John 10:22-30. Jesus: can we be sure?? 29/4/07
{22} Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, {23} and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade. {24} The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." {25} Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, {26} but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. {27} My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. {28} I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. {29} My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all ; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. {30} I and the Father are one."
Can God or someone tell us plainly and clearly who Jesus really is so that we can know for sure that he is the one we should be following? This is the age-old question that is brought up again and again by many people. It is here then that we have God’s answer to this question. He puts it plainly and clearly for all; so there is no excuse. He is to be taken seriously.
But of course that does not satisfy many people today; just as was the case when Jesus himself responded to this very question. They are looking for excuses so they do not have to make any changes or commitment. They want to, as Jesus says, remain unbelieving. Here it is interesting that these Jews came to Jesus and throw the blame back on him. "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus is accused of not letting it be known that he is from God, despite the fact that he has performed miracle after miracle and telling them that he is the Good Shepherd and many other things. They want him to ‘give it to them straight.’ But in reality they are looking for some way that they can discredit him so that they can ultimately ignore him and continue on doing what they want to do with their own lives.
Now I would suspect that the situation is little different today. Still the questions are thrown forward to God and us about whether Christ and Christianity is truly the way to go. Is Jesus really God and the only way for us? How can you really claim that our God and the Bible is for real? Look if Jesus is the only way, why is it that this or that church is doing all those bad things? And I am sure we could come up with many more.
But what is it that they are really doing? Now I am sure that not all are simply seek to turn the focus away from themselves and put the onus elsewhere for the problem of their non-acceptance of Jesus. Not all are wanting to find excuses for their unbelief. Not all are looking for ways to get rid of Jesus and his knocking at their door. However from Jesus response, that was the case for those Jews, and I am sure for many today. Many want to remain in their unbelieving state, and be able to push the blame elsewhere for their actions.
However here we need to hear Jesus’ answer to these questionings. Whether we are believers who are being asked these questions, or are struggling with these issues ourselves. Jesus gives a good and clear response. "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me. And he certainly performed many mighty miracles as he walked this earth, that did speak powerfully to the people at the time. But that was back then. Do we have these same miracles today that can clearly point to Jesus being the Son of God?
Here though let us remember that the clearest and greatest miracle that was given and equally speaks to us today is Jesus’ death and resurrection three days later. There we have God’s clear proclamation that here in Jesus we have God powerfully at work for his people. This miracle is clearly attested to down through the ages as God’s statement to our world, that here in Jesus and his death and resurrection we have God at work for our salvation. If this was a simple ‘fairy story’ as many claim it to be, it would have long died out, as all the other stories that have been penned. Hear what one wise man said many years ago. (Acts 5:35-39) he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. {36} Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. {37} After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. {38} Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. {39} But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."
Jesus in our reading then goes on to say; My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. He knows those who genuinely listen to him and seeks his guidance and help. Those who seriously question him wanting answers, he speaks to them through his Word. They listen to what is said and read and thereby know that Jesus Christ is who he says he is.
When we read God’s Word through the eyes of faith we see that it all leads and points us to Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection for us and for our salvation. Yes it does make us acutely aware that we are poor, miserable sinners who are turned away from him and who constantly seek to live our own selfish lives. As a result of that we bring all kinds of suffering and heart-ache on ourselves and our world around us. But most importantly of all because we are sinful at the very core of our lives, we have broken our relationship with God, and have no way of making it right from our side. Without Jesus we are doomed to an eternity of hell.
But as we continue to read his Word, listening to what he says, we find his promises that point us always and ever to Jesus Christ his very own Son. There he tells us that God himself sent his own Son into our world in order to make things right between himself and us. Now because he is not only a loving God, but also a holy and just God, he had to punish our sin. So Jesus takes that punishment on himself so that we might have forgiveness for all of our sin: no matter who we are or what we have done. Nothing now need separate anyone of us from his love: neither life nor death; principalities or powers. Nothing now stands in the way of those who listen and trust in his Word.
