John 11:11

No sooner has Jesus set his disciples straight than he says, “Our friend Lazarus is sleeping now, I must go to wake him up.”  John 11:11 EFP

It’s one of those moments when Jesus goes from one topic to another in the batting of an eye. He has just concluded a powerful contrast between those who seek the light and those who prefer the darkness. It must have given the disciples plenty to ponder. Then Jesus casually picks up his previous thought about going to wake up Lazarus.

Try to follow this progression: Sisters call for help (v.3); Jesus states it is not a serious condition (v.4); Jesus spends an additional two days beyond the Jordan (v.6); Jesus suddenly suggests to his disciples they should return to Judea (vs.7); the disciples object vehemently (v.8); then Jesus gives them the talk about light (vss. 9-10), which is a succinct and powerful metaphor about truth and error.

Had he not originally communicated to them the non-serious nature of the illness just two days before? Was it not Jesus who has literally escaped with his life during their last visit to Jerusalem? Does he not know the Jewish authorities are actively seeking to arrest him? All is true. But that was then, this is now. Then was not right. Now it is. Jesus knows then and he knows now—when is the right time, and when the timing is perfect.

For the record, the timing was not perfect from a purely human perspective—Jesus is walking into a death trap. He knows it. But the timing is perfect for Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. Beyond that, it is the perfect time for us as well. That is all that matters to Jesus. Nothing has changed 2000 years later.

John 11:10

“Anyone who chooses to walk in the dark of night,” Jesus continues, “will stumble, because they are full of darkness. Light is nowhere to be found in or around them.”  John 11:10 EFP

It typical Jesus fashion, he restates his previous proposition in the negative. He has already established that if you walk in the light you will not stumble. In fact, he emphasizes that if you have the “light of this world” you will never stumble away from the light that envelops you. He makes a salvific statement that rests entirely on the Light of Jesus. Wow!

But the opposite is also true. Light is a choice. You can avoid the light if this is your preference. You can minimize the effects of the light by coverings, shade, or shelter. But the ultimate rejection of light is to only go out when it is dark and to remain sequestered indoors with thick curtains drawn during the daylight hours. This analogy addresses those of us who make the darkness of sin our preference. Sin corrupts and creates chaos in the soul. It is not relegated to the surface once it becomes a choice. It goes deep into the recesses of the mind. Jesus describes this condition when he says, “light is not in him.” (NKJV)

And just as light and life are a choice—my daily choice, and as such it leads me to a life of holiness and purity of body and mind, so the opposite is true. Sin drags me into the morass of despair and dismay. It destroys and degrades until there is nothing left but the bleached bones of a life that was. I have tasted both sides of that equation and have chosen to walk in the light. Every day is a new opportunity to taste and see that the Lord of Light is good beyond measure.

John 11:9

Jesus responds, “Consider this: does not every day come with twelve hours of daylight? Don’t you think it’s best to take advantage of this light of day? The likelihood of stumbling is eliminated when you have the light of this world to guide you.” John 11:9 EFP

Teaching time has come for the twelve. Jesus seizes the moment and makes it a memorable one. He begins somewhat cryptically, but closes with a twist that must have left them wondering.

I sense Jesus is trying to instill in them a sense of perspective they seem to lack. They see the danger. Jesus see the opportunity. They see tomfoolery in returning to the city. He sees mission accomplished. They see darkness and foreboding. He tells them that light is a precious commodity that comes in limited amounts. Yes, darkness may eventually descend, but light is here as long as He is among them. They must strike “while the iron is hot.” They must act and press forward before darkness descends and danger ascends. Then comes the clincher. Jesus does not say “the danger of stumbling is minimized.” He plainly states that the stumbling is eliminated. That is a surprising statement to say the least.

After all, how can the possibility of stumbling be eliminated, even in the light of day. People trip in the day time. Obstacles appear as if out of nowhere that cause us to stumble and stagger. So what does Jesus mean when he says, “he does not stumble” (NKJV). It only begins to make sense when he clearly changes the focus from the “light of day” to “the light of this world”. He adjusts his disciples’ focus to the Light of this world—himself. And if they keep themselves in this light they will not stumble. They will not stray. They will not be groping in the dark.

Does that mean they will never fail or flounder? Doubtful. But it does mean that whatever comes their way they will not be left in doubt as to the direction of their life. Jesus has it covered. They need only to remain in the light. I need only to remain in the light of his grace and love, I need not fear anything—even failure. Failure is simply success dressed in trial. I have the assurance from Jesus’ lips that my life in secure even in the most tempestuous day of my life if I choose to remain in His light!

John 11:8

Not surprisingly, the disciples ask him, “Teacher, did not the Jewish authorities try to stone you just recently? Are you seriously going back there?” John 11:8 EFP

It is not often the disciples speak up and question Jesus’ plans. Considering how things turned out for Peter the time he questioned Jesus’ graphic depiction of his fate (Matthew 16:22-23), it makes sense they would be somewhat reticent to do so. But that does not stop them from submitting some queries regarding the sensibility of traveling back to Jerusalem.

They bring up the danger they recently left behind. They specifically mention the stoning he had narrowly avoided during his last visit to the City of David. Their question, “Are you seriously going back?” is almost a rhetorical one. It makes no sense on so many levels! Lazarus’ sickness is not serious, according to his previous statement. It’s a long way back. They are in a safe place right where they are. Jerusalem is a death sentence for Jesus, and perhaps for them as well.

That sounds like me. When God calls me to go with him to a place that does not seem appealing or inviting, I begin to question the wisdom of going in that direction. The fear of rejection. The disdain for ridicule. The risk of verbal, if not physical, abuse. It is not always comfortable to be a witness. But if I am called to love others as Jesus loves me, then that is a call to surrender all. Oh, Lord! I am such a weak Christian. Why did you choose me to lead? I make such a better follower! I am so much more comfortable in the shadows of anonymity. Have mercy on me!

John 11:7

After two days have passed, he tells his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.”  John 11:7 EFP

What? Go back to the Jerusalem firestorm? He might as well have said, “Let’s go to Jerusalem so you can see me die.” They have been on the far side of the Jordan for a few days specifically because they had escaped from the maelstrom created by the clash of his ministry with the Jewish powers that be. Certainly Jesus knows the situation in the big city is unstable at best and fatal at worst. They have finally found some sense of calm and relief when Jesus informs them a couple of days beforehand that they would not be returning to Judea, even in the face of his friends’ crisis.

Now the threat is clear and present all over again. Has Jesus not said that there was no reason to go back due to Lazarus’ sickness, just two days ago?  No explanation. No clarification. Jesus simply says, “Let’s go.” Against all conventional wisdom, Jesus says, “Let’s go.”

I must confess I have mixed feelings about those moments when all seems to be going well and things are where they seem to me they ought to be. Then Jesus says, “Let’s go.” Am I ready to go when he says go? Am I ready to leave everything I value behind when the marching orders come through? Will I hesitate when he calls me to follow him into imminent danger for his sake? I pray I will be ready, willing, and able to get up and follow him wherever he leads.

John 11:6

Unexpectedly, when Jesus hears of Lazarus’ sickness, rather than rushing to be with his friend, he remains two more days on the other side of the Jordan.  John 11:6 EFP

Jesus has just received news that his young friend is sick, very sick. The fact Lazarus’ sisters address him as “Lord” when they send the message is telling of their concern and urgency. In response Jesus makes a somewhat cryptic statement to his disciples about the sickness not being a “death” event, rather a moment for God to be glorified.

Then he proceeds to return to life as it was before the news arrived. Jesus and the disciples remain on the other side of the Jordan for two additional days. It doesn’t seem right. I could see them remaining in this somewhat isolated part of the world to find some refuge from the Jerusalem threat. After all, Bethany is but a stone’s throw away from the outskirts of Jerusalem, just beyond the Mount of Olives. Jesus knows the seriousness of the Lazarus’ illness, but he is also aware of the dangers in the city.

Perhaps that’s the whole point of this portion of the narrative. The point is that Jesus knows. He is aware of everything and anything. Nothing catches him by surprise. He is not just one step ahead of the game, he is infinitely ahead, and thus he knows the outcome before the “coming has come out”. I, on the other hand, do not have such a grasp on the future. My need is to learn how to trust God with my situation. The worst that can happen is for me to abandon the faith that I have chosen to claim in His name. Even death, and all that falls within that undesirable outcome and that of adulterated joy, cannot and will not separate me from God. My God reigns!

John 11:5

It should be noted: Jesus loved Mary, and her sister (Martha), and of course, Lazarus.  John 11:5 EFP

What an odd way of mentioning the family.  The order in which the three siblings appear in the Gospel of Luke seems to point to the fact that Martha was most likely the oldest of the family circle of three. Mary may have been in the middle and Lazarus seems to be younger than his two sisters. John goes out of his way to switch the order between the older sisters, while Lazarus is still listed in last place, which could mean he was still a child at the time. There seems to be some intentionality in this reversal which may become apparent as the story progresses.

On the other hand, why does John not even mention Martha’s name? What did she do to merit such an omission? Mary is listed first and Lazarus last, but he at least has his name mentioned. There’s something about Mary, I guess. One thing is certain, Jesus loves the three of them. There is an out-of-ordinary relationship between Jesus and the Bethany Three. Martha the responsible eldest daughter, most likely is the owner of the house where Jesus frequented. Lazarus is the youngest, perhaps much younger than his sisters. But Mary is the middle child, with all the pitfalls of the sibling who falls into this often invisible category. She becomes the problem child and is soon led astray by poor choices. She is rescued at least seven times by the Master and restored to her family. There is history between Jesus and Mary.

