savior and Lord sets us free indeed.
A study of John I:31-38 reveals the difference between truth and lies.
I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.” (ESV, John 8:37-38)
John the Baptist warned the Jewish people in Matthew 3:9 and Luke 3:8 not to assume they entered the kingdom of God because they were Abraham’s descendents. And Jesus addressed it as well in Matthew 8:11-12. Now he draws a distinction from family life between slaves and sons to further illustrate. Slaves were often considered part of a household but lacked the status of a son. They were often valued and loved, but still temporary. A son, however, was permanent. And the spiritual application? Sons have an eternal legacy and slaves do not.
Jesus affirmed the Jews’ standing as the offspring of Abraham. But they lacked the more important spiritual component. They didn’t imitate Abraham’s faith. He cites as proof, the absence of his word in their hearts that instead, were filled with murderous thoughts. He further distinguished between believers and non-believers by identifying them with their fathers. Jesus’ words and actions reflected his obedience to his heavenly father, and their words and actions reflected their father, the devil.
We’re reminded that who you listen to matters. Do you fill your hearts with God’s truth or Satan’s lies? Each is followed by corresponding actions. God’s truth promotes lives that pursue righteousness. And Satan’s lies promotes lives enslaved by sin.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
The Christian faith in simple words
Christianity for the Average Joe explains the core beliefs of Christianity in clear, everyday language—without theological jargon or confusing religious talk. But in a friendly, conversational tone of voice.
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