John 10:17-21 (WEL) “My Father loves me because of this, for I lay down my life so that I might take it again. 18 “No one takes it from me. I lay it down on my own. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it again. I received this commandment from my Father.” 19 Again, there was a division among the Jews because of these sayings. 20 Many said about him, “He has a demon,” and “He is insane; why listen to him?” 21 Others said, “These are not words from a demon-possessed man. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
V17 “My Father loves me because of this, for I lay down my life so that I might take it again.
The Father, God the Father, always loves Jesus, but here it refers to the Father’s pleasure with His son’s decision to be Messiah, Savior (lay down my life), and calling all people to come to Him for salvation. Jesus obeys His father, showing His love for His Father, which pleases the Father.
Jesus also prophesies His resurrection, which did happen. Jesus is a true prophet.
The importance of the resurrection is:
Proves His Deity—Acts 13:33-39
Proves His Holiness—Romans 1:4
Proves that God the Father accepted His ministry on the Cross—1 Peter 1:9 and Hebrews 10:19-20
Proves Jesus really died; one cannot be resurrected unless they die
Proves He is alive to return to Earth and reign as the worldwide king—Zechariah 14
Proves He is the heir of God the Father—Hebrews 1:1-9
Proves He is the Mediator of the New Covenant—Hebrews 9:14-15
Proves the New Covenant is now enacted—Luke 22:20, Hebrews 8:6, and Hebrews 12:24.
Proves He is a true prophet—Mark 8:31 and John 10:17 with Luke 24:15, and 1 Corinthians 15:1-8.
Proves He is the accepted Passover Lamb paying the penalty for anyone’s sin, as long as they meet God’s condition of faith and trust in Jesus alone for salvation—1 Corinthians 5:7.
V18 “No one takes it from me. I lay it down on my own. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it again. I received this commandment from my Father.”
No one can arrest, charge, find guilty, or carry out the sentence unless Jesus volunteers it so, and the Father backs Him up on this point. Jesus cannot be arrested until the right time.
Principle: There are proper times to act, whether for a spiritual cause or a physical cause. Learn to pray for wisdom to choose the right time.
The Father gave Jesus this authority. God is a delegator, not a control freak as some theologies teach. Jesus has also been delegated the resurrection.
V19 Again, there was a division among the Jews because of these sayings.
Jesus did not come to unify but to be the Passover Lamb. Compare Matthew 10:34.
Principle: People can be united in many causes and reasons, but when the Bible brings up Jesus, it divides people.
V20 Many said about Him, “He has a demon,” and “He is insane; why listen to Him?”
This group has no proof, just accusations. Note how many podcasters do the same; they spew out statements and/or accusations without any facts or sources.
Principle: Beware of any person who spews out statements and accusations, claiming they are facts, but they give no sources or details.
Principle: The human heart doesn’t change in its natural state; it is evil, self-serving, and has a distaste for truth.
V21 Others said, “These are not words from a demon-possessed man. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
The other group is more open-minded. They look at the facts and correctly state that demons do not heal, do not provide provisions (feeding of the thousands, etc.), casting out demons, stilling the storms, etc.
Principle: Be open to the situation, then check out the facts. Do some research.
We learn:
- Jesus divides people into those who are supportive or at least open to Him and those who hate Him.
- Not to believe anyone just because they give a strong opinion.
Questions:
- Who is Jesus to you?
- How good are you at checking the facts?