Now there seems to be a special status allotted to Mary. Why? Perhaps the words of Jesus immortalized in the Gospel of Matthew 26:13 may shed some light on this anomaly in order. All are loved, but only one of the three has her story told in one way or another in all the Gospels. She loves much, thus she is forgiven much. She is also loved much. She must have won a special place in the heart of Jesus.

Oh that I would also occupy a special place in His heart. Well, He’s gone through a lot of trouble to save me—maybe that alone gets me a special place. I’ll go with that.

John 11:4

When Jesus receives the notice of his friend’s illness, He tells his disciples, “This malaise is not a death sentence. Quite the contrary, it is an opportunity for the glory of God to break through, and for the Son of God be glorified through it.”  John 11:4 EFP

I ask myself, is it the divinity of Jesus or His humanity speaking here? Given his unique nature, I wonder if Jesus utters these words through His eyes of faith or from the divine vantage point that is able to see into the future at will. Either way, it must have surprised the disciples to hear him communicate this thought.

Jesus is known to them as one who responds to the needs of those around him as is needed. He sees a need and he responds. So to see Jesus answer to the obvious plea from the sisters to come heal their brother with a certain amount of detachment must have seemed quite odd. But Jesus knows what’s going on. He knows that nothing happens to one who lives by faith that falls outside the purview of the One who is the object of that faith. So either out of divine certainty or human confidence forged out of an intimate relationship with His heavenly Father, these words carry some serious power!

I often wonder where the confidence has gone in people like me. Where is the boldness? Where is the certainty that God still does the miraculous? I am in search of that power to move mountains and to turn the world upside down. I realize not everyone can spend all their time in search of a closer walk with Jesus, but I have no such excuse. Yet, here I am, still searching for that panacea to my spiritual shortcomings. I want to make a difference for the Son of Man. I want to be a light that highlights my heavenly Father who has done so much for me. No one said the journey would be easy.

John 11:3

Mary and Martha think it would be appropriate to send word to their friend. “Lord,” they say, “the man you love so much is ill.”  John 11:3 EFP

A couple of things pop out at me in this verse. First is the fact they feel compelled to contact Jesus. This leads me to believe they are close. Jesus must have visited their home more than the one time he is mentioned as being there. They had sat at his feet to listen to his words of hope and encouragement. They had experienced his help during the dark days of Mary and her reconciliation back to her family.

Yet, in spite of this closeness, when they send word to their friend they do so in the most formal way. “Lord,” they begin their entreating to him. This must have been their way of communicating the seriousness of their communique. This was not simply a friendly message among friends. “Lord” is a confession, more than simply a moniker of affection. The sisters are pleading with their Lord on behalf of their brother, “the one [Jesus] love[s] much.”

How does your familiarity with Jesus affect the way you communicate with him? I find myself often speaking out loud with God. It flows out of an event, a circumstance, a challenge, or even a reaction to a tragedy being faced by a friend or family member. Not all prayers are moments when the knee must be bent. Sometimes the best prayers are conversations on the road, stuck in traffic, in the middle of a solo cross-country trek in a car. All too often I am guilty of empty and mindless prayers I utter when the ritual is more rooted than the experience of speaking to the Almighty.  I want so much more than the bland. I am sure my Lord does too.

John 11:2

Mary is the same woman who poured expensive and fragrant oil on Jesus’ head and feet not long before today’s development. It is her brother that is ill.  John 11:2 EFP

The picture is beginning to take on some definition. Mary is suddenly thrown into the spotlight, since she is mentioned previously in two significant events in Jesus’ life: A visit by Jesus to the house of Mary and Martha (Luke 10), and the event mentioned in the verse above (Matthew 26). There are some who even identify the woman caught in adultery as this very same Mary (John 8). It is very likely, since that would explain her questionable reputation mentioned in Matthew’s account.

The timing is also coming into view, since both the Matthew and Mark narratives seem to imply an event closer to the end of Jesus’ ministry. Luke’s portrayal, on the other hand, does not seem to associate the event with the final activities of Jesus’ ministry. The important part is that she is mentioned as the woman who poured out expensive oil on Jesus. What is not mentioned is that when she did this deed for Jesus, she was already considered a woman of questionable reputation. Even more startling is that the anointing scenario takes place before the first recorded visit by Jesus to Mary’s and Martha’s house. The chronology is difficult to reconcile, but the facts related to the main players in the drama are not. It is significant enough for John to mention it and to point out Mary is the sister of the man.

This woman with a colorful reputation is now facing a major crisis. Even if she has left her life of vice behind her, that does not inoculate her to the realities that come with living in a sickly world. No one is. What we do and how we react to those moments are most telling and speak most loudly of the mettle of our character and faith. We are about to learn a lot about the faith of these sisters. Their faith in the Master will be tested. Faith without testing is a mere concept. Faith that faces conflict and chaos head-on is a life-changing experience—it is life.

John 11:1

A man in the city of Bethany, named Lazarus, came down with a serious illness. Bethany is the hometown of Mary and her sister Martha. John 11:1 EFP

This the first time in the Gospel of John that we hear the names of Mary and Martha. Yet, John does not bother to say anything about them, or even give the reader information about who they are or why they suddenly appear in the narrative. He must have known people would know who they were. Luke 10 is the only other mention of this family, although only Mary and Martha are mentioned in that story,

The only information given, other than their names and that of the city in which they lived, is the fact that Lazarus, who we assume is the brother of the two women mentioned, is sick. Considering the hundreds, if not thousands, of people who were sick in Palestine at the time of Jesus, and the countless blind, lame, injured, deaf, and even dead people Jesus had touched and restored, we do not know why John introduces a completely new story line. A sick man and two sisters. Simple and stark.

Sometimes the greatest stories begin blanketed in the common and mundane. It is not just common people God uses to accomplish uncommon feats, sometimes it is in these most unremarkable moments of normalcy that God breaks in and works an amazing anomaly in the natural flow of life. Sadly, life is a litany of moments of illness, brokenness, tragedy, separation, and even death. These events happen so often we read of them with detachment, and even feast our eyes on them with morbid interest and perhaps a twinge of compassion, only to return to the bliss of our personal and detached world, which we forget is equally subject to the randomness of life. Then the day comes when we are the news…and life ceases to be normal anymore.

John 10:42

Many of those who came to the river believed in Jesus while there. John 10:42 EFP

This is one of those “glass half-empty or half-full” verses. It is heart-warming to reflect on the fact that many of the people that came out to see Jesus while he was by the Jordan River came to the point of faith in Him and accepted Him as the Messiah, the Son of God.

What strikes me today are the ones who did not come to the point of belief. They were obviously in the minority, as you would expect since the people at the river had actually walked over 100 miles to get to the Jordan. There was something that pulled them there. They knew who Jesus was. They had heard him preach. They had seen him perform mighty miracles. So they came. Perhaps they heard him speak and saw him heal some more people while at the river. Then…they went home. No decision to follow. No commitment to become a disciple. Nothing. They just went home and went on with life without Jesus.

It is sad when I think about it. To go through the motions; to invest the time and energy, only to fail to experience faith and reap the benefits of the believer: joy, peace, love, patience, and such. I can spend my entire life surrounded by Jesus, invested in the practice of Jesus-related things, attending Jesus events, even reading Jesus books and singing Jesus songs, only to discover at the end of my life that I never committed to a Jesus relationship. What a waste. I don’t get it, but it is no doubt possible based on the reality of the fact that are millions of Christians who take on the name without any interest in committing to the cost that comes with discipleship.

John 10:41

People find him by the river and comment to themselves, “John the Baptist never performed signs, yet everything he said about this Man is true.” John 10:41 EFP

This verse is a microcosm of the contrast between John and Jesus, two cousins destined before birth for great things of strikingly different hues. It is the testimony of these people who have sought Jesus after his sudden departure from Jerusalem to crystalize it into a succinct statement preserved for us through the inspiration of the apostle John.

John is a cross between spartan and stoic. He lives in the desert, dressed in camel skin and leather. He preaches about repentance and the soon-coming kingdom of God. He proclaims the arrival of the Promised One. He announces judgment and calls people to be baptized and to avoid the condemnation! His preaching is convicting and soul-stirring. But he performs no miracles.

Jesus, on the other hand, is the fulfillment of John’s prophecies. He walks the country and the city announcing the arrival of the kingdom of heaven. He speaks of joy and peace and life. He eats with the common folk—even the outcasts. He attends feasts and weddings. He dresses in a garment soldiers would one day gamble for the right to own. He is the Promised One. He proclaims Good News and invites his hearers to be born again and become citizens of the kingdom of God! His preaching is earth-shaking and life-changing. Miracles follow him wherever he goes.

Jesus would sum it us differently when on another occasion he said, “To what then shall I liken the men of this generation, and what are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, saying: ‘We played the flute for you, And you did not dance; We mourned to you, And you did not weep.’ For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ (Luke 7:31-34). How little times change.

John 10:40

Jesus leaves Jerusalem and withdraws beyond the Jordan River to the place where John the Baptist used to baptize the masses. He remained there for a season. John 10:40 EFP

Sometimes you just have to get away. Find a quiet place. Escape to a hideout. Take some time to regroup. Jesus had gone face to face with those who would eventually succeed in ending his life. If they had their druthers they would have killed him already. But His time had not come yet.

So rather than remain in the heat of the battle—in mortal combat with the minions of His archenemy, he chooses to return to a place that holds special meaning to him; back when his life was simpler—when his cousin was still living. This is a moment to catch his breath, and to take inventory of the mission he had come to earth to complete. I can’t imagine what that process would be like. I would give anything to listen to his conversations with his Father in heaven. He must have spent much time in prayer and contemplation. There is no mention of his disciples in this passage—did he go alone?

