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 10:11-21 reveals who the good shepherd is and what he does, relationships between father and son and shepherd and sheep, and Jesus’ authority to lay down his life and take it up again.
A study of John 10:11-21 reveals who the good shepherd is and what he does.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (ESV, John 10:11)
In this parable that Jesus tells, he identifies himself as a shepherd. However, he’s not just a shepherd but “the good shepherd.” There are two different Greek words for “good.” One is kalŏs, which means morally and intrinsically good and upright. An example of this appears in Matthew 7:17.
So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.
In this verse “good” (kalŏs) refers to the inner quality of the tree. It is good in nature and therefore produces good.
But in John 10:11, the Greek word for “good” is agathos, which means means beautiful, noble, excellent, and worthy.
Sheepherding was common in that day so the people easily related to the story. Not so much today. However, we should not imagine in our modern context that it was easy and carefree work. It was both rigorous and dangerous. In 1 Samuel 17:34–36, David tells King Saul that as a shepherd he risked his life and killed both lions and bears to protect his flock. But as the good shepherd, Jesus goes beyond risking his life. Instead, he willingly lays his life down for his sheep as the obedient son to the will of his father. He is the perfect sacrifice and God’s redemption for sin.
And unlike the hired hand who is in it for the money, Jesus is personally invested in the care and safety of his sheep. He is not simply morally decent. He is noble, beautiful, and excellent. The Son of God who takes away the sin of the world.
A study of John 10:11-21 reveals relationships between father and son and shepherd and sheep.
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. (ESV, John 10:14-15)
In Ezekiel 34, God admonishes the religious leaders as failed shepherds of his people. They tended to themselves rather than their sheep. Therefore, God declared he would take charge of what those spiritual shepherds neglected.
I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord God. (ESV, Ezekiel 34:15)
A spiritual comparison
Jesus possibly alludes to Ezekiel here as he compares his personal interest in the sheep to the self-interest of the religious leaders. He likens them to hired hands that scatter when danger threatens. What distinguishes Jesus? He builds a relationship with his sheep that is patterned after his relationship with the father. As the father knows him and Jesus knows the father, Jesus, in turn, knows his sheep who also know him. Furthermore, he lays his life down for them.
Then In V.16, Jesus mentions a different fold from the one he speaks about in V.1-5. Scholars suggest the first sheepfold mentioned in V.1-5 represents the people of Israel who are first to receive the gospel. And expand later to include Gentiles and the rest of the world represented by the other sheepfold. The apostle Paul confirms this in his teaching.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (ESV, Romans 1:16)
A study of John 10:11-21 reveals Jesus’ authority to lay down his life and take it up again.
For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” (ESV, John 10:17-18)
Jesus ends by repeating that he lays down his life for his sheep. But with an addition. So he can take it up again. It’s an important reminder that his sacrificial death is followed by a resurrection. The final piece that completes the gospel. And important enough for Jesus to repeat twice.
Both the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus were part of God’s redemptive plan. And the claim that Jesus had the authority to take it up again was further evidence of his divinity. But the religious leaders were still divided in their opinions. Some insisted Jesus was demon possessed and insane. Others said he spoke sanely. And they could not imagine a demon with the power to open the eyes of a man born blind.
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 10:1-10 reveals a shepherd that leads his sheep, Jesus is the door to heaven who protects and secures our faith, and Jesus offers abundant life.
A study of John 10:1-10 reveals a shepherd that leads his sheep.
Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. (ESV, John 10:1-2)
This parable is based on daily Jewish life during that time period. The story begins In the context of a small, Jewish village where families commonly owned a few sheep. Mostly for wool rather than food. The Greek word for “sheepfold” is aulē, which means court or courtyard. It was an enclosed, outdoor area of the home where the sheep were kept with walls up to six feet high. The shepherd was a designated family member or someone hired who went house to house through the neighborhood to gather a herd.
The gatekeeper was a home resident who opened the courtyard door to let the shepherd in to gather the sheep. Any thief seeking to steal sheep had to climb in and carry them over the wall to do so. The shepherd actually built a relationship with the sheep and gave them all names. Rather than drive the herd from behind, he led them by calling their names. And the sheep followed because they recognized their shepherd’s voice. But ran from anyone with a voice they didn’t recognize.
Today, we also hear many voices that want our attention. But the one we must listen to and follow is our shepherd. The Lord Jesus Christ. As his flock, we recognize and faithfully follow his voice by studying his word. And its truth cuts through the babble of competing voices.
A study of John 10:1-10 reveals Jesus is the door to heaven who protects and secures our faith.
So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. (ESV, John 10:7-9)
In V.6 Jesus used a “figure of speech” they didn’t understand. The Greek word used is paroimia, which means an enigmatical or fictitious illustration. parable, or proverb. And “they” are likely the Pharisees and Jews that Jesus spoke to in chapter nine when he taught in the Jerusalem temple during the Feast of Tabernacles.
They were the intellectual elites. The most knowledgeable in Old Testament scriptures. And they should have been first to recognize, accept, and follow Jesus as the Messiah. Instead, they rejected him and led the people in rejecting him too. It illustrates the fact that people seldom reject Jesus based on intellectual knowledge. But rather a hard heart. It also emphasizes the grave responsibility placed on spiritual leaders. To carefully steward God’s word and proclaim its truth will diligence.
The parable makes a scene change in V.7. After gathering their herd of sheep in the village, shepherds led them out into the open fields to graze. And in the warm summer stayed out overnight. In that event, sheep were kept in hand built stone-walled enclosures. The top wall was covered with thorns to fend off wild animals. And since there was no enclosure door, the shepherd slept in the opening as guard. In the same manner, Jesus both leads the sheep and is the door that protects them.
