Tell Us Again
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Pray
Pray
The NIV Application Commentary: John Original Meaning
This forces his audience into a crisis: Some try to seize him while others choose to believe (10:39–42). The entire chapter, then, carefully follows the reactions of the audience, indicating how the coming of Christ divides the world (cf. 3:19–21; 9:5).
Festival of Dedication
The New American Commentary: John 1–11 4. The Festival of Dedication and the Shepherd Mashal (10:1–42)
But the Festival of Dedication (which is the focus of chap. 10) also has a messianic aspect because that festival had been celebrated as a memorial to the rejection of false rulers, epitomized in Antiochus IV (Epiphanes), who among other things desecrated the temple by slaughtering a pig on the altar of sacrifice and also erected a statue of Zeus (Jupiter) in the most holy place, the inner sanctuary of the temple. The subsequent victory and expulsion of the Syrians from Israel in 164 B.C. under Judas Maccabeus and the accompanying reconsecration of the temple was thereafter established in the Jewish calendar as a national religious freedom festival, which at that time definitely implied messianic expectations.
Shepherds and aflse shepherds
The New American Commentary: John 1–11 4. The Festival of Dedication and the Shepherd Mashal (10:1–42)
one can easily sense in John the importance of shepherd texts such as Ezekiel 34, Jeremiah 23 and Psalm 23, which identify the Lord as the true shepherd in contrast to the false shepherds of Israel.
It’s the Faeast of Dedication - or as we might better know it, Hanukkah. This was an 8 day festival starting on the 25th of Kislev in the Jewsih calender - which is closest to our month of Decemeber.
Summary
Summary
Here is a primary root of the Johannine development of Jesus as the Son, for throughout this Gospel Son of God and Son of Man are one, and the significance of both is deepened by the concept of incarnation. It appears that in John 10 it is the function of Christ who acts as Son of God, Shepherd of man, and Door to the kingdom that is to the fore, even in v 30, while the inner relation to the Father is set forth in v 38 and reflects back on the preceding passage.
Leanna (my wife) and I don’t sit down to watch the news on TV.
We never have.
We’ll both read the news streams on our phones to keep up with the headlines.
But for some reason,
we decided that we ought to sit down and watch the news on Tuesday nights just before 8.30pm.
We knew Boris was making an announcememnt as he does eveyday at the moment
- but this one seemed important.
27million other people in Britain did the same.
This pivotal moment in British history was the most-watched broadcast since Princess Anne’s wedding to Mark Phillips which attracted 27.6million viewers in 1973.
Boris just missed out!
We’ll all remember watching Boris telling the whole country to ‘Stay at home!’
Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2020/03/24/boris-johnsons-lockdown-statement-watched-26-5-million-coronavirus-crisis-breaks-broadcast-records-12447364/?ito=cbshare
When the announcement ended,
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetroUK | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroUK/
Leanna and I both looked at each other and agreed we better not ever watch the news again if that’s what happens!
Our apologis to the whole country that had we not have watched the
Even though all of us have heard of this type of situation being imposed in other countries.
Even though we may have heard the scientists advising we must do more.
Even though we knew it was coming,
It frankly was almost un-believeable.
Literally, un believeable.
In the sense that it’s impossible to believe - not in the sense that it’s incredible news!
It was almost like we were watchign the latest Netflix series,
and once we’d enjoy the drama - we’d go back to reality.
Pause
We should have known it was coming,
But when it came, it seemed un-believable.
These moments are very rare,
Such I’m sure our grandparents (or parents) felt the same when
Moments that have huge impact on us,
Moments we in some way knew were coming
But when they came - they seem un-believable.
I’m sure our grandparents (or parents) felt the same when
On September 3, 1939, 2 days after Hitler invaded Poland, France and Britain declared war on Germany, beginning World War II.
They perhaps knew it was coming - but it would change their lives - and they could not belive it.
Or when many of us here and across the world watched live on the 11th September 2001,
As a second aircraft truck the second of the twin towers in New York,
And after some time both would collapse to the ground.
These things seem like a dream - a terrible dream.