In the hectic pace of my life, there are moments when I simply want to get away. I need to escape to a quiet and solitary place to contemplate, to refocus, to reconnect with God. It is too easy, and I have been there before, to live on autopilot. That is neither healthy nor profitable. Lord, help me listen to your call to find that quiet place, to get away, to slow down, and connect with you.

John 10:39

But the Jewish leaders will have nothing to do with his heretical ideas. Quite the contrary, they seek even more forcefully to apprehend him, but as usual, Jesus escapes from their plans to seize him. John 10:39 EFP

Jesus’ pleading is for naught on this day. Perhaps the seeds of faith land and will give fruit in the future, but for this day, they lay dormant. Quite the contrary, rather than eliciting an interest or desire to consider the claims of Christ, their hearts are hardened. They immediately seek to seize him and put an end to his madness. They are more outraged than ever.

Their attempts to capture him have met with disappointment in the past, and they will fail again on this day. But the lot has already been cast. Their machinations are already set in motion and Jesus will not escape forever. The vice is tightening. Jesus knows what awaits him, but not today.

This text reminds me that as long as I am faithful to the calling God has given me there will be opposition and push back. Unlike Jesus, I will not always be right or perfect in my understanding of the Word. But just as certainly, God calls me, an imperfect vessel, to share the message of the cross and the everlasting Gospel to those who are thirsting for “waters of life.” Just as steadily as goodness moves forward, evil also continues its unwavering course set for self-destruction. May God give me the passion for the truth he reveals to me.

John 10:38

“But if you see that I do works consistent with God,” Jesus pleads with them, “even if you do not believe my words, believe my works! Perhaps then you will know and believe what you are unwilling to accept right now: that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” John 10:38 EFP

I imagine by this point that Jesus is at the point of imploring. This does not sound to me as words of frustration or disdain for impenitent and hopelessly biased opponents. His heart must have been paining for these men who are blinded to the truth. They are products of their upbringing. Their every pore breathes national pride and passion for the covenant established by God with their people.

As a result of this world view, Jesus is a threat to their religious paradigm. He does not fit their picture of the long-awaited Messiah. He does not exude the type of earthly power they expect in their deliverer. He is just another in the line of pretenders. But there is something different about Jesus, but they cannot see it because it clashes headlong into their prejudices and fears. He is a threat to their faith and their lifestyle.

Is there a bit of them in all of us? In me? Is this the reason people of faith distrust those who do not align themselves with their personal orthodoxy. Is there hope for the people of God if they do not even speak to each other and are threatened by their point of view? Are we also so threatened by anyone who is a threat to our faith and lifestyle as those men in the time of Jesus? Is there a danger that I might become one of these protectors of an orthodoxy that is foreign to the one who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life”? God forbid!

John 10:37

“In fact,” Jesus adds, “Don’t believe anything I say if it is inconsistent with the work of God, my Father in heaven.” John 10:37 EFP

Would I be willing to put my faith out there? Would I say to my detractors, “This is my life; scrutinize it carefully…and, do not believe anything I say if there is anything awry or askew between my life and the scriptural record of God’s acts in the past”? Wow! Truly Jesus is an extraordinary man.

Jesus knows where he stands. He has no lack of confidence in his calling, his message or his mission. He is certain of who sent him into the world. He is well-acquainted with truth and has been tested by the prince of darkness. He has spent countless hours in prayer and interaction with His Father in heaven. There is no kink in his armor; no weakness in his will; no reticence in his resolve. Yet there is no boasting or false pride. He is who he is.

There is a special power reserved for those in whom there is no gap between their “talk” and their “walk.” I cannot speak for anyone but myself, but I confess there are parts of me that I would not want others to know about; things in my past, and even things I struggle with today. I walk by grace, because I need to do so moment by moment. Jesus is grace! He is both the giver of unmerited favor and the provider of the Holy Spirit power to live a life in harmony with the will of God. I want that more and more each day!

John 10:36

Jesus asks them, “Given the fact that we cannot simply cast aside this passage, how do you find it so easy to accuse of blasphemy the very one whom the Father set aside and sent into the world?  Do you do this simply because I take the Scripture at face value and say, ‘I am the Son of God’?” John 10:36 EFP

The Jewish leaders are now is a conundrum of their own making. They cannot ignore the words of the Psalmist. He does, after all, refer to people as “gods”. On the other hand by conceding this point they allow for the possibility that Jesus has the right to call himself the Son of God, even if they consider him deluded. But they cannot outright cast him aside as a lunatic, because he not only gives evidence of miracle-working power, but by doing so, he validates that God is working through him because God does not listen to sinners in their religious paradigm.

Jesus seizes this moment to solidify his claim. The bottom line is that these “men of God” are rejecting him, not on any valid biblical basis, but simply because he makes claims they cannot fathom, are unwilling to accept or even consider! Jesus, on the other hand, does not have any hesitation in making these claims, since he has self-authenticating evidence of His special connection with the Father, with whom his opponents only have a religious relationship based on their self-proclaimed status as “the chosen.”

I cannot help but consider the impact this passage has on me and my claims as a believer. What evidence exists that validates my connection with God? What do my choices reveal about my commitment to the Jesus as the Son of God? May God help me close the gap between my profession of faith and my daily witness to the validity of that faith I claim as mine.

John 10:35

“And if he indeed calls “gods” the ones to whom this message is given,” Jesus expounds, “you cannot simply discard or violate God’s word!” John 10:35 EFP

Jesus is not letting go of his line of reasoning. Reality check: Jesus is the one who inspired Asaph to write this psalm. He knows what he meant when he moved the psalmist to put his thoughts onto the papyrus.

I do not believe God “Elohim” was leading Asaph to write that those who are entrusted with the duty of judging and protecting the people of God, are “Elohim” in the same sense as YHWH himself is, or even “the angel of the Lord.”

But before he wraps this up he is no doubt making his argument iron-clad. At this point his defense is “you can’t overlook or ignore the Scripture. It is from God. That being the case, the psalmist, under the inspiration of God says that God declares “you are gods” to those who occupy a place of importance in the care of his people

Either God calls these people “gods” and by extension potentially all of us, or there is a message that his listeners are missing in their understanding of this passage and of God, for that matter. As those commissioned with the responsibility of protecting the Scriptures, they are now in an uncomfortable position of agreeing with Jesus’ premise and giving credence to his technicality or having to discard with this portion of Scripture. The plot thickens even more.

John 10:34

Jesus answers them, “Wait a minute! Does not your law say, ‘I declare, “You are gods”’”? John 10:34 EFP 

I must confess this statement of Jesus threw me for a loop. I could not fathom why he would say this and what he hoped to accomplish by quoting Asaph.

This interesting passage, found in Psalm 82:6 literally reads, “I have said, ‘You gods’, of you are children of the most high all.” To complicate matters the term used by Asaph to clarify “gods” is “Elohim”, which is the terms used to refer to God in Genesis 1:1. This is no minor title. It is Elohim, a plural noun used as a name for the Almighty! Yes, it can be used (as apparently it is in Psalms 82) as a term to refer to judges, or those whom God has placed to judge in his place. The context of this Psalm is pretty clear about this. Which brings me back to what Jesus is doing. If the verse being quoted is not intended to refer to humans as “gods” in the stature of THE LORD, why does he refer to it and use it as justification for making himself equal to God?

Jesus is wise and crafty. This is not the only time he uses Scripture to confound the biblical experts of his day (read Mark 12:35-37). Does he intend to use the Scriptures they study diligently as a weapon against their unscriptural position? On the other hand, does not the very Scriptures demand those guilty of blasphemy be put to death (Leviticus 24:10-16)? So, is Jesus simply is using Scripture to prove he is not guilty of the crime they are accusing him of committing? I am baffled for now. I may have to come back to this later…. There are layers that need to be peeled back at some point.

John 10:33

The Jewish leaders answer him, “We have no problem with your good works. We would not stone you for that. It’s the blasphemy we will not tolerate! Beyond that, you make yourself to be God, when you are nothing but a common man!” John 10:33 EFP 

This is a very interesting exchange between Jesus and the Jewish opposition. There is an intriguing nuance in their defense of their position that he deserves death. I see a double basis for their fierce ire, and it is not, according to them, any good works that he has performed.

That is already a concession they are making to Jesus. They admit that he has performed good works, at least they do so tacitly. But then they state their case against him. First, there is the matter of blasphemy—the act of speaking sacrilege and contempt against God. It seems that they consider his claims sacrilegious. I am not sure they know the basis for their discomfort, but his claims certainly do not sound orthodox to them.

But then there is a second reason that is very specific and is not a simple and non-descript matter of blasphemy. This is specific. They accuse him of making himself to be God—or clearer still, one with God. To this obvious violation they add that his behavior is made even more heinous by the fact that he I just a common man—at least not a man of any significant stature in their eyes.

His words are in violation of their concept of sacred and his claims to be one with God are inconsistent with what they believe to be true based on their understanding of Scripture. I have to ask—Is this simply a matter of perception? Do they seek to kill him because of what they perceive to be theological error? Is theological disagreement the basis for breaking fellowship and labeling someone else as unfit to live (or unfit for heaven)? I can see why their fervor leads them here, but I question whether their fervor is misplaced. If theological and doctrinal purity is the basis for distinguishing between the faithful and the lost—between the sheep and the goats, then who will be saved? It will be a spiritual IQ test. That is not in harmony with the tenor of Scripture. Read John 5:39.