As a result he says; I give them eternal life. All that we so desperately seek to hang on here and work so hard to gain: eternal youth; God has now given to those who listen to him. Without our striving, technology or anything else that we can come up with, he has extended to us. Eternal life is ours, guaranteed.
But there is more. He says; and they shall never perish. Yes that is you and me. Even those of us who are staring death in the face, he says have that assurance that that is not the end for us. Again nothing can will destroy us, no matter what the world out there says or throws at us. For this God who raised up Jesus also promises that we will not perish.
But there is even more. For he goes on to say; no one can snatch them out of my hand. No, not the devil; not some Islamic Jihad; nothing has the ability or the power to take away that which Jesus has won for us. Nothing. For he says: My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all ; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.
As we his sheep listen to him, that is his promise and assurance to us all. Again remember that this is God’s very own Son who is saying this. So we can be sure. This is that very one who died on the cross and rose again three days later. This is his word and promise to each one of us.
But then, just in case we might still not be sure that this Jesus is quite so great, he makes his final, clear and telling statement: I and the Father are one. Jesus is making it quite clear that he is God Almighty himself. This is no lesser god; an angel; or some great prophet; no a human being whom God was at work in and through. No this is God’s very own Son; equal and one with his Father and the Holy Spirit. Here Jesus is the God Almighty himself, who is without beginning or end, and the Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier of all. To him belongs all glory and honour now and always. To him be praise and glory forever and ever.
So we are without excuse. He has told us plainly and clearly who he is and what he has done for us. He is Lord and Saviour of all. Except of course for those who want to remain in their unbelief. He has told us who he is and what he has done for us, so that we can be sure. We can trust him. We can listen to his voice and follow him. Here in Jesus we have the only way for us. The only One who truly is God and our saviour. He and his Word makes this plainly know to all.
With this assurance we can now go forward with confidence and certainty. For he tells us and promises that he has extended to us all that we need for this life and the next. So we can look to him, listen to him and follow him. And in that give all glory and honour to him whom it belongs; our great God Father, Son and Holy Spirit. AMEN.
Pastor Roger Atze
Redeemer Lutheran Church
Toowoomba
{22} Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, {23} and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade. {24} The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." {25} Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, {26} but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. {27} My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. {28} I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. {29} My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all ; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. {30} I and the Father are one."
Can God or someone tell us plainly and clearly who Jesus really is so that we can know for sure that he is the one we should be following? This is the age-old question that is brought up again and again by many people. It is here then that we have God’s answer to this question. He puts it plainly and clearly for all; so there is no excuse. He is to be taken seriously.
But of course that does not satisfy many people today; just as was the case when Jesus himself responded to this very question. They are looking for excuses so they do not have to make any changes or commitment. They want to, as Jesus says, remain unbelieving. Here it is interesting that these Jews came to Jesus and throw the blame back on him. "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus is accused of not letting it be known that he is from God, despite the fact that he has performed miracle after miracle and telling them that he is the Good Shepherd and many other things. They want him to ‘give it to them straight.’ But in reality they are looking for some way that they can discredit him so that they can ultimately ignore him and continue on doing what they want to do with their own lives.
Now I would suspect that the situation is little different today. Still the questions are thrown forward to God and us about whether Christ and Christianity is truly the way to go. Is Jesus really God and the only way for us? How can you really claim that our God and the Bible is for real? Look if Jesus is the only way, why is it that this or that church is doing all those bad things? And I am sure we could come up with many more.
But what is it that they are really doing? Now I am sure that not all are simply seek to turn the focus away from themselves and put the onus elsewhere for the problem of their non-acceptance of Jesus. Not all are wanting to find excuses for their unbelief. Not all are looking for ways to get rid of Jesus and his knocking at their door. However from Jesus response, that was the case for those Jews, and I am sure for many today. Many want to remain in their unbelieving state, and be able to push the blame elsewhere for their actions.
However here we need to hear Jesus’ answer to these questionings. Whether we are believers who are being asked these questions, or are struggling with these issues ourselves. Jesus gives a good and clear response. "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me. And he certainly performed many mighty miracles as he walked this earth, that did speak powerfully to the people at the time. But that was back then. Do we have these same miracles today that can clearly point to Jesus being the Son of God?
