John 10:22-42
Dear RTB’ers,
The following verses have always been confusing to me: Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’? If he called them gods to whom the word of God came, … do you say of Him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’” (vv. 34-36) The STS note helps clarify, “Even the judges of Israel, acting as God’s representatives, were called ‘gods’”. Jesus is saying that the Old Testament prophets and rulers were called ‘gods’, and the works that He is doing are much greater than what they did. If they are called ‘gods’, then why not Him? Does that help clarify? Or is my understanding more confusing or even misguided?
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand. (vv. 27-28) Jesus speaks three assurances to His followers – eternal life, never perish, security in His hand. Although (seemingly) in descending order, these assurances should be encouraging to each of us, the level to which Jesus watches over us and protects us. I heard a preacher once expounding on these verses. He was particularly strong on the last assurance, that no one will snatch them out of My hand. His comment: “We ARE His Hand!” Yes, encouraging!!
Blessings.
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