John 10:32

Jesus does not take their deadly intentions lightly. “Wait a minute!” he speaks. “I have done a myriad of good works in your very presence. All these are works of my Father. So tell me, for which of these good works of God do you intend to stone me?” John 10:32 EFP 

I cannot help but imagine the cool and collected persona of Jesus. Picture this scene! The mob is in the process of collecting stones with which to rain death on Jesus due to their perceived violation of the blasphemy laws by the object of their disdain. They are fuming and flummoxed to the point of madness! They are literally hell-bent on killing Jesus. This is an opportunity to accomplish their long-standing and on-going intent to bring an end to this threat to their status quo. The stones are about to begin flying.

Jesus does not run. He had done this “disappearing act” before (John 8:59). But this time is apparently difference. I imagine him looking around him at these hunched over men collecting rocks. He does not cry out, “What do you think you’re doing!” His words are not a defense. His reaction is not a panicked wail. It seems to be a simple and salient question regarding their intent and its validity. Amazing! He basically asserts that their plans to kill him are unfounded given the mighty deeds of God they had personally witnessed him performing in the not-so-distant past.

I must confess that my reactions to people and their occasionally limited and narrow-minded beliefs are not always calm and collected. My inner turmoil is at the point of explosion even if my outer demeanor appears calm. Sometimes I blow up at the ones I know best. I need to learn that the people who oppose me and say unkind things are my family. I have perhaps been guilty of the same attitude. They may deserve a dressing-down, but it is not always about getting our just deserts. Jesus exemplifies “where sin abounded, grace abounded even more” (Romans 5:20). Oh, that I would live always by that principle.

John 10:31

The Jewish mob is greatly offended by Jesus’ claim of equality with God. They take up stones to pummel him to death.” John 10:31 EFP 

No doubt Jesus’ claim to be one with the Father must have sounded like the boldest blasphemy of all to the Jewish contingent. It must have been a hard thing to listen to, even to those who resonated with his teachings. It is not surprising the Jewish extremists would resort to capital punishment. They were defending God’s honor. In their minds “God is one” not “God is two in one”.

It bears serious contemplation to reconsider the long-standing mental pictures we cherish regarding the judgment and the apparent dichotomy between Jesus and the Father in those scenes. The images of Jesus pleading before the Father and showing the Father his scars on behalf of the penitent sinner seems inconsistent with the claim of Jesus to be one with the Father as it is often explained. They are on the same page regarding their desire to save humanity. The Father does not need convincing.

So as I continue to find biblical passages that confirm the one-ness of the Godhead, there will no doubt be opposition, unlikely one that exhibits murderous intent, but nonetheless passionate and destructive. There is a cost to defending the character of God. That is what is at stake when all is said and done. Is God fair? Is God loving? Is God always good? It God truly sovereign? All these are questions that challenge our concept of God. Lord, let me always speak well of you! Let me always be faithful to the Scriptures; let them always be the last word—not subject to another source of authority.

John 10:30

“You see,” Jesus informs them, “My Father and I are indivisible! We are one in the same.”  John 10:30 EFP

This is quite a summary statement. When all is said and done it is this truism that holds everything else in place. “My Father and I are one.” That’s it; there is nothing more important than this.

There is no point of contention between Father and Son. They are and have always been perfectly aligned and acting in perfect harmony. The Godhead is one in thought, in action, in purpose, in substance, in love, and in eternity.

But, there is a picture that comes through that has become so important to me, but that at times clashes with long-standing concepts about God and his relationship with his creation, and more importantly, His Son. God and Jesus are one in judgment. There is no variance between them. Jesus does not have to convince the Father to do anything he does not already want to do. “God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself…” (2 Corinthians 5:19). We create misrepresentations regarding the character of God when we allow a breach to develop between God and Jesus. They are one. It is the clash his consuming fire of perfect holiness and our sinful and corruptible nature that Jesus has to cover to grant us access to the Father. He wants me to come to him! But without Jesus I cannot come without being consumed. In Christ I have access—direct and unimpeded. In Jesus, I can enter and taste the “one-ness” they have and want me to experience. That’s pretty awesome!

John 10:29

“My Father, who is greater than anything or anyone” Jesus expands on his previous statement, “—he is the one who has given me my sheep. Consider this scenario: even if someone could manage to steal my sheep out of my grasp (which is not possible), they would certainly not be able to yank them out of my Father’s almighty embrace.”  John 10:29 EFP 

I love it! I confess I it had never sunk in that there are two “impossible to snatch” verses back to back. Go figure! The double dip is amazing! I could not help but expand the verse to emphasize Jesus message.

How could Jesus be more adamant about the impossibility of anyone snatching any of his sheep from him arms? As impossible as it is for anyone to filch any of his beloved and precious lambs from his hands which would soon bear the marks of his sacrifice on their behalf. It is even more impossible and implausible to consider that any power, visible or invisible, at any time or under any circumstance, could pilfer, trick, steal, pluck, or even snatch that defenseless creature for the arms of the Almighty God of the universe! No way and no how!

The weakest and most frail believer is beyond reproach or the reach of the enemy and “accuser of the brethren.” God knows the heart of the true believer—the one who knows his need or her condition. But the theme here is assurance. I am secure as long as I choose to be secure. I am locked in to the arms of God. Amazing! And in those moments when I miss the mark and fall victim to the tempter—I have an Advocate that understands and hears of my heart and sees the pain that I experience when I sin. The devil may tug, and grab, and yank, and jerk—but it is to no avail, because my faith is in the Almighty and my heart longs for Him.

Is that even possible? Is my salvation so secure? Is my place with God reserved on the basis of my confession of faith is Jesus? I want to believe—truly believe. Lord, help my unbelief. One thing that is brought to mind is that people make their evaluations based on what we see, but God looks at the heart. That standard cannot be feigned. That is good news to the likes of me who knows my need, but bad news to the ones who base their assurance on their impeccable behavior, or their failure to meet that standard.

John 10:28

“Jesus is not done yet. “I literally give my sheep eternal life,” he adds, “and as a result they will never die. What’s more, no one will ever snatch them from my hand.”  John 10:28 EFP 

This passage brings the whole crux of Jesus’ message into focus. The analogy of “sheep and shepherds” is clarified so even those who are feigning confusion cannot overlook what Jesus is trying to say. The sheep represent people. Those who respond to his message and those who are apathetic or even opposed to His claims.

To those who believe, those who move beyond the hearing into a relationship, he promises eternal life. This happens as a result of his willingness to surrender his life to save his sheep, a fact he states in the previous texts. And just in case there is a lack of clarity, he adds, “They will never die.”

What does that mean? Never die? Does that imply that life continues after death? That can’t be the concept, since in fact that would mean death has already taken place in order for there to be a transition into the “afterlife.” Is it somehow connected to the other verse which is both feared and misunderstood by many? “No one will ever snatch them from my hand,” is a wonderful thought, but it is fraught with challenges. Is this “once saved, always saved”? This thought brings both hope and trepidation to many on both sides of the divide.

In brief, I understand Jesus message to be “my sheep are my sheep,” or better stated “my people are my people.” Period. As long as I believe and remain in Jesus I am His. I may stumble. I may wander. I may even rebel in moments of my life. But I am His child—his people. Furthermore, as long as my faith remains anchored in Him, no one will snatch them me away from Him. He remains faithful even when I fall short (2Timothy 2:13). That is assurance. Not a pretense for me to live my life for myself. But I digress. That is a topic for another day. Today and every day, I choose to live my life for God.

John 10:27

“It’s this simple, Jesus says, “the sheep that belong to me hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”  John 10:27 EFP 

Jesus is nailing down a very important concept that his Jewish detractors seem to have missed. It is a simple thought that makes all the difference in the world. I have discovered that there are many sincere believers who miss this concept from two totally opposite positions.

Here’s the concept. First, there are sheep that belong to Jesus. Sheep, I gather, in their pea-sized minds, must make a choice to belong to their shepherd. They may not be the brightest of the field animals, but they can make a choice to follow the man who seems to have their best interests in mind. They can also choose not to follow the Good Shepherd, and go after another non-altruistic and deeply unscrupulous guardian. Second, those sheep who have “chosen” to belong to the Good Shepherd hear (and recognize) his voice. They still have a choice to follow or not to follow, but they recognize the voice of good shepherd.

Third, Jesus knows his sheep. He knows them because they are his. He loves his sheep and is willing to die for them (John 10:11). They are his because He chose them first, but also because they chose to be chosen by responding to his love for them. Finally, his sheep follow him. That’s about all they can do. Sheep are mostly helpless after that. He provides. He protects. He defends, He rescues, He redeems—he does everything for the sheep. The sheep follow. They remain sheep—foolish, feeble, fickle, feisty, frolicking, and foolish balls of fur. But we are his, and no one can pull snatch us away from Him (with the exception of us!)

I don’t know about you, but I will take my chances with the Good Shepherd. My future is not in doubt. I am his and He is mine! All I need to do is follow him when I hear his voice. And when I fail to follow, all I need to do is cry out (bleat?) and He will respond to my voice and return me to his fold.

John 10:26

“Do you know why you do not believe?” Jesus continues. “It boils down to one thing: You are not my sheep.”  John 10:26 EFP 

Ouch! This is one of the harshest statements ever made by Jesus, at least in my estimation. There is no way to soften the impact on the ones he is talking to on that day of reckoning.

