God’s Guiding Word: Love
Introduction
John 10:22–42: Jesus continues to describe his relationship with his followers. Some of the people ask if he is the Messiah, and Jesus responds by declaring that the deeds he does by his Father’s authority speak on his behalf. Some of the people attempt to stone him, whereas many others believe in him.
Scripture Reading
22 It was winter, and the Festival of the Dedication of the Temple was being celebrated in Jerusalem. 23 Jesus was walking in Solomon’s Porch in the Temple, 24 when the people gathered around him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? Tell us the plain truth: are you the Messiah?”
25 Jesus answered, “I have already told you, but you would not believe me. The deeds I do by my Father’s authority speak on my behalf; 26 but you will not believe, for 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 die. No one can snatch them away from me. 29 What my Father has given me is greater than everything, and no one can snatch them away from the Father’s care. 30 The Father and I are one.”
31 Then the people again picked up stones to throw at him. 32 Jesus said to them, “I have done many good deeds in your presence which the Father gave me to do; for which one of these do you want to stone me?”
33 They answered, “We do not want to stone you because of any good deeds, but because of your blasphemy! You are only a man, but you are trying to make yourself God!”
34 Jesus answered, “It is written in your own Law that God said, ‘You are gods.’ 35 We know that what the scripture says is true forever; and God called those people gods, the people to whom his message was given. 36 As for me, the Father chose me and sent me into the world. How, then, can you say that I blaspheme because I said that I am the Son of God? 37 Do not believe me, then, if I am not doing the things my Father wants me to do. 38 But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, you should at least believe my deeds, in order that you may know once and for all that the Father is in me and that I am in the Father.”
39 Once more they tried to seize Jesus, but he slipped out of their hands.
40 Jesus then went back again across the Jordan River to the place where John had been baptizing, and he stayed there. 41 Many people came to him. “John performed no miracles,” they said, “but everything he said about this man was true.” 42 And many people there believed in him.
Today’s Key Verse: John 10:27
[Jesus said:] “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
Reflect
How does Jesus respond when asked if he is the Messiah (verses 25–30)? Why do people want to stone him (verse 33)? How does Jesus respond (verses 34–38)? Reread verses 27 and 28. What reassurance does Jesus give his followers? With whom might you share these comforting words today?
Pray
Loving Jesus, as one of your sheep, you know my name. I thank you for the promise of eternal life with you and the assurance that no one can ever snatch me away from you. Help me to listen for your voice each day so that I always follow you. Amen.
And now, join us in praying for the relief efforts being provided by the Bible Society in Morocco for victims of last September’s devastating earthquake. Lord God, when a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Morocco, thousands of people lost their lives. In the aftermath, the Bible Society in Morocco organized a relief effort to support the survivors of the disaster by distributing essential food and medical supplies to believers and other people in isolated regions affected by the earthquake. We pray, Lord God, that the Bible Society’s continued relief efforts, strengthened by your Word, will help to bring peace to the victims of this disaster. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
John 11:1–27: Jesus receives word that his friend Lazarus is ill.