Listening

Listening

John 10: 22 - 30

Intro: (Story quoted from SermonCentral “My Sheep Hear My Voice by J. Jeffrey Smead) Franklin D. Roosevelt grew tired of smiling the expected presidential smile and saying the usual expected words at White House receptions. One evening he decided to find out whether anybody really listened to what he was saying. As each person came to him with an extended hand, he flashed a big smile and said, “I murdered my grandmother this morning.” Many responded with comments like “How lovely!” or “It is nice to me you, Mr. President.” However, one diplomat responded softly, “I’m sure she had it coming.”

I VS. 24 “The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense?” If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly. (literally, “How long are you taking our life away?”)

A This is the only place in the gospel of John that Jesus is asked directly if he is the Messiah.

B Stating he was the Messiah could be perceived as an act of treason or blasphemy.

C It is obvious the Jews were annoyed that Jesus wouldn’t give a yes or no answer.

II Gentlemen: your wife comes to you wearing a new outfit and asks, “Does this outfit make me look fat?” Do you give a yes or no answer? Ladies: your husband shows you an expensive gadget he has just purchased and says, “Isn’t this the greatest thing you’ve ever seen?” Do you give a yes or no answer?

A VSS. 25 “Jesus answered, ‘I did tell you, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.’”

B Pisteuo “to entrust one’s spiritual well-being to Christ / to put trust with / to commit / believe”

C Jesus tells the Jews that he has shown them and told them; but, they aren’t listening.

III VS. 27 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

A The Jews heard the messages of Jesus and saw the signs’ but did not get the message. Jesus was bringing the good news from God; but, the Jews didn’t hear it. Why?

B. We have heard the words of Jesus, experienced the presence of Christ in the sacraments, seen his deeds as the Holy Spirit has worked in our lives; but, we are still hesitant to believe.

C Sometimes we, like the Jewish leaders, to not hear because the words of Jesus challenged them and us in ways we do not want to be challenged.

Concl: Listening isn’t enough! Sitting here listening to the words of Christ read from the Bible and shared through me guided by the Holy Spirit isn’t enough. Listening to Christ Jesus implies involvement in His work. Listening alone does not make you a sheep of the shepherd. Those who TRULY HEAR, FOLLOW!