It is not that the statement is wrong—in fact it is a good description of the condition of this group of men who follow him everywhere, with no intent of truly listening, rather they are present only to find fault in his words. The things Jesus shares are the same words heard by all those who believe. His message is not for a select few; it is for everyone. But only those who believe are able to enter into a saving relationship with Jesus. The words of Paul seem to resonate—“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17). Believing is connected to hearing—but the hearing is not random or indiscriminate. It is hearing the word of God. In that day the Jewish opposition was in fact hearing The Word of God—the Word Incarnate, but they could not recognize it as such. “You are not my sheep,” Jesus tells them.

Jesus words are more descriptive than proscriptive. He is not telling them who they are, and thus their inability to recognize his voice, as he shared earlier (verses 4, 16). He is saying their inability to recognize the voice that seeks to save them is because they have chosen to close their hearts to the voice of the Good Shepherd. They are within earshot of the genuine Word of God, and they do not recognize it. Hey are surrounded by salvation, but they choose to save themselves.

I need to spend time hearing, reading, searching, internalizing, and meditating on the Word of God—both the written one and the One who wants to be known by me more each day. I want to be His sheep, and follow Him wherever he goes. Come think of it—I am His sheep! No one will be able to snatch me out of His loving arms! (John 10:28) as long as that is where I want to be.

John 10:25

Jesus replies, “Seriously? Have I not told you this many times in the past? Have you even taken a step in my direction? I do not think so. But the fact remains that the deeds I do on behalf of my Father in heaven—they are all the proof I need to verify my claims.  John 10:25 EFP 

What do the Jewish death squad expect the response from Jesus to be? How else could he have couched his response to their challenge? They are already convinced in their own minds about Jesus. So Jesus gives them an answer they can chew on.

First, it makes no difference what he says. They are not interested. Their past behavior is a clear indication of their present motives. They will not believe regardless what he says. Secondly, he has no interest in having their approval or receiving their validation for his ministry or mission. His deeds are self-evident proof of the source of his power. His ministry does not rise or fall on their approval.

I wonder at times if I am in danger of seeking validation and confirmation from people regarding the validity of my ministry. It’s easy to do. The compliments regarding the sermon at the end of the service. The affirmation for a good deed done for a parishioner. But such compliments can be easily dissipated in a moment and replaced by criticism and contempt. My validation comes from God alone. He is the one I answer to. He is the one who calls me to tend to his sheep. I want my life to be continuous series of steps that draw me closer to Jesus…that is all I need.

John 10:24

No sooner does Jesus walk into the room, than he is quickly surrounded by a host of inquisitive Jews. “Well, Jesus,” they begin. “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, just tell us! Don’t beat around the bush."  John 10:24 EFP 

What a strange description of events. First of all, the Jewish contingent is never more than a stone’s throw away from anything Jesus is doing. They are following him like a pack of hyenas on the prowl, waiting to pounce on him if he dares make a mistake.  This day is no exception. It’s interesting to note they are some of his most faithful congregants. They rarely miss a sermon or a miracle. They are ever-present. Many of them are doing the right thing for all the wrong reasons. Which leads to the second strange setting.

Why do they ask the question they ask? Are they baiting Jesus? More than likely. But it does seem more than a bit disingenuous to ask this question. Jesus has not been coy about his saving mission, his intimate connection with God, or even his intuitive understanding of their misguided actions against him.

But they ask, “Tell us who you are…plainly!” I sense it does not matter what he says, they are only interested in confirming what they already believe about Jesus. He is a madman. He is a demon-led law-breaker. He is a threat to the religious establishment. Yet, in a moment of introspection, I can see myself in them. How many times over the years have I gone to the Scriptures, have I prayed, and even immersed myself in the things of God without truly being open to the leading of the one I was “seeking.” It is possible for me to be surrounded by religion and religiosity and yet to be totally inoculated against any effect from any of the claims of Jesus on my life. Spiritual callouses can easily develop in my heart towards the voice of the shepherd of my soul. Keep my heart sensitive to your voice. Continue to excise those things that deaden the impact of your Spirit in my life.

John 10:23

Then Jesus walked into the temple and entered Solomon’s porch.  John 10:23 EFP 
 
There does not seem to be much to glean in this verse, other than Jesus walks into the temple and goes into the porch named after King Solomon, who was the one who commissioned the building of the first temple. Is this simply a geographical anchor? Is this only a parenthetical statement of John on his way Corinthians to more important happenings?

I suppose this is possible, but the premise of this slow, verse-by-verse, journey through Scripture is that there is something special to be gleaned from every verse of Scripture; I do not believe this is an exception. I am reminded this moment takes place during the Celebration of Dedication, or Hanukkah. The temple must have been more crowded than usual.  Secondly, this is Solomon’s porch, which is located on the eastern side of the temple’s outer court.

Celebration, lights, Solomon, wisdom—all these words come to mind. I cannot help but feel that Jesus is being very intentional in entering this somewhat cloistered site. The Jewish nation revered the temple, but always considered it a second tier temple compared to the original temple built by Solomon. The prophet Haggai chronicles the thinly veiled disdain the people had for the rebuilt temple. But his prophetic words found in chapter two, verse nine of the Book named after him find their fulfillment in Christ. He is the better Solomon. He is the better temple. He is the Truth. He is wisdom epitomized. He is wisdom, light, life, power, majesty, and soon, the sacrifice for all ages, all wrapped into a mysterious God-man.

Jesus is in the room, and He is on a mission. Every step he takes, now more than ever, carries special significance. Every word is spoken in the approaching shadow of the cross he will soon bear, even as takes upon himself the sins of all of humanity, past and future. Wow!

John 10:22

It is now winter in Jerusalem, and people from far and near have come to the city of David to celebrate the Feast of Dedication.  John 10:22 EFP 

It seems as if John is turning the page by letting us know the time of year in addition to the setting, but this is not the case. In fact, it becomes clear that the theme is still the same—The Good Shepherd. So why does John make mention of the time of year and the specific feast being celebrated?

The feast of the Hebrew nation that falls in the winter of the year is the celebration known as Hanukkah (or Chanukah), the feast of lights. Why is it important for John to mention the Feast of Lights in the middle of this passage that deals with Jesus as the Good Shepherd?

As tempting as it might be to suggest Jesus is making a reference to his being the Light of the World, this would be a stretch. Perhaps John is simply reminding the reader that Jesus is not only taking advantage of the crowds in the city to spread the Good News about his father, but he is also explaining why Jesus is making sure the contrast between the two competing beliefs about God are seared in their minds. It also reminds the reader that another year is concluding in the steady march to Mount Calvary. Decisions need to be secured. This is now his third visit to Jerusalem during his 3 ½ year ministry. This is an important milestone and Jesus no doubt is aware of his slow and now deliberate journey to the cross in the spring of the coming year.

He is working while there is light.  The clock is ticking.

John 10:21

There are also those who respond to the objections of the naysayers. “His message is not consistent with someone who is possessed by a demon!” they answer back. “Besides, how can a man with a demon give sight to a blind man?”  John 10:21 EFP 

I recognize there are inherent dangers in anyone’s spiritual journey. There is always the danger of being deceived. There is a danger of fanaticism. There is a danger of any expression of faith becoming stale and ritualized over time. What safeguard is there that a sincere search for meaning and purpose outside ourselves will end in a discovery of truth as revealed in God.

I believe this passage gives two answers that are helpful in all our spiritual pursuits. First, there is the matter of the message. These people are perceptive enough to see that the message of Christ is not consistent with a message that is anchored in a soul immersed in and influenced by the power of darkness and evil. The message needs to speak well of God and provide authority from Scripture (Isaiah 8:20).

The second is also important. The passage points to the importance of the fruits of the one speaking for God. Even if the doctrine is convincing and is based on biblical authority; the life of the messenger must give evidence of a connection to a God of love and holiness. The miraculous is evidence, but only when the testimony of the person is in harmony with a life of loving obedience to the will of God (Matthew 7:20)

I am convicted by this passage and challenged to live my life in a way that honors God and the truth as is revealed in Scripture. I choose life and light.  I will seek truth and trustin God. I will learn to walk with my Master and have my life molded into his image.

John 10:20

A great many of those gathered opined, “The man has a demon. He’s lost his mind! Why do you waste your time listening to a mad-man?”  John 10:20 EFP 

Why is it that even today, in my community of faith (although, not exclusively), we resort to labeling people and the peculiar spiritual practices of others we do not understand as being from the devil? It is as if that is the default response to religious expression that clashes with our preferred practices or simply makes us feel uneasy.

Such a tendency must have been the case in the days of Jesus. These people were hearing and seeing things that simply did not make sense from their world view. We have heard their arguments as we read the gospel narrative. “God does not listen to sinners.” “No prophet comes from Galilee.” “He casts out demons in the power of Beelzebub!” “He’s crazy!” All these accusations may be unfair and more than a bit caustic, but they are anchored in fear, if not ignorance and prejudice. Since it does not fit in to the comfortable and familiar it must be rejected. Since there are no arguments that seem to negate the validity of what they are witnessing, then fear must be the most effective tactic to oppose and negate the influence of those that do not fit our spiritual mold, as if there was only one possible method God uses to accomplish His will.

The people making these arguments in Jesus’ day are either afraid of the perceived threat that accepting Jesus’ claim will have on their lives, or they are concerned about the potential impact that might have on the religious system they both support and that supports them. Even today, rather than beginning with the possibility that God is at work in ways we do not understand, we lump people of other faiths and practices as being controlled by the powers of darkness. This narrative should be reason to be more cautious in our careless response to all other expressions of faith that do not match our, rather than letting God be the ultimate judge of those who abuse or corrupt the cause of Christ—a practice that exists in all faiths.

