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#16 – Knowing God Better – John 10 continued

We are finishing up John 10. Jesus has been describing himself as our good shepherd. The one who cares for us. The one who will lay down his life for us.

In John 10:22, Jesus is now in the Temple, during the religious Festival of Dedication.

24 The people surrounded him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
25 Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me.

Q – In Jesus’ next statement, what reason does Jesus give, that they should believe in him by now?
A –

(25)The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name.

Jesus is referring to the miracles that they are seeing him do. (You know, all of those miracles that Jesus does, even on the Sabbath!)

Jesus goes on to describe those who do believe in him. In his next statements, Jesus implies three things he does, and three things his sheep do.

Q – What are those three actions Jesus’ takes? And what are the three actions of his sheep? (see below)
A –

27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.

Just so you get this one. Here they are:

Jesus: speaks to us, knows us, gives us eternal life
We: listen to his voice, follow him, never perish

Q – How secure does Jesus say, is our relationship with him? (see below)
A –

No one can snatch them away from me, 29 for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.”

What do you suppose the people’s reaction is to this? You guessed it!

31 Once again the people picked up stones to kill him.
32 Jesus said, “At my Father’s direction I have done many good works. For which one are you going to stone me?”
33 They replied, “We’re stoning you not for any good work, but for blasphemy! You, a mere man, claim to be God.”

At least they understood.

Jesus tried once more to move them toward faith.

37 Don’t believe me unless I carry out my Father’s work.
38 But if I do his work, believe in the evidence of the miraculous works I have done, even if you don’t believe me. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father.”

Q – Summarize all that you know to be true of Jesus, and your relationship with him, just from today’s study.
A –

“Jesus, you are far more gracious than we will ever deserve. Thank you for giving us reason to believe in you. Thank you for caring about us to the point of death. Thank you for speaking to us. For leading us so that we may follow. And for knowing us, when we don’t merit your intimacy. Thank you for holding us tightly in your hand.”

Next study – John 11. Jesus does the spectacular!

Sincerely,

Marilyn Adamson
director of EveryStudent.com
and StartingwithGod.com

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