Sunday 7th July
Read John 10:17-21
“The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life – only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.’
19 The Jews who heard these words were again divided. 20 Many of them said, ‘He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?’
21 But others said, ‘These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?’” (NIVUK)
The words and actions of Jesus continue to challenge the assumptions of those who are unsure of who Jesus is. Jesus listens to the Father, to the point of self-sacrifice (v18), whilst those around Him constantly wonder whether they in turn should listen to Him (v20). But both His words and actions work in concert. His sayings are wise and His actions beyond question – there is nowhere to hide for those who would wriggle out of the decision He forces upon them.
So far removed in time from the actions of Jesus, we only have the words and witness of those who heard and saw Him on which to rely. The decision however is the same. It divides the world into those who believe and those who do not – there is no room on the fence. How effectively do we who believe, by our words and actions, force a decision? How questionable are our lives?