They are un believeable
Even when we see them with our own eyes!
We could perhas known these things were going to happen in one way or another
But when they come - and they bring about life changing implications.
They are seemingly unbelieveable.
But there is one event in your lifetime that has had - or will have if you havn’t had that moment yet -
And they change the course of history.
the most significant impact on your life, beyond any other impact.
The questions is - was it too unbelivable for you too belive?
Even the Cornavirus will pail into insignificance next to it.
And it’s the moment the people in our reading from John’s gospel today,
are faced with.
It’s the moment :!
The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
we take - very seriously the question the Jews ask of Jesus in 10v24
“How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
In other words,
It’s when we ask the question:
Is Jesus the Messiah?
Is Jesus the Son of God - sent to earth
- to people like you and me watching today
- to offer us a way to salvation
- to an eternity with God on High
- to save us from judgement and hell which the bible teaches us - we have chosen for ourselves.
Is Jesus the only hope in this life and life beyond death?
Is Jesus the Messiah?
It’s a MASSIVE question.
It has huge implications for our lives.
If he is the Messiah
- then we must either believe and follow him and enjoy his love and forgiveness and mercy for all eternity
- or else face judgement before God as Jesus warned.
Of course, if he’s not the Messiah - then we don’t need to do anything about it at all!
But if he is..,
It’s a MASSIVE question.
It’s a MASSIVE question.
So big, that it’s frankly, for many - un believable!
But if the Coronavirus lockdown has taught us anything...
It’s that just becasue something seems un-believable,
it doesn’t mean it isn’t true.
So, for the next 15mins
Would you join me as we look at this life changing question of Jesus being the Messiah,
If you’re a Christian already - trusting and follwing Jesus wholeheartldy
- then what a joy this passage will be
- to be reminded of his love and grace,
to be reminded of that most life changing day in your life.
And if we’re not a believer in jesus as the Messiah.
The Saviour
The Rescuer
Then,
Don’t miss the impact this question has on your life whether you choose to think about it or not.
I’ve got 3 points today in the sermon,
Why do we find it har dto believ that our country ahs been lockeddown?
And they are these:
And I guess there are many reasons,
but some keys ones have to be,
1 - We don’t like it becasue it means changing our lifestyle.
2 - We don’t like it becasue we don’t undertsand the full picture (We have to trust the opinion of ‘experts’ we don’t even know - surely there ar other ways to manage this)
3 - We don’t value the principles behind the decision - perhpas we don’t valto be trueIt would affect our whole lives,
3 - We don’t value the principles behind the decision - perhpas we don’t valto be trueIt would affect our whole lives,
It would mean
Easy to remmeber, and sum up what the passage is saying brillinatly.
3 - We dont like it beacause we have other priorities (perhpas finances, social interaction, job security, the economy)
But on the other 51 weeks of the year, they end up like todays!
1 - Jesus Rededicates us to God! (John 10v22-30)
1 - Jesus Rededicates us to God! (John 10v22-30)
2 - Jesus Cannot be Prooved False! (John 10v31-38)
2 - Jesus Cannot be Prooved False! (John 10v31-38)
3 - Jesus Always Provokes a Response! (John 10v39-42)
3 - Jesus Always Provokes a Response! (John 10v39-42)
1 - Jesus Rededicates us to God! (John 10v22-30)
1 - Jesus Rededicates us to God! (John 10v22-30)
22-30 - Jesus Rededicates us to God
Festival of Dedication
Notice what John, our author draws our attention to before he retells what Jesus taught:
who wrote the book of John,
is making by setting the scene in v22
Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter,
The Festival of Dedication - or ‘Hannahuk’ - as you might know it today.
Is a festival to celebrate a great overthowing of Antiochus IV.
Who, among other things desecrated the Jewish temple by slaughtering a pig (an unclaen animal)
on the altar of sacrifice and also put up a statue of Zeus.
