John 10:22-30
The feast of the Dedication was then taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter. And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
Grace Prayed For
The Grace of Unity and Communion: to deepen our relationship with Jesus and the Father, to experience the oneness that exists between them, and to live in communion with the divine, drawing strength and inspiration from this sacred bond.
The Feast of Dedication, The Cold of Winter, and the Warmth of Divine Truth
Jesus, the ultimate Shepherd, offers us profound wisdom in this passage. He contrasts the true shepard Jesus, in this profound passage, reveals Himself as the exclusive entrance to salvation. In the midst of a winter celebration, Jesus finds Himself surrounded by questioning voices. They seek clarity, demanding a direct answer about His identity. Yet, Jesus has already revealed Himself through His words and actions. His works, done in the name of His Father, bear witness to His true nature.
But why do some fail to recognize Him? Jesus explains that they are not among His sheep. His sheep are those who hear and recognize His voice, who follow Him in faith and obedience. To them, He offers the precious gift of eternal life, an unbreakable bond with the divine. No power, no force, can snatch them from His loving care.
The unity between Jesus and the Father is profound. Their love for those who belong to them is unyielding. The Father has entrusted these precious souls to Jesus, and together, they ensure their eternal safety.
Points of Inspiration:
Recognize Divine Unity: The oneness of Jesus and the Father reveals the depth of God’s love for us. We are embraced by a divine relationship that transcends all understanding.
Listen for His Voice: In a world filled with distractions, it’s crucial to cultivate a discerning heart that recognizes the voice of Jesus. His words offer guidance, comfort, and truth.
Follow in Faith: True belief involves more than just intellectual assent. It demands action, a willingness to follow Jesus even when the path seems uncertain.
Embrace Eternal Life: The gift of eternal life is not just about a future reality. It’s about experiencing the abundant life that Jesus offers in the present.
Trust in Divine Protection: We can rest secure in the knowledge that we belong to Jesus, and He will never abandon us. His love, and the Father’s love, are our unshakable foundation.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Recognizing His Voice: Jesus emphasizes the unique connection between the shepherd and his sheep, highlighting the importance of recognizing His voice. By actively seeking His guidance through prayer, Scripture reading, and reflection, we cultivate a deeper familiarity with His words, teachings, and promptings, thus growing closer to Him.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post