Tuesday 9th July
Read John 10:24-30
“The Jews who were there gathered round him, saying, ‘How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.’
25 Jesus answered, ‘I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about 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 will 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.’” (NIVUK)
The Jews don’t think Jesus has told them whether He is the Messiah or not (v24). Jesus thinks He told them long ago (v25). His work and words continue to testify to His identity. This is important to grasp when pondering the words that follow.
Many read these words and see in them a nascent, and harsh, predestined fate for all. You are either sheep, with ears to hear His voice, or you are not. If you are like the frustrated Jews in the Temple colonnade unable to see or hear the One right in front of them you are not amongst the sheep and are doomed. Yet John’s witness is that the word of life is constantly held forth for all to hear and respond to. Sin closes one off to the voice of the shepherd, a deliberate refusal to hear and see what Jesus said and did. Wherever the witness of Jesus goes forth, in your words and life, it should be accompanied by the prayer that their eyes and ears would be opened.
