John 10:31-42
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.
We begin our reading today in the middle of Jesus’ return to Jerusalem for Hanukkah. The people, profoundly influenced by the religious elite, attempt to entrap Jesus with a demand: “If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Rather than shrink back, Jesus answers boldly: “The Father and I are one.” This is where we pick up today.
Read John 10:31-42 noticing Jesus’ calm response in the face of a very real threat to his life.
Even in the midst of an emotionally charged situation, Jesus remains focused on God the Father. His response is generated from the same rock-solid source of his miraculous works. Jesus relies solely on the guidance and character of God.
Instead of slipping away as he has twice before when the crowds turned on him, this time Jesus offers a compelling argument for faith. The Psalm to which Jesus refers lays out the character of God and condemns the unjust actions of religious people – actions that fly in the face of God’s character. The “gods” in the Psalm are mere people who oppress others, but here stands the “Son of God” whose works display the restorative, justice-laden attributes of God. The Father is clearly seen in the Son.
Contemplate the words of Psalm 82 for a moment:
“How long will you hand down unjust decisions
by favoring the wicked?”
“Give justice to the poor and the orphan;
uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.
Rescue the poor and helpless;
deliver them from the grasp of evil people.
But these oppressors know nothing;
they are so ignorant!
They wander about in darkness,
while the whole world is shaken to the core.
I say, ‘You are gods;
you are all children of the Most High.
But you will die like mere mortals
and fall like every other ruler.’”
We each have influence to one degree or another. How are you using your influence to bring about restoration and justice for the poor, the helpless and the oppressed? Talk to Jesus about this.
Read John 10:31-42 again focusing on the belief of those who follow Jesus beyond the Jordan river.
After this final public statement of his identity, Jesus returns to the place where God affirmed him at his baptism at the beginning of his ministry. The people have their evidence: the fulfilled prophecies of John, the witness of Jesus’ miraculous, restorative works, and Jesus’ own clear statements about who he is. Those who see with eyes of faith can do nothing less than follow him.
Stop to think about the evidence of Jesus’ activity in your life. How does this evidence affect your faith and willingness to follow Jesus fully?
For the final moments of this meditation, gather your thoughts and feelings and bring them to Jesus. Sit in his presence and do your best to listen to him. If you sense him calling you to a certain direction or an action of some kind, write it down and make plans to follow through.
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