John 10:18

“Look, no one takes my life from me,” Jesus clarifies. “I lay it down myself because I have the authority and the power to lay down my life and to take it up again after I’ve laid it down.” John 10:18 EFP 

This is such an awesome text! The way I understand it, Jesus is basically saying that he is has been forced into any role for which he did not sign up. Furthermore, not only is he voluntarily laying down his life to save “sheep” like me, he is also able to raise himself up after he has tasted the death he has chosen to experience in my place.

In other words, just as the Father is intimately involved in reconciling the world back to himself through Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:19), he [Jesus] has chosen to enter humanity to save it, with the authority and power to sacrifice his own life and then to call himself back to life when his mission is consummated. This is total commitment in the salvation of humanity by all the members of the Godhead.

I, on the other hand, have neither the authority to end my own life, nor the ability to bring myself back to life if I end it. But the Good Shepherd, forfeited his divinity to share it with me and used the power and authority inherent in divinity to secure the life I had forfeited through my spiritual inheritance and personal propensities. This dim-witted and clueless ball of nappy wool is the object of the Good Shepherd’s boundless love and unending affection. Now, that’s awesome!

John 10:17

“In light of the fact that I lay down my life,” Jesus says, “I am treasured by my Father. Furthermore, when I lay down my life, I will also take it back.” John 10:17 EFP 

Jesus takes a sudden turn in his narrative. He opens up a different panorama of his role as the Good Shepherd of the sheep. He describes himself as the Savior of the Sheep. His death is actually assured because only he can save the sheep from death. Jesus is all that stands between his creatures and oblivion.

His sacrifice does not go unnoticed by the Father. Considering this is a decision made in the councils of heaven before the ages, it is no wonder the Father of all loves the Shepherd. This not an easy concept to digest, even for us who live in the wake of millennia of indoctrination on basic theological concepts, such as the triune Godhead—the Trinity.

The Father, as well as the son (and by extension, the Holy Spirit) are integrally involved in the salvation of man (Read 2 Corinthians 5:19). God cannot die. Thus, even though Jesus came in the flesh, he was also divine. He had to be, in order to take on the wages of sin. Only the Savior Shepherd could take on the weight of all our sins and die in the flesh. He literally wrestled sin to death in his human flesh but secured it ultimate defeat through his divinity—his resurrection. He raised himself! Divinity cannot die!

It is the mystery of the ages. It is a miracle of universal dimensions. It is beyond comprehension, but it is as simple as this: Jesus, God in the flesh of humanity, suffered the death I deserved, so that I might live the life He secured in the power of God. I can live, safe and secure in his accomplished work of redemption—today and forever.

John 10:16

“By the way,” Jesus adds, “I have sheep who are not even in this sheepfold; I am determined to find them and bring them with me. They will hear my voice, and they will recognize it. They will follow. Then there will be only one flock and only one shepherd.”  John 10:16 EFP 

It is amazing how inclusive Jesus describes the exclusive claims he makes about himself, his mission, and his direct connection with God. I cannot overlook Jesus is still speaking to Jewish leaders—the chosen! They are having trouble digesting his concept of the Good Shepherd and sheep that hear his voice and follow him. Beyond that, these sheep Jesus speaks of know him just as he knows his father—the Father of all.

I am certain they are not warming up to his statements. His declarations fly in the face of all that is sacred to them as the children of Israel—the faithful ones. But now Jesus ratchets it up to another level altogether. He strongly implies that there are sheep (people, seekers, believers) that are not in the sheepfold (community of faith, community of believers, the people of God). Not all those who are identified as the ones who hear and recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd are in the fold of Jesus’ sheep. This statement is likely understood by the religious leaders as meaning Jesus’ ministry is not meant exclusively for the Jews alone, and they would have, in fact, been right to think so—and dare I say they would not have been happy.

But to top it off Jesus closes his statement with the words “one flock and one shepherd”. This is ludicrous! Only the Jews are the Chosen ones—according to the Jews. They have the truth. They worship on the correct day. They are the depository of the promises of God. They subscribe to the fact that the time would come when there would only be one group that would be designated the children of God, but certainly it would not be under the auspices of Jesus! Nor would it include Gentiles! The waters are heating up.

I am thankful for these words of Jesus. I cannot forget that I am a member of the sheep from another fold. I am part of the graft that was attached after the fact to the tree of Israel. What seems bad news to them is Good News to me.

John 10:15

“Let me explain it to you this way,” Jesus says. “I already told you the Father knows me and I know the Father.  Well, it’s just like that. My sheep know me and I know my sheep. But it is simply because they are sheep, not all of which claim me as their leader, that I am willing to lay down my life to save them—all of them.”  John 10:15 EFP 

Jesus has a way with words…and he is not always easy to understand. It’s almost as if he is talking in riddles, at least to a twenty-first century mind. Jesus is trying to portray his relationship with his believers as one of a Good Shepherd and his sheep. In short, all the sheep are dependent on the Good Shepherd, but not all follow him, mostly because they are not used to recognizing his voice. The only way to ensure I will be safe is to become acquainted with the Good Shepherd’s voice, and follow it wherever it goes.

But now Jesus expands the concept to include the relationship between his heavenly Father and him. It is also defined as a relationship. The Father knows him and he knows the Father. This is not an acquaintance-type relationship, rather a close and intimate connection. It’s now simply knowing about the Good Shepherd, but knowing him personally.

In the end, Jesus reveals a God who claims all the sheep as His in terms of salvation. They have received the gift, but need to recognize it and receive it. Jesus was willing to die for all the sheep, he has made this clear before. In that sense they are all his sheep. But in the end, only those who follow Him will be saved. He sought and seeks after me because he loves me. It is his nature to love me. I follow him because I love him. It is not natural for me to love, but I respond to his gift to me. He know my heart—longing, searching, and following, but also a heart that all too often misses the mark. But only he knows the love that is in my heart—or the hypocrisy that masks my unwillingness to follow. God, help me!

John 10:14

“I am the Good Shepherd,” Jesus repeats. “Make no mistake, I know my sheep and I am known by the sheep that follow me.”  John 10:14 EFP 

In this passage Jesus reiterates the positive side of the equation not mentioned in the previous text. The picture in the previous text is that of the hired worker that sees himself more as mercenary than a true care-provider for the sheep. In this passage Jesus focuses on the concept of the relationship that exists between the Good Shepherd and his sheep.

The Good Shepherd has a special connection with his sheep. It is a relationship forged during treks over the highlands and through the valleys. It is deepened in the moments of danger and rescue. It is strengthened during the cold nights of winter and the hot and pesky days of the Palestinian summers. The Good Shepherd’s voice has brought the wayward sheep back from the precipice; it has called the dim-witted ball of wool into the safety of his arms when he loses his way. It is definitely a very slanted relationship in favor of the sheep, since the Good Shepherd does pretty much everything but follow himself.

That is what I do as a member of the flock of the Good Shepherd. I follow. I do so because life has taught me that it is better to follow the One who loves me most than to set my own course without His guidance and care. It’s pretty humiliating to see myself as a dumb sheep, but in comparison to the Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent Almighty God, it’s probably a stretch to rank me with a sheep. If I want to be saved, all I have to do is follow Him. He will take care of all the rest. That almost sounds like Matthew 6:33! Moreover, when I choose not to follow and wander away to my own demise, he never ceases to seek after me to save me from myself. Why do I wander? How do I rationalize my decision to exit the safety of his care for me?

John 10:13

“The reason the hired worker runs away is precisely because he is a hired worker; the hireling has no interest in the sheep other than the benefits he gets from his work watching over them.”  John 10:13 EFP 

Just to make sure his listeners are clear on the concept, Jesus reiterates the marked difference between the hired worker and the Good Shepherd. There is a stark difference! It comes down to ownership.

The hired worker is given a wage to take care of the sheep. He is employed to watch them at night, to keep a watchful eye out on any potential threats, and if needed to defend them from such perils as thieves, predators, and even threatening climate. But given the fact the sheep are not his, the hireling will consider the benefits against the cost when facing a danger that could potentially cost him life or limb. He will weigh the value of his human life against that of the pea-brained wooly-mammals under his care. The lambs will lose most of the time on that set of scales. In the end, the animals are not worth it to him.

But not when the Good Shepherd is concerned. He weighs the worth of his divine life compared to that of his wayward and clueless lambs, and 100 times out of 100 he lays down his life—or better stated, he laid down his life already. In the end, every one of us-- his critters are worth his life and more. Heaven’s scales are obviously different than human scales of worth and return on investment. I am worth it in his eyesl

Thank you, Jesus!

John 10:12

“Unlike the shepherd,” Jesus continues, “The hired worker has no vested interest in the sheep he watches over for the wages he makes. The hireling runs for his life when he sees any wolf coming near him and the sheep. He abandons the sheep in a lickety-split and allows the wolf to catch one and scatter the rest.” John 10:12 EFP 

This passage comes close to home. It is, after all, referring to those who receive remuneration for their trouble of watching over the flock. I trust he is not making a blanket statement on all hirelings. But the point hits the mark, with me and all those who have been placed in a position of caring for the well-being of a flock that does not belong to us.

I cannot overlook that basic realty—the flock to which I have been assigned is not mine. Not one of the sheep belongs to me. I am simply an overseer for the sheep of my master. It is true that since they do not belong to me I can choose to tuck and run whenever danger approaches. I cannot see myself doing that. There is, however, a nuance I cannot overlook: there are things that only the Good Shepherd can do. In this case, only his unique and holy sacrifice qualifies him to be the Good Shepherd, not just another good one amongst many.

I wonder at times whether I have the deep commitment to the safekeeping of my church family. I get a small taste of what God deals with daily with all of us—His children. I am a wily and wild character, but He loves me still the same and longs for the day when I will be what he has created me to be. I do too.

