Day 37
Today’s reading: John 10:22-42
Man of Authority
〰️
Man of Authority 〰️
Reflections
The life and words of Jesus on earth were meant to serve as an example for how we, as believers, should live. We can certainly take a page from His book. Jesus was a man of authority—He spoke with such confidence and audacity that it often baffled the people around Him. He didn’t hold back in His actions either, and through this, we saw His incredible works of power. Was this because He was God? Emphatically, no. While He was fully divine, He was also fully human during His time on earth.
What set Jesus apart was His understanding of something we often overlook—He knew His identity and His position in God. In John 5:25, 29-30, and 38, Jesus attributes His works to the mission given to Him by God. He tells us that we can be assured He was sent by God because of the works He did. This is a profound statement. His confidence was rooted in the knowledge that He was sent by God to fulfill a specific purpose.
Now, let’s consider it in reverse: if we want God to work mighty deeds through us, we must first be backed by God. We must align ourselves with His purpose and be where He has assigned us. Our confidence does not come from our own abilities, but from knowing that God is with us and has sent us on our mission. Just as Jesus knew His power came from His relationship with the Father, we can be assured that the mighty works God wants to do through us will happen because He has called us. We are powerful, not in ourselves, but because we are in Christ, and Christ is in us. This is the foundation of our confidence and authority.
Study Questions
Jesus referenced Psalm 82:6 in John10:34. Who are referred to as "sons of God" and why? Use a commentary to provide further insight into this reference
In John 10:34-36, Jesus uses a common technique for arguing Scripture. What is this technique, and how does Jesus use it to make His point in this passage?
The Jews attempt to stone Jesus for blasphemy. What was it about Jesus’ statements that provoked such a reaction, and why did they accuse Him of blasphemy?
What did you learn about God’s nature, His ways and His will from today’s reading?
Highlight
“If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”” John 10:37-38 ESV
