Believing, Knowing, and Following

"John 10:22-42

Communicate with God through Jesus

How do you and I communicate with God? 

Communication with Jesus is communication with God. Those who met Jesus understood he was claiming to be God (v.33). When he said, ‘I and the Father are one’ (v.30) and ‘the Father is in me, and I in the Father’ (v.38), there was no ambiguity in the ears of his hearers. His opponents understood it as blasphemy – ‘because you, a mere human being, claim to be God’ (v.33) – and they picked up stones to stone him (vv.31–33).

Jesus communicated with his disciples and he continues to communicate with us. He says, ‘My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me’ (v.27). We see here the marks of a true Christian:

Believing in Jesus

There is a contrast in this passage between those who ‘believed in Jesus’ (v.42) and those who ‘do not believe’ (vv.25–26). Belief in Jesus means believing in him when he says, ‘I am God’s Son’ (v.36) and putting our trust in him.

Knowing Jesus

Jesus says that ‘my sheep listen to my voice. I know them’ (v.27). To be a Christian is to recognise and follow the voice of Jesus. This is what defines a Christian – not so much knowledge about Jesus, but actually knowing him. This is then followed up by the wonderful declaration that Jesus also knows us.

Following Jesus

Jesus says, ‘They follow me’ (v.27). It affects our lives. As Jesus said elsewhere, ‘By their fruit you will recognise them’ (Matthew 7:16,20). James wrote, ‘Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead’ (James 2:17). The primary evidence of faith is love. Those who follow Jesus will follow his example of love.

Jesus promises every true Christian: ‘I give them eternal life’ (John 10:28). This is not just about quantity of life, it is also about quality. Jesus satisfies our spiritual hunger and thirst. In a relationship with Jesus we find this deep soul satisfaction that cannot be found anywhere else.

Jesus promises that this relationship with him will go on forever. It starts now, but it is ‘eternal’ (v.28). Those who follow Jesus will ‘never perish’ (v.28). This is a gift (‘I give them eternal life’ (v.28)). It cannot be earned, nor can it be lost. Jesus promises ‘no one can snatch them out of my hand … no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand’ (vv.28–29). There may be many struggles and temptations along the way, but ultimately the hand of Jesus and the hand of the Father are engaged together in protecting you. A Christian may lose their job, their money, their liberty and even their life, but they can never lose eternal life.

Thank you, Lord, that I can listen to your voice, that I can know you and that you give me eternal life. Thank you that you promise that I will never perish and that no one can snatch me out of your hand. Thank you that in this relationship I find soul satisfaction both now and forevermore."

1. Hallelujah to this eternal life that You give. Thank You, Lord.

2. Thank You that You can use me in service for others. I praise You.

3. Thank You, Lord, for being able to share time with a friend celebrating her birthday today.