Here though let us remember that the clearest and greatest miracle that was given and equally speaks to us today is Jesus’ death and resurrection three days later. There we have God’s clear proclamation that here in Jesus we have God powerfully at work for his people. This miracle is clearly attested to down through the ages as God’s statement to our world, that here in Jesus and his death and resurrection we have God at work for our salvation. If this was a simple ‘fairy story’ as many claim it to be, it would have long died out, as all the other stories that have been penned. Hear what one wise man said many years ago. (Acts 5:35-39) he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. {36} Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. {37} After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. {38} Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. {39} But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."
Jesus in our reading then goes on to say; My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. He knows those who genuinely listen to him and seeks his guidance and help. Those who seriously question him wanting answers, he speaks to them through his Word. They listen to what is said and read and thereby know that Jesus Christ is who he says he is.
When we read God’s Word through the eyes of faith we see that it all leads and points us to Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection for us and for our salvation. Yes it does make us acutely aware that we are poor, miserable sinners who are turned away from him and who constantly seek to live our own selfish lives. As a result of that we bring all kinds of suffering and heart-ache on ourselves and our world around us. But most importantly of all because we are sinful at the very core of our lives, we have broken our relationship with God, and have no way of making it right from our side. Without Jesus we are doomed to an eternity of hell.
But as we continue to read his Word, listening to what he says, we find his promises that point us always and ever to Jesus Christ his very own Son. There he tells us that God himself sent his own Son into our world in order to make things right between himself and us. Now because he is not only a loving God, but also a holy and just God, he had to punish our sin. So Jesus takes that punishment on himself so that we might have forgiveness for all of our sin: no matter who we are or what we have done. Nothing now need separate anyone of us from his love: neither life nor death; principalities or powers. Nothing now stands in the way of those who listen and trust in his Word.
As a result he says; I give them eternal life. All that we so desperately seek to hang on here and work so hard to gain: eternal youth; God has now given to those who listen to him. Without our striving, technology or anything else that we can come up with, he has extended to us. Eternal life is ours, guaranteed.
But there is more. He says; and they shall never perish. Yes that is you and me. Even those of us who are staring death in the face, he says have that assurance that that is not the end for us. Again nothing can will destroy us, no matter what the world out there says or throws at us. For this God who raised up Jesus also promises that we will not perish.
But there is even more. For he goes on to say; no one can snatch them out of my hand. No, not the devil; not some Islamic Jihad; nothing has the ability or the power to take away that which Jesus has won for us. Nothing. For he says: My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all ; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.
As we his sheep listen to him, that is his promise and assurance to us all. Again remember that this is God’s very own Son who is saying this. So we can be sure. This is that very one who died on the cross and rose again three days later. This is his word and promise to each one of us.
But then, just in case we might still not be sure that this Jesus is quite so great, he makes his final, clear and telling statement: I and the Father are one. Jesus is making it quite clear that he is God Almighty himself. This is no lesser god; an angel; or some great prophet; no a human being whom God was at work in and through. No this is God’s very own Son; equal and one with his Father and the Holy Spirit. Here Jesus is the God Almighty himself, who is without beginning or end, and the Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier of all. To him belongs all glory and honour now and always. To him be praise and glory forever and ever.
So we are without excuse. He has told us plainly and clearly who he is and what he has done for us. He is Lord and Saviour of all. Except of course for those who want to remain in their unbelief. He has told us who he is and what he has done for us, so that we can be sure. We can trust him. We can listen to his voice and follow him. Here in Jesus we have the only way for us. The only One who truly is God and our saviour. He and his Word makes this plainly know to all.
With this assurance we can now go forward with confidence and certainty. For he tells us and promises that he has extended to us all that we need for this life and the next. So we can look to him, listen to him and follow him. And in that give all glory and honour to him whom it belongs; our great God Father, Son and Holy Spirit. AMEN.
Pastor Roger Atze
Redeemer Lutheran Church
Toowoomba
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