A study of John 10:1-10 reveals that Jesus offers abundant life.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10)
The Greek word for “life” is zoe. Its meaning extends beyond simply biological existence which would normally use the Greek word bios. John uses zoe to mean regenerated and eternal life with God. And the Greek word for “abundantly” is perisseúō, which means superabundant and beyond measure. It represents quality of life not an accumulation of material goods.
In other words, abundance in way of full, complete, and a lacking nothing spiritual life. But it does not guarantee unending happiness, well being, comfort, wealth, or success. Life presents challenges and hardships to everyone. And followers of Jesus Christ are not shielded from those experiences. Although Jesus walks with us through them.
We end with Jesus affirming a critical spiritual truth. He is the only entrance to eternal life. As savior and Lord, he guides and protects our faith. And we are further secured by the Holy Spirit.
And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. ( ESV, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22)
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 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 8:48-59 reveals hostility by those who reject truth, the difference between a physical and spiritual life, and a divine claim by Jesus.
A study of John 8:48-59 reveals hostility by those who reject truth.
The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” (ESV, John 8:48)
When Jesus taught in the Jerusalem temple during the Feast of Tabernacles, he engaged in dialogue with Jews, who at first, believed in him. But it turned out their belief was superficial and they weren’t committed to an ongoing relationship with him. They rejected Jesus’ instruction to abide in his word because they already considered themselves children of Abraham and children of God. Jesus replied he was sent by God and spoke the words of God. And to reject him meant they were actually children of the devil.
This infuriated the Jews. A common reaction when people lose an argument. And Jesus made it worse by challenging them to prove him guilty of even one sin, which they couldn’t do. So in growing hostility, fueled by the frustration they couldn’t refute Jesus, they began calling him names. Another common reaction when God’s word is proclaimed. It will convict and lead to repentance those who accept it and believe. But often cause hostility among those who reject it and prefer darkness over light.
They called Jesus a Samaritan and demon possessed
Jews had a low view of Samaritans who they considered ethnically and morally impure. So they used the name as a racial slur to insult Jesus. Calling him demon possessedaccused him of serving Satan rather than God. Hurtful words for sure, but they also fulfilled prophecy.
He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. (ESV, Isaiah 53:3)
Here’s another spiritual reality. Accepting Jesus involves an act of humility and submission. Self-righteous pride rejects humility and exalts yourself as a god in place of the Almighty God.
A study of John 8:48-59 reveals the difference between physical and spiritual life.
Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ (ESV, John 8:51-52)
Using truly, truly at the beginning was intended to get their attention. It was like saying, “Listen up. I’m about to announce something that is really important.” But the Jews assumed Jesus was talking about physical death. And the physical deaths of Abraham and the prophets were all recorded and affirmed in scripture. Therefore, such an outrageous claim proved their point. He was either demon possessed or out of his mind.
Furthermore, the claim Jesus could overcome what their revered patriarch Abraham could not was insulting. So they angrily deminded, “Who do you think you are?” However, the Jews misunderstood. Jesus was not talking about physical death, but the eternal, spiritual death that follows physical death. How do we know? Because Jesus would never contract the truth of scripture. And he more clearly distinguishes between physical and spiritual death later in this gospel.
I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. (ESV, John 11:25-26)
How well do you know God?
Rather than answer their angry demand, Jesus shifts the conversation and identifies the key to eternal life. A relationship. He says in V.55 they don’t know the father. And the Greek word for “know” that he uses is ginōskō, which means to know relationally and by experience. It is the kind of knowing represented by saving faith because it grows over time through interaction and obedience. But the Jews were counting on their physical relationship with Abraham and completely missed the spiritual one with God the father.
Jesus, on the other hand, knows the father. The Greek word for “know” here is oida, which means absolute, innate, and perfect knowledge. In other words, they never developed an actual relationship with the father, but he has an eternal relationship with the father as the divine son.
A study of John 8:48-59 reveals a divine claim by Jesus.
Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad. (ESV, John 8:56)
Since the Jews kept insisting on a priviledged status as Abraham’s descendents, Jesus shifted the conversation back to him. He describes his relationship with Abraham like someone who knew him intimately. And Abraham, likewise, knew Jesus and looked forward to seeing his day. A statement that made no sense to them. Abraham lived 2,000 years ago and they pointed out the obvious.
So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” (ESV, John 8:57)
From a human perspective, Jesus was a young, upstart. Perhaps if he was 50 rather than 30, he might possess some wisdom from lived experience and deserve greater respect. You can almost hear the condescension in their voices. “Come back when you grow up.”
But Jesus was much more than that.
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. (ESV, John 8:58-59).
The Greek word for “before Abraham was” is gínomai, which means to be born. In other words, Abraham was a created being with a beginning. The words “I am” that Jesus used to describe himself are the Greek egṓ eimí, which literally means I am. It is used throughout scripture to describe the eternal God.
Jesus used it in his I am statements throughout the Gospel of John. Furthermore, it goes back to when Moses asked God for what to say when he presented himself to Israel as God’s chosen leader.
God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you. (ESV, Exodus 3:14)
In other words, Abraham had a beginning as a created being, but Jesus existed as the eternal God. This time the Jews understood exactly what Jesus was claiming. And their thoughts turned murderous. To them Jesus was just a man. And claiming to be God was blasphemy with a penalty of death by stoning. So they gathered rocks to carry out the sentence. But Jesus hid and then left the temple.
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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