My True Sheep

Celebrations are important.

This past weekend, and really for the week to come in some areas, we as a nation are celebrating 250 years of independence. A great accomplishment and something worth celebrating.

For Israel, celebrations took the form of feasts.

In Exodus & Leviticus we see God setting up a number of feasts to help the nation remember and celebrate. Festivals include: Passover, First-fruits, Pentecost/Weeks, Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Tabernacles. Purim or Lots is the only OT feast celebrated in Scripture which God did not command; comes from Esther.

Feast of Dedication: Celebrates the Temple being set apart and “true” kings rising.

This was started during the time between the OT and NT. It was in 164 BC that the Maccabean revolt took place to re-take the Temple and consecrate it again to God. It also set up the Kingship of the Maccabeauens which lasted for about 100 years.

Faith is necessary in life.

We all have faith. Everyone has faith. Faith is what or who is the real question. The Jews want thigns to be made very plain and so do we at times but this is not always the way life works.

Jesus true sheep hear Him!

True followers of Jesus listen for His voice and have faith that even though it is not always 100% clear He is who He said He is. The trust His Word!

True sheep are known!

Many can act the part but only those who Jesus knows gains eternal lfie. This is about a relationship. This is not about a one-time decision but a lifelong decision to continue to listen to his voice and trust him.

True sheep follow Jesus!

We talked a little about this two weeks ago and last week were challenged to trust God when he says to walk.

Jesus provides eternal and secure life.

Though we may be pressed on all side and though we may be encircled by enemies Jesus will also have in His hands those who are His. We need not worry about what will happen when we continue to hear his voice, get to know Him, and follow. Jesus has us all the way.

Jesus is ONE with God the Father.

This is another example, when we have faith, Jesus is saying He is God. John 1 makes it clear who Jesus is but the reason we can have confidence and security in Him is because He is fully God. God is one in three persons. A great mystery but so important for us to realize.

The Jews were ready to purge the Temple again.

Just like Judas Maccabeus did in 164 BC the scene tells us they are going to re-enact the beginning of this feast. Notice verse 33

John 10:33 NIV

“We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”

Jesus is not a “mere man”.

Amen to this! Jesus quotes Scripture and reminds them He is God’s special agent because He is God. Verses 34-37

Believe in Jesus and what He did.

Do you believe in Jesus? This is the crux of Scripture.

Listen, know, and follow Jesus.

As a review this is the marks of a true disciple/sheep of God.

Stay faithful in proclaiming who Jesus is!

The final verses are so interesting to me and some scholaris.