Believe The Works And Bad News About A Friend
John 10:22—11:16
I And The Father Are One
Hanukkah, known initially as the Feast of Dedication occurs in December. When Jesus visited the temple, Jews gathered to see if he would declare himself the Messiah. Jesus stated that he had already revealed himself as the Messiah, but the Jews didn't believe him. What is the reason for their disbelief? According to Jesus in 10:26, they do not believe because they are not part of his flock. Jesus explains that his sheep listen to his voice, he recognizes them, and they follow him. Jesus declares:
Jesus' claim of being one with God the Father caused shockwaves. Some people found clarity in his words, while others reacted with force. Jesus explains that his true followers will recognize his voice and understand his message, while those who do not believe will reject him, just as the Jews wanted to stone him. According to the Jews, they are not stoning Jesus for doing good deeds but for committing blasphemy. Jesus affirms that Scripture is unbreakable, a concept that even his opponents acknowledge. This demonstrates that Jesus views every word of Scripture as entirely accurate, dependable, and trustworthy. As Jesus' disciples, we must share his understanding of the Bible. He tells those in the crowd to compare his works to the character of his Father. The works demonstrate that Jesus and the Father are unified. In response, the Jews attempt to seize him but are unsuccessful as he evades them.
- He gives eternal life to his sheep.
- His sheep will never perish.
- No one can take his sheep away from him.
Jesus' claim of being one with God the Father caused shockwaves. Some people found clarity in his words, while others reacted with force. Jesus explains that his true followers will recognize his voice and understand his message, while those who do not believe will reject him, just as the Jews wanted to stone him. According to the Jews, they are not stoning Jesus for doing good deeds but for committing blasphemy. Jesus affirms that Scripture is unbreakable, a concept that even his opponents acknowledge. This demonstrates that Jesus views every word of Scripture as entirely accurate, dependable, and trustworthy. As Jesus' disciples, we must share his understanding of the Bible. He tells those in the crowd to compare his works to the character of his Father. The works demonstrate that Jesus and the Father are unified. In response, the Jews attempt to seize him but are unsuccessful as he evades them.
My Friend Lazarus
In chapter 11, we learn some things about Jesus' relationships. Jesus loves Martha, her sister, and Lazarus. Jesus reacts to the news that Lazarus is sick.Jesus tells his disciples that Lazarus has fallen asleep and he is going to wake him up. However, the disciples do not understand that Lazarus is dead and not just sleeping. Jesus has knowledge beyond what has been communicated to him about the situation. Jesus explains that he is happy he wasn't there when Lazarus died because what he plans to do will help the disciples believe in him.
In verse 16, Thomas's words ("Let us also go, that we may die with him") may sound negative, but John intended this statement to be thought-provoking for his audience. Thomas' message could be interpreted in two ways: either he believes that Jesus will be stoned and suggests that the disciples join him in death, or he thinks that going to Jerusalem will lead to the death of Jesus and his disciples, who will all die with Lazarus. Thomas ' statement gains even more significance because of what happens later in the Gospel. If Thomas is referring to the death of Jesus, then the disciples must be willing also to face death and follow him. Even if Thomas is being negative, they must take up their own crosses. Thomas is making a statement about how the disciples are connected to Jesus and will also be raised from the dead.
In verse 16, Thomas's words ("Let us also go, that we may die with him") may sound negative, but John intended this statement to be thought-provoking for his audience. Thomas' message could be interpreted in two ways: either he believes that Jesus will be stoned and suggests that the disciples join him in death, or he thinks that going to Jerusalem will lead to the death of Jesus and his disciples, who will all die with Lazarus. Thomas ' statement gains even more significance because of what happens later in the Gospel. If Thomas is referring to the death of Jesus, then the disciples must be willing also to face death and follow him. Even if Thomas is being negative, they must take up their own crosses. Thomas is making a statement about how the disciples are connected to Jesus and will also be raised from the dead.
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