I and the Father are one

John 10:22-30

^10:22 Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, ²³ and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. ²⁴ The Jews gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” ²⁵ Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, ²⁶ but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. ²⁷ My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. ³⁰ I and the Father are one.

1. Core Message:

Content

1. Jesus Christ at the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem. (v. 22-23)
2. Jews surrounding Jesus Christ and interrogating his identity. (v. 24)
3. Jesus Christ expressed that he did tell the Jews but they do not believe, because they are not his sheep. (v. 25-26)
4. Jesus Christ pointed out that not only is the relationship intimate between him and his sheep, but he gives them eternal life and they will be forever protected. (v. 29)
5. Jesus Christ expressed that he and the Father are one. (v. 30)

Theme: I and the Father are one.

2. Who are God, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit?

1. Jesus Christ being obedient of the laws (observed the Feast of Dedication) (v. 22-23)
2. Jesus Christ being the Messiah (Savior). (v. 24)
3. Jesus Christ being denied (disbelieved) the Jews. (v. 25)
4. Jesus Chris working in the mighty name and power of the Heavenly Father. (v. 25)
5. God having power and might in his name. (v. 25)
6. Jesus Christ being the good shepherd. (v. 27)
7. Jesus Christ being the fountain of life. (v. 28)
8. Jesus Christ being the ruler of life. (v. 28)
9. Heavenly Father being the Almighty. (v. 29)

1. Jesus Christ being in one with the Father. (v. 30)

3. What Lessons (Command, Covenant, Role Modeling, Rebuking, and Warning) Are God Teaching Us?

i. Action that Speaks

Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me,” (v. 25)

Speaking of methods in teaching, there is one popular saying, “Action speaks louder than words.” This suggests that action has more persuasion and can touch deeper to people’s hearts than words. Jesus calls himself the Christ, the Savior, the Son of God, and in one with the Father. Despite these revelations about “Jesus’ identity”, Jews still refused to believe.

Jesus then told the Jews, “The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me.” By this, Jesus meant that if the Jews were unable to believe whatever he has said, they should be able to believe whatever he has done. Because whatever that is being put into action is more tangible and convincing than whatever that is merely being said.

As Christians, we have the responsibility to bear witness for God. And according to the saying, “Action speaks louder”, testimony through our daily lives speak louder, more persuasive, and more heart touching than testimony through our speech.

Reflection: Have I ever bear witness for God? How did I? Was it through my speech? Or was it testimony through my life?

ii. Characteristics of the Believer

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (v. 27)

Jesus was using the relationship between the “shepherd” and the “sheep” as a metaphor. In fact, Jesus was using this metaphor to depict the relationship between him and the believers (disciples). This implies that whoever believes in Him is a sheep of Christ, and whoever does not believe in Him is not a sheep of Christ. Since whoever believes in Him will listen to his words and follow him at the same time. This is the intimate relationship between Jesus and the believers, which is also a distinguished characteristic that a sheep of Christ (disciples) possesses.

Reflection: I often call myself a sheep of Christ, but have I ever considered whether I am a real sheep or a pretended one? Do I listen to His words (study the Bible diligently)? Do I follow Him (act accordingly to the Bible)?

iii. The Promise of Eternal Life

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish… (v. 28a)

Jesus declared that whoever believes in him is also a sheep of Christ. The sheep will not only listen to his words, but will follow him. What is more priceless is that Jesus will give them eternal life and they shall never perish. This is the “promise of eternal life” by believing in Jesus Christ.

For God so loved the world that he gives his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John: 3:16-17)

Reflection: Do I truly believe in Jesus Christ? Do I also truly believe that I have already received the promise of eternal life?

iv. The Eternal Protection

… no one can snatch them out of my hand. (v. 28b)

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. (v. 29)

To those who believe in him, Jesus not only promises to give them eternal life and they shall never perish. Meanwhile, Jesus emphasizes that no one can snatch them (his sheep) out of his hand. The Father has given the sheep to Jesus, and since the Father is grater than all things, no one can snatch them (his sheep) out of the Father’s hand. This is the covenant of “saving through grace and receiving eternal protection.”

And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. (2Timothy1:11-12)

Reflection: Do I truly believe in the promise that if I am saved, God will forever protect?

v. Jesus is God

I and the Father are one. (v. 30)

In the end Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.” This sentence clearly signifies the identity of “Jesus Christ being God”. Although both Jesus and the Father possess distinct identities (the Father and the Son), they are two in one in nature.

Therefore, Jesus Christ is the second identity in the Holy Trinity and is God at the same time.

Reflection: How familiar am I with the “Holy Trinity”? Is is only understanding through rational reasoning? Or is it acceptance through faith?

4. Prayer/Application

Translated by Kristin Chen