The Shepherd and His Sheep: Navigating Faith

John 10:22–42 NKJV

Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, “Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?” The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.” Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods” ’? If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” Therefore they sought again to seize Him, but He escaped out of their hand. And He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was baptizing at first, and there He stayed. Then many came to Him and said, “John performed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about this Man were true.” And many believed in Him there.

Intro:

AG: Brothers and sisters in Christ, the season of winter reminds us of shepherds, huddled with their flocks against the biting wind. Today, we journey to the Jerusalem temple during the Festival of Dedication, where Jesus uses that very image to reveal a profound truth about himself and his relationship with us. Let us delve into John 10:22-42

TS:

Feast of Dedication: Or as we know it, Hanukkah

MacArthur Study Bible NASB (Commentary)

Hanukkah celebrates the Israelite victory over the Syrian leader Antiochus Epiphanes, who persecuted Israel. In ca. 170 B.C. he conquered Jerusalem and desecrated the Jewish temple by setting up a pagan altar to displace the altar of God. Under the leadership of an old priest named Mattathias, the Jews fought guerrilla warfare (known as the Maccabean Revolt—166–142 B.C.) against Syria and freed the temple and the land from Syrian dominance until 63 B.C. when Rome (Pompey) took control of Palestine. It was in 164 B.C. on 25 Chislev (Dec. approximately), that the Jews liberated the temple and rededicated it.

The celebration is also known as the “Feast of Lights” because of the lighting of lamps and candles in Jewish homes to commemorate the event.

It was winter. John indicated by this phrase that the cold weather drove Jesus to walk on the eastern side of the temple in the sheltered area of Solomon’s porch, which after the resurrection became the regular gathering place of Christians where they would proclaim the gospel (see Ac 3:11; 5:12).

This passage continues and expands on the previous section (John 10:1-21) where Jesus speaks about himself as the Good Shepherd. There is significant focus on Jesus' claim to oneness with God, which would later be a major point of conflict leading to his crucifixion.

RS:

I. A Confrontation Sparked by Identity (22-39):

A. Vexed Hearts, Demanding Answers: (22-25)

John 10:22–25 NKJV

Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me.

The passage opens with Jewish leaders, clouded by doubt and distrust, demanding a clear answer – "Is it you who is the Christ?"

They are blunt in their questioning and want a straight answer. Their question isn't born from genuine seeking, but from a desire to corner Jesus. Notice the tense language, "Tell us plainly," betraying their inner turmoil.

If Jesus openly says yes, they reason, He has condemned Himself

They have already rejected Him and in the hardness of their hearts, they have no desire to believe in Him.

Explanation: We encounter skepticism and prejudice even today. People may demand proof, not in genuine curiosity, but to discredit our faith.

When faced with closed minds and unbelieving hearts, no amount of evidence will suffice

In the parable of the sower, Jesus compares such individuals with hardpacked ground of a pathway. There is no penetrating it with the truth and birds come and carry it away.

They are those with reprobate hearts:

Romans 1:28 NKJV

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

They are those whose names are not in the book of life

God knew before the creation of the world who would be saved and who wouldn’t

Romans 8:28–29 NKJV

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Remember, Jesus didn't shy away from difficult questions, and neither should we.

Speak the truth in love

Let God do the rest!

Application: When faced with skepticism, let us respond with patience and clarity, sharing the Gospel not to win debates, but to plant seeds of understanding.

B. Beyond Parables, Unveiling Truth: (25-28)

John 10:25–28 NKJV

Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.

Jesus doesn't directly answer their question; instead, he offers a parable, a relatable story to illuminate a deeper truth.

He declares, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."

This is a near repetition of what He said earlier in the chapter when He contrasted shepherd and hireling

In the context of first-century Judea this imagery resonated deeply. Jesus identifies himself as the true shepherd, one who knows his sheep intimately and leads them with care.

Sheep hear their shepherd and following

Jesus didn't resort to simple answers but painted a vivid picture, allowing hearts to ponder and connect. He offers us not just facts, but a relationship, a personal connection with him.

Application: Let us not get lost in theological intricacies.

We are called to hear Jesus' voice, to recognize his guidance in our lives, and to follow him wholeheartedly.

He leads us:

Calls us to salvation

Holy Spirit indwells us

Leads us the rest of our lives

We, as good sheep, should follow our shepherd..

C. Blasphemy or Oneness?: (31-33)

John 10:31–33 NKJV

Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, “Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?” The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.”

Explanation Jesus further strengthens his claim, stating, "I and the Father are one."

This ignited outrage, as his words, in their understanding, amounted to blasphemy. Jesus, however, doesn't back down. He cites Scripture, reminding them that even those appointed by God were called "gods." His point? His unity with the Father is not an equality of position, but a deeper unity of essence.

Jesus' claim to oneness with God is fundamental to the Christian faith. It speaks of a profound connection, a shared nature, not a merging of identities.

Application: While we cannot fully grasp the intricacies of the Trinity, we can trust that Jesus' sacrifice stemmed from a divine love, a oneness with the Father that extends to include us.

The heart of the gospel is the trinity

Father-Son-Holy Spirit ALL 3 in 1

God loves us!

He loves us so much, He took on flesh to become the atoning sacrifice for us.

D. Works as Witness, Faith as Response:(34-38)

John 10:34–38 NKJV

Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods” ’? If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.”

Explanation: Jesus doesn't rely solely on words. He points to his miracles, his works, as evidence of his divine origin. "The works that the Father has given me to do bear witness about me," he declares.

This is a crucial counterpoint to mere claims. True faith requires both recognition of Jesus' identity and a life reflecting his teachings.

Our faith isn't just internal. It manifests in our actions, in our love for others, and in our obedience to God's word.

James 2:18 NKJV

But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

Application: Let us not separate belief from good works.

Our lives, imbued with Christ's teachings, should be the compelling witness that draws others to the Good Shepherd.

II. Beyond Jerusalem, Seeds of Faith (40-42):

John 10:40–42 NKJV

And He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was baptizing at first, and there He stayed. Then many came to Him and said, “John performed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about this Man were true.” And many believed in Him there.

Explanation The scene shifts from confrontation to acceptance.

Jesus retreats across the Jordan, where John had initially baptized him. Here, people readily identify him as the "one of whom John spoke," despite witnessing no miracles.

Their faith seems simple, almost naive, compared to the skepticism in Jerusalem. Yet, Jesus welcomes them, and "many believed in him there."

They responded to His call like we do, by faith!

Faith takes various forms, and God sees the sincerity of every heart. Sometimes, genuine belief arises even without extraordinary signs.

Conclusion:

Which group are you in?

The hardened skeptic?

The faithful follower?