John 10:11

“I Am the Good Shepherd,’ Jesus declares, “and as such I surrender my life for all the sheep.” John 10:11 EFP 

As I was paraphrasing this text I considered a couple of alternate wordings along the way. It is, after all, a very simple statement. Simple, but powerful. I couldn’t see myself changing the words “good shepherd”, so I left those alone. I did consider changing the “the” preceding “sheep” for a “my.” After all, the premise of the narrative seems to establish a contrast between the sheep who recognize his voice and those who do not. It makes sense, but only for a moment.

The evidence is too strong against making this a possessive pronoun in this context. Beginning with the classic verse in John 3:16, the foundational statement that God loved the world and that Jesus laid down his life for all (John 6:51). Jesus, is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). The world. The sheep. As attractive as it might seem to limit it to his or my sheep, it is not correct. Jesus surrendered his life for the sheep, even those who would end up leaving him, by choice, or ignorance. He died for all of us. He died for me.

The “good” in “Good Shepherd” does not seem to have the depth it deserves when I consider he died for all the sheep, not only for those who would accept him. That means even the less-than-bright-sheep who are led astray or sequestered by the enemy due to self-initiated folly, are still the object of his eternal passion to seek and save. I have not always responded to the voice of the Good Shepherd. I have been led astray many a time by lures of various shapes and sizes. I have tasted the bitterness of their aftermath. But the Shepherd remains good to me when my soul bleats for help or moans from the muck and mire of my own design. His heart still longs and seeks after me.

John 10:10

“The bottom line is that the thief has no interest in the well-being of the sheep,” Jesus clarifies. “The robber comes for no other reason than to steal, kill, and destroy the sheep. On the other hand, I am here to offer them life—my life. In fact, not only life, but a life beyond their wildest dreams.” John 10:10 EFP 

Jesus once again his expands on his discussion by couching his point as a contrast between two extremes. On the one hand there is larceny, death, and destruction. On the other, there is extreme life.

If Jesus is the genuine Shepherd, who is the pretender? It is quite clear that regardless of the garb they may wear, beneath the cloak is the dagger of the archenemy Satan. He has no interest in my well-being. I am deeply familiar with that reality. His interest is my enslavement, leading to my death, and ultimate destruction. He uses deception, decoration, and distraction to gain my attention and to lure me to the destiny with death he has devised for me. Misery loves company.

But it is not the dread of the Devil that will save me—it is my thirst for life and my desire to drink deeply from the living waters made available by the lover of my soul. God uses love to draw me closer and closer to his will. Satan lures me with things that appeal to my self-centeredness and selfishness. Love is not in his equation. My hearing must be in tune with God’s loving melody. Lord, don’t allow your voice to be drowned out by the surrounding chatter that clamors for attention. I want to hear you!

John10:9

“Remember, I am the Door,” Jesus continues. “Whoever enters through Me will be saved, and will enter and exit repeatedly to enjoy the find green pastures to which I will lead them.” John 10:9 EFP 

Jesus returns and expands on his door metaphor. He is the only way in and out, at least He is the only safe way in or out. The thieves obviously enter through other means and their exit strategy involves absconding with the wooly merchandise that does not belong to them.

Jesus is trying to make sure his listeners are clear of their options. Enter through the gate and they will be safe and securely taken care of. There are green pastures awaiting the sheep where the Shepherd is leading me. There is protection from the elements within the safety of the sheepfold where the Shepherd leads the sheep at the end of the day. The option is not as pleasant. If they leave the pen through any other means, even in the arms of another, their fate is not secure.

In my life there are many options available. Some are attractive; some are not. But the bottom line is that unless the option I choose goes through a connection with Jesus Christ, the consequences of following those options offer no guarantees. I must above all be intimately familiar with my Good Shepherd’s voice, and well-acquainted with the way in and out, dare I say “my coming and going.” I need to make sure my coming and going is where it’s supposed to be, and not left to chance. It is not safe to let another person set the tone of my life—I choose or risk the adverse consequences. Lord, give me the wisdom to know the difference—I am, after all, a sheep!

John 10:8

“The ones who appeared on the scene prior to me are nothing more than crooks and sheep rustlers,” Jesus adds. “That is why the sheep do not respond to their voices.” John 10:8 EFP 

To whom is Jesus referring in this statement? Those who came before him—who are they? False prophets who tried to lure the crowds to certain perdition? The well-established teachers of the law who sit in the seat of instruction and heap on the populace overwhelming rules and regulations? Perhaps, but then it can be argued that the sheep, at least some of them, responded to the allure of the pretenders.

So who are they? Perhaps Jesus’ point is not so much the pretenders’ ability to deceive and succeed in their quest to snatch away the sheep, rather on the fact that “his” sheep do not respond to the beckoning of the seducers. The sheep that know his voice are not deceived. Those that are not well-acquainted to the peculiar tone and tenor of his voice, can be and are led astray.

So, whether the voice the sheep hear comes from an outright charlatan or deceiver it can only be distinguished from the true shepherd’s voice by those who have spent sufficient time under his care. The rest are in mortal danger. This is a word to the wise who consider all voices equal. They are not equal. Jesus’ words once again establish a clear line of demarcation. If I am one of his sheep, I will not respond to the “voices” of the enemy regardless of the garb. The voice may seem attractive and inviting, but the end is death. Lord, let me become deeply familiar to your voice and follow it wherever it leads me.

John 10:7

Jesus rephrases his words and says, “Let me put it to you this way, I am the door of the sheep as well.” John 10:7 EFP 

Prior to this statement Jesus describes himself as the true Shepherd of the sheep. The sheep belong to him—they know him and they are known by him. His voice is familiar to them, so that when he calls them out of the sheepfold they respond by coming out and following him wherever he goes. The pretenders have to use other methods to get access to the sheep—they are prowlers and thieves. So far the analogies are simple and correspond to actual scenarios with which his listeners are familiar.

Then Jesus, as he is apt to do, takes it a step further. He refers to himself as an inanimate object—the door! He does not say he is a door of the sheep; he says he is the door. One door. Not one of many. This is consistent with the claims of Jesus, The word “believe” and its derivatives appear 86 times in the New King James Version of the Book of John alone. Faith in Jesus as the Son of God is central and foundational to the message he is trying to convey.

It is interesting to consider a door as the means by which a person (or animal, in this case) both enters and exits a specific location (a sheepfold, in this setting). Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to the world to save it. Salvation comes through him—exclusively (Acts 4:12; John 14:6). It is not a popular view in a world of political correctness and relativism, but it is the claim of Jesus. I am overwhelmed by the thought that a God who can both see and read my heart is also the door through which I enter the Kingdom. But he is also the door that will exclude me if I fail to respond and ultimately reject His voice calling me to follow. He made His choice for me before the world was created. What remains to be seen is if I will make my choice to follow Him.

But one thing remains certain, those who enter will be the ones who respond to His voice, his words—his call to live lives of love and devotion to Him and the people He came to seek and save.

John 10:6

Jesus uses this sheep analogy to convey a spiritual truth. Sadly, the people who need to understand it most, fail to grasp it in the least. John 10:6 EFP

It’s just a simple scene drawn from everyday life in first century Palestine. The story resonates with the listeners. Their minds follow along as they imagine the mental pictures through their minds’ eye. There is a warm sensation that swells in their hearts as they frolic in the familiarity of the facts. Then…nothing.

Jesus’ intent is to draw them to a point of not only connecting, but to the point of understanding. Jesus knows they need to get it. They need what he has to give. He is their only hope of living a genuine and generous lives. But they miss the point. They hear the story. They devour the details. They fasten themselves to the facts. But they leave no closer to the truth than when they began.

Have I been guilty of the same travesty? Do I get caught up in the details and fail to grasp the overarching issues? Do I, who challenge others to consider a different perspective, fail personally to follow my advice, and this become entrenched in the safety of the known instead of a leap of faith into the unknown? I need to understand whatever Jesus is saying to the Pharisees, since it applies just as much to me.

John 10:5

“There is no way my sheep will follow a stranger,” Jesus adds. “On the contrary, they will run away from anyone who does not sound like me. My voice makes all the difference—they either follow or flee!” John 10:5 EFP 

This text speaks to me in a very powerful way. Jesus says that his sheep will by no means follow a stranger. His sheep will in fact flee from him or her on the basis of the sound of the voice. They want nothing to do with any voice that does not sound like their shepherd.  So how does that work? And why does that not consistently work with me?

The truth is that I want to listen to God. There is no doubt that I recognize that it is better to follow God’s leading than to wander away and do my own thing. And truth be told I follow the voice of my shepherd most of the time. That is small comfort. I do not have time to celebrate the times I let God lead in my life—those moments are obliterated by the times when I follow the stranger’s voice and reap a bounty of bad! Does that mean I am not one of His sheep? Does that mean that I do not know His voice? Or does that mean that the enemy is simply a good impersonator of the “small, still voice”? Am I simply tricked into wandering?

I sense there is a bit of truth in all of these scenarios. Satan is good at luring me in his direction because he is able to disguise marginal things and make them sound good. But I must admit that there is more truth in the fact that I recognize my Shepherd’s voice, but I choose at times to go in another direction. I am led by the other voice into fields of malaise and spiritual malady. I am hounded by spiritual powers that seek my destruction and demise. I am bloodied and battered in rocky roads of compromise and contempt (with emphasis on “tempt”). I am lost and dying.

