trusted online casino malaysia
Realizing the presence, promise, and power of the Kingdom of God.
The DEEP

Clarification

Only the disciples really get it—or need it.

John 10:22–30

Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. 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. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 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.”

Everyone knows Jesus has been making messianic claims (and doing clear signs that show He’s the Christ) but they keep getting confused. So they ask for clarification.

One minute, Jesus will do something that only the Christ could do. Then, the next minute, He’ll say something that makes no sense to them. Somehow, they think this contradicts His being the messiah. Thus they see the whole sequence of events as showing evidence both for and against Him being the Christ.

But why would they assume that the messiah will never say something that’s over their heads?

Even the prophets said things that confused (even angered) a lot of people.


Of course, all this is in keeping with Jesus’s plan to get crucified. Many of the things He said were designed to reveal the truth while, at the same time, not being understood by His audience at that time.

But there’s a simple way that plan could fail. When people don’t understand something, they don’t remember it. As an extreme example, imagine that someone says something to you that makes perfect sense, but they’re not speaking in English; they’re speaking a language you do not know. Absent any understanding, what chance do you have of remembering what the person said?

Without the ability to fit something we heard or saw into familiar patterns, we can’t store it in our memories and it’s quickly lost.

So, while the crowds aren’t going to understand what Jesus is saying, the disciples need to, so that they will be able to recall it later (and write it up, thus creating the gospels.)

Thus, you will see, over and over, Jesus explaining things to His disciples. He interprets His parables. He repeats the unexpected and/or confusing points about His crucifixion and resurrection. He explains everything.

They need to understand it to remember it.

It’s all part of the plan.


These Monday—Friday DEEPs are written by Mike Slay. The Saturday DEEPs are written by Matt Richardson. To subscribe to all the DEEPs click here:

https://www.ailbe.org/resources/community

The weekly study guides, which include the Monday–Friday devotionals plus related questions for discussion or meditation, are available for download here:

https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/91-deep-studies

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV stands for the English Standard Version. © Copyright 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved. NIV stands for The Holy Bible, New International Version®. © Copyright 1973 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved. KJV stands for the King James Version.

Mike Slay

As a mathematician, inventor, and ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church in America, Mike Slay brings an analytical, conversational, and even whimsical approach to the daily study of God's Word.

Subscribe to Ailbe Newsletters

Sign up to receive our email newsletters and read columns about revival, renewal, and awakening built upon prayer, sharing, and mutual edification.