John 10:22–42 · True believers are secure in Jesus.
Big Idea: Jesus openly claims unity with the Father. His sheep hear His voice, follow Him, and are eternally secure in His hand—and in the Father’s hand.
The Setting: Winter at the Feast of Dedication
In the temple courts during Hanukkah, the leaders press Jesus: “If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus points to two witnesses already in view—His words and His works—and to the deeper issue: unbelief reveals you’re not of His flock (vv. 24–26).
The Promise: Eternal Life and Double Security
“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… No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” (vv. 27–29)
- Identity: Jesus knows His sheep personally.
- Activity: His sheep hear and follow.
- Gift: Eternal life now and forever.
- Security: Held by the Son and the Father—double assurance.
The Claim: “I and the Father are One”
Hearing this, the leaders reach for stones. Jesus appeals to Scripture (Ps. 82) and to His works: if the Father’s consecrated, sent Son does the Father’s works, believe the works—that you may know the mutual indwelling: “the Father is in me, and I am in the Father” (vv. 30–38).
The Response: Division, Escape, and Belief
They try again to seize Him, but His hour has not yet come. Jesus withdraws across the Jordan where John once baptized. Many come, remembering John’s testimony, and “many believed in him there” (vv. 39–42).
Why This Matters
- Assurance is anchored in Jesus, not us. He gives eternal life; He holds fast. Our grip is imperfect—His is not.
- Belief has evidence. Hearing His voice and following are the family traits of His flock.
- Jesus is not merely a teacher. He claims oneness with the Father and backs it with the Father’s works.
How This Lands for Us
- Rest in His hands. When doubts flare, rehearse His promise: “I give… they will never perish… no one will snatch.”
- Listen and follow. Open Scripture daily; act on what you hear. Assurance grows where obedience lives.
- Let His works steady you. When feelings wobble, look at Jesus’ works and the resurrection—history that anchors hope.
- Witness simply. Like those across the Jordan: remember true testimony, share it plainly, and invite others to believe.
For Reflection
- Where am I letting culture be louder than the Shepherd’s voice?
- What next step of obedience would look like “following” this week?
- Who near me might be “across the Jordan,” ready to hear a clear, simple witness about Jesus?