But then I hear the familiar voice of my Shepherd who has gone out to find me. That is the voice I hear when I am caught in the thickets of life. The voice that lured me now reveals itself with words of condemnation and criticism. I know to whom I belong. I bleat sadly for the salvation I turned my back on. The voice of my Shepherd becomes louder and louder. I cry out and he hears me, he finds me, he binds my bloodied body, he lifts me up and takes me back home. I belong to the Good Shepherd. I do not want to wander anymore!

John 10:4

“And once his sheep are beckoned out by the sound of his voice,” Jesus says, “he leads them; his sheep follow him because they recognize his voice.” John 10:4 EFP 

Consider the fact that Jesus is still speaking to those who claim God as their spiritual source of truth and the patriarch Abraham as their spiritual progenitor. What does this statement mean? How is it understood by the ones listening who have no interest in what Jesus has to say other than to nab him in some verbal misstep?

His statement makes three basic points about his “sheep”: The sheep are called out by the sound of his voice; once they respond and come to him, he leads them, and; his sheep follow him because they recognize his voice. This is personal. The scene is relational. There is familiarity here. This is not the description of a call to a set of rules and regulations. There is no mention of mental assent or intellectual discipline. These are sheep, after all. Those who oppose him have and follow a strict set of rules and operate within specific religious parameters. Yet, in the end they seek to kill Jesus. Somehow they are comfortable with that incongruence.

The same happens to me when my religious experience is based on what I do and what I know to be true, rather than on who I am and who I know to be true—Jesus Christ. The Gospel is a call to be, not a demand to become by doing. What I do is the result of who I am and who I follow not vice versa. I follow because I know him. I am honed in on his voice. I recognize it. My behavior is set in motion as a result of my following him wherever he leads. If only my life consistently revealed that experience. I have so much growth ahead of me. God is not done with me…not by a long shot! But I will continue to follow him.

John 10:3

“The gatekeeper opens the gate for the Good Shepherd. The sheep hear his familiar voice when the door opens. He calls the sheep by name and leads them out of the sheepfold.” John 10:3 EFP 

What struck me about this text is the fact that the Shepherd does not enter the sheepfold in this narrative. It’s not that there is anything wrong with entering the sheepfold, but the passage is clear that the door is opened and then the Shepherd begins calling his sheep by name from outside the gate.  I wonder why this scene is described this way.

Another question: who is the gatekeeper who lets him in? Is it the Holy Spirit who is the key person in opening my life to the transforming power of God? Is there a more mundane explanation, such as a pastor or spiritual mentor that is used by God to open the gateway to my life? But then there’s the corporate motif. The church is the sheepfold. Many sheep are inside. Is this the some symbolic representation of the chosen of God? The point is that the Shepherd begin to call the sheep out by name to follow him. Jesus calls me out of the safety of my spiritual community, or perhaps even away from the comfort of my life as it is, to follow him wherever he leads.

Am I ready to follow wherever he leads? Am I ready to leave behind the security and familiarity of the sheepfold, whatever that is, and follow the Shepherd in faith wherever he goes? He is calling me by name! He wants me to experience the openness and freedom of the world outside the pen. I want to go. I hear my name being called. I look up. Will I follow?

John 10:2

“On the other hand,” Jesus continues, “the one who cares for the sheep has no reason to sneak in or jump a fence.  He comes in through the main gate in full view of all.”  John 10:2 EFP 

There is something to be said about transparency. No hidden agenda. No switch and bait. No covert operations. Just the truth: clear, concise, and concrete. As in the time of Jesus, those caught in the web of a religiosity that seeks preeminence and preservation rather than a sincere search for truth, mask and muffle the core of their faith to the point that many, if not most, cannot grasp the simplicity of the truth about God.

God never seeks to slide the truth is under a veil of acceptability and a promise of comfort. He knocks and enters through the front door with a call to live lives to the glory of God and to serve his children regardless of standing or status. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is open and inviting. It trumpets terms such as believe, abide, follow, and rest. It also warns the hearer of the realities of being part of the flock of the Good Shepherd. Troubles, trials, temptations, and treachery.

Jesus offers me the truth. The truth he shares is the way to salvation and joy, today and in the future. I believe God is calling me to present that truth to His people  in terms that can be understood by all, and point them to the One who enters through the gate in open view and invites me to live an open, transparent, and genuine life—in the footsteps of my Shepherd.

John 10:1

“What I am about to tell you is true.” Jesus says, “It is quite easy to identify the thief and the burglar. They do not come into the sheepfold through the front gate; they jump a fence or do something sneaky to get in.”  John 10:1 EFP 

I will go on the assumption that this is Jesus continuing his response to the Pharisees regarding their spiritual blindness. Jesus has just finished telling them they are guilty as sin due to their unwillingness to see what is plain to see regarding his testimony. It is an indictment of their spiritual narrow-mindedness.

But now he takes a different approach in trying to clarify the contrast between his and their approach to ministry.  The events just transpired have made it clear that their method to protecting the well-being of the people God leads them to use less-than-honest means. They intimidate, threaten, chastise, malign, and use deceit to gain the upper hand. There is a clear contrast between the way of the Kingdom of God and the way of the kingdom of man.

The end justifies the means is the way of the world. It boils down to the survival of the fittest—which in this case would refer to the people in power. Even religion can serve to be an instrument of deception, control, and enslavement if it is not tempered by the grace of God and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It becomes nothing more than a human endeavor masked in the garb of goodness and pious platitudes. Movements begun with the highest and purest of motives can degenerate into self-perpetuating and self-serving social systems, devoid of any semblance of the God they claim to represent. God, deliver me from evil!

John 9:41

“Let me put it to you this way,” Jesus tells them, “It you are truly blind, you would be above reproach in this matter; but the fact that in spite of your question you are convinced you see perfectly…well, in that case, your sin and guilt remain.” John 9:41 EFP 

Jesus’ reply is simple and to the point. He does not beat around the bush. There is no better way for him to confront the willful blindness of this group of religious leaders. In short, there is no offense taken if they are actually blind, which they are not. But given the fact they are sighted, then their unwillingness to see is their indictment.

Jesus uses the term “your guilt remains” to address their precarious situation. Their guilt remains because they choose not to see. They choose not to see because they would rather protect their personal interests than allow for the possibility that Jesus is truly who he says he is. By doing so they cling to their sin to the point that they no longer consider it sin, rather they see their actions as righteous, thus they have nothing to confess—and as a consequence their guilt remains.

This is the danger I face daily in my search for truth. I must be willing to be open to what God is telling me through his word. The fact that I have been blessed with precious truths in my community of faith does not mean that I will never learn more or never uncover new insights into the heart of Jesus and about the will of God for me. If I cling to what I have always known because it requires less theological discomfort or doctrinal upheaval, then I may be falling victim to the same ailment of the religious leaders of Jesus’ time. God is leading all those who are willing to be led—to truth. I must continue to search for truth and never reach a point this side of heaven where I feel as if I have arrived at ultimate truth. God is too great to be totally understood by finite human minds. My journey continues until I see God face to face. And then it gets even more exciting!

John 9:40

It so happens that some of the ever-present Pharisees overhear his words to the man, and they quickly jump into the conversation by asking, “Jesus, are you referring to us when you talk about those who are blind? Are we blind as well?” John 9:40 EFP 

Do the Pharisees already know the answer to the question they submit before they hear the answer from Jesus? They are always around. They listen to his messages. They see his miracles. They most likely know the events surrounding the man with whom Jesus is speaking. They know he was blind. They know he now sees.

Then they eavesdrop on Jesus’ conversation with the man regarding blind people who see and sighted people who don’t. Then they hear Jesus say something about making those who can now see become blind. They cannot help themselves! They have to ask, all the while knowing his answer is not going to agree with them. So they ask, “Are we blind as well?” In other words they query, “Are you talking about us?”

Really? Given the recent developments, not to mention the long-standing hostilities between them and Jesus, and their open opposition to his preaching and miracle-making, what did they expect his answer to be? If I choose to oppose an idea or a person through whom this idea is being passed on, I should not be asking if I am blind to that person and his message. But self-deception is a black-hole. It self-perpetuates and self-validates to the point that truth is no longer of import; it is preserving my point of view at all cost. That kind of blindness is more tragic than the lack of eyesight. Lord, don’t let self-interest be my motivation in my lifelong search for truth. Let me see Jesus!

John 9:39

Jesus continues, “I am here in this world for a reason, my friend. I come to declare judgment: That those who are sightless might begin to see, and those who have sight might lose it.” John 9:39 EFP 

What an interesting statement by Jesus to the man. The man has just reconnected with him after an intense search after their initial encounter, his spiritual eyes are opened and he responds by confessing his belief in Jesus as the Son of God, and then worshipping him then and there.

Somewhere in the midst of that worship-fest, Jesus interjects this declaration regarding the reason for his presence in the world—to judge between believers and wannabes. Believers know they are blind and need to be given sight. The wannabes have all the trappings of sight, but they are blinded by the very Light of the World that has come to give sight to the blind. The decision to give or lose sight is within the person receiving the gift. The very gift of sight works only for those who lack it, and not on those who already have what passes for sight, but that actually is blindness. It is this spiritual blindness to which Jesus is referring.

I haven’t always seen God the way I see Him today. I am learning that God is not seeking so much as sacrifice and blind obedience, rather He is looking to draw me into a love-relationship with Him. I have come to realize that I do not naturally love. I am selfish and self-centered at my core, and unless God changes that I will never experience the life He created me to enjoy. God will teach me to love Him as He already loves me through a living and loving relationship. I am sorry for all the time wasted in trying to attain something that I can never attain; something that is the byproduct of loving God and seeking to know and love him more every day.

I do not want to be blind or blinded ever again.