Sermon Tone Analysis

Words that Shape Eternity

April 21, 2002

John 10:30-42

Introduction

“I and the Father are one.”

(10:30)

Perhaps no greater words have been spoken than these six words of our Savior.

In these few words He declares His deity and validates all that He has done while on the earth.

Jesus speaks these words during the closing hours of His ministry in Jerusalem.

He will not return to Jerusalem again until it is time for Him to die.

Therefore in the text before us we will observe the fact of His deity and His final departure from Jerusalem before the crucifixion.

1A.

Jesus’ Deity (10:30-39)

1B.

Jesus declares His deity (10:30)

What did Jesus mean when He stated “I and the Father are one”?

Jesus was claiming to be one with the Father in the matter of His will (see 10:27-29)

Ø      Both Jesus and the Father insure the security of His sheep.

Jesus claims to be equal with God in divinity.

Ø      This is proven by the reaction of the Jewish leaders.

(10:31)

Because of this truth certain conclusions follow.

Ø      We have knowledge of God in Him, because He is God.

Ø      We have forgiveness of sins in Him, because His death could and did atone for our sin.

Ø      We have victory over death because of His resurrection.

2B.

Jesus defends His deity (10:31-39)

Jesus sets forth three arguments in support of His deity…

He had done nothing to merit their stoning Him.  (10:32)

He had said nothing to merit their stoning Him.  (10:33-36)

Ø      Jesus quotes Psalm 82:6, which was a reference to the God-ordained judges of Israel.

They were called “gods” because they represented God before the people (see also Exodus 7:1; 21:6; 22:8, 9, 28)

Ø      James M. Boice summarizes this argument well…

“If the word ‘gods’ can be used of mere men because of their function – if judges can be called gods – then how much more should I (Jesus) be called God in the full sense since I have received a unique commissioning and exercise unique power?”[1]

His words and works should have led them to faith in Him.  (10:37-38)

Ø      These men were without excuse.

Rather, His works and words exposed their sinful hearts.

(10:39)

Ø      What a testimony to the sinful nature of man.

2A.

Jesus’ Departure (10:40-42)

1B.

Where He went (10:40)

He went to a quiet place.

Ø      Compared to Jerusalem this was a slow and quiet place.

He went to a remote place.

Ø      John had ministered in the wilderness; now Jesus would do the same.

He went to the right place.

Ø      This was the place God had purposed for Him to go.

2B.

What happened (10:41-42)

Many people came to hear Him (10:41)

Ø      They remembered the preaching of John.

John spoke of Christ (John 1:29, 34)

What John spoke concerning Christ was true.

Many people came to believe on Him.  (10:42)

Application

Three levels of belief

1.

We believe something.

Ø      This has to do with factual knowledge.

2.                  We believe in something.

Ø      For instance we believe in America, in motherhood and in apple pie.

3.                  We believe on someone.

Ø      This involves trust in someone or something.

Ø      For instance you step onto a bridge only if you trust it to support your weight.[2]

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[1] [1] Boice, James M., /The Gospel of John, Volume 2, The Coming of the Light, John 5-8/, (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1985), 793.

[2] Boice, 793.