In 164BC though, Judas Maccabaeus led the Jews to victory over His forces;
In a heroic series of military encounters Judas Maccabaeus led the Jews to victory over the forces of Antiochus; the desolated temple was cleansed and refurbished
The Jews joyously celebrated the rededication
Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 36: John (Second Edition) Jesus the Messiah (10:22–30)
The people joyously celebrated the rededication of the altar for eight days, and it was decreed that a like festival be held each year for eight days, beginning on the 25th. Kislev
of the altar in the temple - back to God.
for eight days, and it was decreed that a like festival be held each year for eight days, beginning on the 25th. Kislev - which falls in our month of december.
The reason John draws our attention to this,
is to point out the irony to the Jews Jesus is speaking to...
Beasley-Murray, G. R. (1999). John (Vol. 36, p. 173). Dallas: Word, Incorporated., who among other things desecrated the temple by slaughtering a pig on the altar of sacrifice and also erected a statue of Zeus (Jupiter) in the most holy place, the inner sanctuary of the temple. The subsequent victory and expulsion of the Syrians from Israel in 164 B.C. under Judas Maccabeus and the accompanying reconsecration of the temple was thereafter established in the Jewish calendar as a national religious freedom festival, which at that time definitely implied messianic expectations.
They are there busy celebrating the rededication of the temple to God -
all the while rejecting Jesus, who God has sent
to fully and finally rededicate all who will listen,back to God!
The Jews were expecting a Messiah
- someone who would rededicate them to God in heaven.
Yes, They had the temple and a sacrificial system which they were thankful for.
(That is why they celebrated the Feast of Dedication)
But they all knew
the sacrificial system was only a signpost
to something permanent that was to come.
A Messiah.
Someone
who would fulfill all the promises of the OT.
Who would be the shepherd for the sheep.
Who would lead them to full and final relationship with God.
And here he was before them!
Could this be it - they rightly ask!
Could he be the one.
Could he be the Messiah?
Has he come to rededicate us - and all humanity that follows - to God.
Pause
Think over your own life for a moment.
If you’re a Christian, think about what your life would be like
- or was like before knwoing Jesus!
And if you’re not a Christian, surely you’ve asked these questions..
What is life all about?
What’s the purpose?
Is there a God?
Surely there is more to this life than self-isolation,
Food shopping,
and hopefully one day holidays again!
Could Jesus be the one?
The truth?
The only hope?
Could he be the Messiah
that the whole world in their hearts longs after?
Could he be the answer to all the unexplained suffering?
the solution to that empty feeling inside that even the rich and famous still suffer from?
Could he be the hope we all need?
Could he be the Messiah?
Could he be the one to Rededicate us to the one true God of Creation?
Not everyone will express it in this way,
But everyone in the world is expecting an answer to life?
We all expect a solution to this question to be discovered at some point!
But when it arrives...
But for some reason when we hear about JEsus -
It’s just too un-believable.
Perhaps, until now - we have found it too un-believable.
But if it is Jesus
- If he is the only way to God - the only meaning in this life!
Well we should want to know!
The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
And Jesus replies with both a rebuke to those who refuse to aknowldge him as the Messiah
And the most wonderful reminder of His great love for those who do aknowledge him.
JOhn 10 25
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.
How sad.
The Jews knew to expect a Messiah who would do great miracles and signs.
But it’s simpy Un-believable!
I mean if you were there and saw him do these things surely we would believe!
But the issue is not that they haven’t seen him do the miracles!
For they aren’t denying that! Nor do other secular historians of the time.
The issue, according to Jesus - is that they are not his Sheep!
It’s a blow to the Jews who think they are God’s own - God’s flock.
It’s a blow to anyone listening today who thinks they have life sorted,
or think they are ‘ok’ with God
for any reason other
than trusting the shepherd Jesus.
It’s even a blow to those who think they are Christians because we are good people,
or go to church (or atleast LIve STream!)
, or believe there is a God,
but don’t listen to and follow Jesus himself, as revealed in the bible.
The only way to God,
The only Gate - as we saw last week in chapter 10,
The only true shepherd is Jesus!
