What makes us Christ’s sheep? Are we in danger of being lost for eternity? Are we secure in His hands? Let’s examine John 10:22-30 and see.
The Setting
John 10:22-23 “At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon.” Jesus showed his approval of Hanukkah by attending it. It’s a winter celebration remembering the miraculous restoration of the Temple.
John 10:24 “The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, ‘How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.’” Literally, they encircled Him. Some were perhaps sincere, others with deceitful hearts, men who sought to denounce and sabotage Jesus.
The Believers
John 10:25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me.” Why did these learned men not believe Jesus’ works? Why did they not believe over 300 prophecies from the Bible? What was missing?
John 10:26-27 “But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep [as I said to you]. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me”. This logic is followed by a series of “and’s” which explain why some believe and others don’t.
The Promises
John 10:28 “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” Notice that eternal life is already given to them. They will not perish, be lost to eternity, based on continued belief. Jesus, on His part, holds them tightly.
John 10:29-30 “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” Though they are one, the Father is greater, and the final guarantor of this “blessed assurance.”
Here is truth: We believe because we are His sheep. Here are promises: believers in Jesus will never perish and no one can snatch them from God the Son’s hand, nor God the Father’s hand.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
