John 10:22-30

Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.

As you read John 10:22-30, keep in mind that around two months have passed since Jesus’ interactions with the crowds and religious leaders at the Festival of Shelters (John 7-10:21).

Just two months prior to this conversation with Jewish people in Jerusalem, Jesus clearly explained who he was and why he came to earth. Take a moment to prayerfully read the following statements made by Jesus at the Festival of Shelters taking note of any that particularly stand out to you:

“I am not here on my own. The one who sent me is true… (John 7:28) ”

“I am the light of the world (John 8:12).”

“The Father who sent me is with me (John 8:16).”

“…unless you believe that I AM who I claim to be, you will die in your sins (John 8:24).”

“When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I AM he (John 8:28).”

“If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God (John 8:42).

“…though I have no wish to glorify myself, God is going to glorify me (John 8:50).”

“I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die (John 8:52)!”

“I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM (John 8:58)!”

“I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep (John 10:7).”

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep, and they know me (John 10:11).”

“The Father loves me…I have the authority to lay [my life] down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father commanded (John 10:17-18).”

Spend a moment talking to Jesus about anything you are thinking or feeling after reading contemplating these statements.

With all of this in mind, read John 10:22-30 again.

In spite of Jesus’ clarity, it seems at first glance that the people gathered in Jerusalem for Hanukkah are still waiting for some kind of definitive statement about his identity. But a closer reading makes it obvious that the ones asking the questions have sinister motives.

We aren’t told that these were members of the religious elite, but it seems clear that they are and that they are attempting to trap Jesus into making a blasphemous statement so they can destroy him. The religious leaders have the most to lose if Jesus’ claims are true, but what they don’t realize is that they are holding on to their power, privilege and prestige at the price of their souls.

Whether we’re fully aware of it or not, many of us are holding on so tightly to something or someone that if Jesus were to ask us to lay it down, we’d be devastated. It may be something we know to be destructive, or it may be a fine thing we cling to, but if we’re honest, we know that we’d have a very hard time letting go even if our attachment proves costly.

Jesus isn’t cruel, and his goal is not to take away the things we love. But in order to experience all he has for us in this life and beyond, he must be our first and foremost love. Jesus is everything he claims to be. He is worthy of our primary allegiance and our first love.

For the remainder of your time today, sit in the presence of Jesus and consider asking him to search your soul. If Jesus points out anything you need to examine, stop and talk to him about it. If you sense him leading you toward an action of some kind, take a first step today.

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