And what a joy it is to be one of his chosen sheep who listen to him.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
john 10 27-
The lord Jesus who died himself as the full and final sacrifice -
to pay for our misunderstandings of God,
To pay for our rebelion,
our sin,
The Jesus who revealed himself as God
- through his actions and teachings while on earh,
The Jesus about whom the whole bible is about -
The Jesus who will return in triumph over all evil and sin in the world,
The Jesus who is soverign even over the Coronvirus.
That Almighty,
Sovrign,
King,
Creator,
Holy,
Jesus.
The Messiah
He knows - you.
His chosen sheep.
He knows your name.
How do you know if you have been called to be his sheep?
Simple - If you have chosen or now choose to listen to and follow him.
The almighty hand of God reached down to earth in the person and shepherd of Jesus to call his sheep,
as our frail and fragile human hand accepts His in return.
The wonder of God’s soverign saving grace, fuliflled in himslef,
The wonder of God’s soverighn saving grace, fuliflled in himslef,
takes hold of each sheep who could never save themselves,
and he simply says, listen and follow.
And look at the reward for his sheep;
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
john 10 28
Sheep with this kind of shepherd never have to worry.
Never have to fear the coronavirus,
Never have to fear anything in this life!
Of course we are affected by,
and saddened by such things in this life,
But we belong to a world that is yet to come
when Jesus returns to end all pain and suffering.
And nothing can take us from that green pasture of eternity.
We are safe, secure.
For the full might and power of the Father God in heaven -
holds us safe.
That is why Jesus came to earth.
Jesus, part of the trintiy -
Gave up heaven,
became a man,
to be our shepherd,
laid down his life,
so that our sin could be forgiven,
so that we could be cared for, without fear,
and saved for an eternal joy with Him,
Jesus came to Rededicate us to God.
But sadly -
Many find Jesus just too un-believeable.
- a sense of knowing there must be more to life,
Many find Jesus just too un-believeable.
That’s the problem many of the Jews had in our passage.
But Jesus hasn’t finished with them -
makes our next point:
2 - Jesus Cannot be Prooved False! (John 10v31-38)
2 - Jesus Cannot be Prooved False! (John 10v31-38)
I’ve worded this point carefully becasue this is what Jesus seems to be pointing out to the Jews.
Jesus seems so un-believable to the Jews and so v31
I just don’t fit with what you want me to be, so v31 - they want to stone him to death!
- they want to stone him to death!
Why are the Jews trying to stone Jesus
It’s clear that the Jews understand Jesus to be claiming to be God the Son.
Otherwise why stone him!
They are furious that Jesus is cliaming to be the Messiah.
john 10 35-2
Furious that Jesus says they too need forgiveness for their lives!
But Jesus reminds them again - that they are expecting a Messiah by referenceing their own OT scripture.
If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside—what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’?
The logic is simple - of confusing at first read
The Jews want to stone Jesus for calling himself a son of God.
Jesus points out that actually all God’s people are in a sense ‘Son’s of God’
according to .
And that’s just normal people who trust the bible!
NOW - consider me, says Jesus!
and all the miraculous works I have done.
Consider my baptism when I was set apart publically by God himself.
Try all you like - says Jesus
You will NEVER prove me false!
Pause
I wonder what obstacles and logic we put in place
to reject or question Jesus’ as God today?
We don’t have time to look at the arguments and logic used against christianity
If this partiucalrily intrests you - I would recoomend you get a book on what we call apologetics.
- but let me assure you - they are all flawed in one way or another!
It CANNOT be prooved that Jesus is not who he says he was - the Son of God.
but you will certainly find that it CANNOT be prooved that Jesus is not who he says he was - the Son of God.
Suffering,
Corona,
other religions,
histroy,
Nothing and no-one can ‘proove’ that Jesus is False!
However, says Jesus, there is proof that he is the son of God!
He reminds them that there is something that ought to proove positivly that Jesus is the Messiah - the son of God!
john 10 38-
But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”
Jesus’ works are a window into his words.
His life and works proove to us he is who he says he is.
Of course we weren’t alive back then - but thousands were -
and that is why the bible is so powerful.
It is the word of God - it’s the proof from God of who Jesus is.
Those who saw Jesus do miracles still didn’t believe!
But after his death and resurection - where hundreds are recorded in history as seeing him days after his death -
Then - the church exploded in number!
Jesus must be the Messiah!
They were so certain that the disciples and many,
many others were prepared to die,
and did die, at the hands of those who refused to believe.
I don’t think I would die for something I hadn’t seen prooved to me.
And so now, today - we have all the proof we need in the bible.
We have the words of Jesus,
All the pormises fulfilled in him,
2 - Jesus Cannot be Prooved False! (John 10v31-38)
2 - Jesus Cannot be Prooved False! (John 10v31-38)
2 - Jesus Cannot be Prooved False! (John 10v31-38)
On the contrary - if you’ll give some time to His Word the bible.
- you will see that his works at the time - proove his word to us now.
And we can believe!
Read John’s gospel this week - if you don’t have a bible head to biblegateway.com - and search for John 1.
If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside—what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father.
It might just change your life.
“I said, ‘You are “gods”;
you are all sons of the Most High.’
It’s a Psalm that refers to
Our final point is very short and very simple:
31-42 - Jesus cannot be prooved false!
Odd points this week I know! But bear with me!
3 - Jesus Always Provokes a Response! (John 10v39-42)
3 - Jesus Always Provokes a Response! (John 10v39-42)
The New American Commentary: John 1–11 (4) An Attempted Stoning and Jesus’ Response (10:31–39)
Jesus’ works were the window into his words.
You cannot have ‘no response’ to Jesus.
If he is God the Son,
We either are his sheep or we are not.
We either face judgement or we enjoy Him forever!
The Jews recognised this fear.
They had to do something with Jesus,
and the 2 responses are clear in the passage.
You either get angry at him, v39
Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp.
Or you enjoy him forever. v42
john 10
You must either reject what Jesus said and did
- and if you do - you ought to be angry about Jesus.
He is telling you you are a sinner - who will be judged by God.
You are not a ‘good person’ for we have all rejected God on high
We have all failed to listen to and follow Jesus.
Or as many realised at the time,
based on the evidence of Jesus’ works - as a window onto his words..
End of v42 -
and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true.”
Many believed in Jesus
and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true.” And in that place many believed in Jesus.
Many believed.
If you’re a sheep of Jesus - rejoice at the secruity and joy we have in him.
Enjoy his pasture now and forever more.
Stay strong in faith even at this time of worldly turmoil,
We will never be snatched away from God.
He knows you by name,
every hair on your head,
and you are secure in the power and love of God.
Listen to him everyday - read your bibles, pray and follow.
And if you’re not - he is calling your name today - he knows you, he is hear to rededicate you to himself.
He is believable.
Surely you know there must be more to this life,
And perhaps until now Jesus as the ‘answer’ has seemed just too un -believable
But today, Wont you listen to his voice.
PRay to him, repent, read the bible.
and enjoy Him now and for ever more.
here
And he picks up on some of the more subtle ways in which Jesus taught while he was alive in Israel 2000 years ago.
Have a look at v22 -
Only the Sheep of Jesus can enjoy God.
For Jesus is VERY MUCH BElIEVABLE.
Sheep listen, are known, and follow.
PRAY
They have etrnal life, avoid judgeemnt, no-one can snatch them!
For Go the Fastehr is greater than all!
And Jesus and the Father are One!
It’s all about Jesus - what a relief if we are prepared to believe.
But for those who aren’t - it’s a huge challange and threat!
31-42 - Jesus cannot be prooved false!
Odd points this week I know! But bear with me!
The New American Commentary: John 1–11 (4) An Attempted Stoning and Jesus’ Response (10:31–39)
Jesus’ works were the window into his words.
3 - Therefore, Jesus Always Provokes a Response! (John 10v39-42)
3 - Therefore, Jesus Always Provokes a Response! (John 10v39-42)
This forces his audience into a crisis: Some try to seize him while others choose to believe (10:39–42). The entire chapter, then, carefully follows the reactions of the audience, indicating how the coming of Christ divides the world (cf. 3:19–21; 9:5).