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John 10: 22-30 | King James Audio Bible | Daily Verses
22 ¶ And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.
23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.
24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.
26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
30 I and my Father are one.
The Feast of the Dedication commemorates the episode in Jewish history, as recorded in Maccabees, when, in the year 165 BC, after he had liberated Jerusalem from the control of the Seleucid kings of Syria, Judas Maccabeus cleansed the Temple of the profanations of Antiochus Epiphanes. Falling toward the end of the year, it is also known as the Festival of Lights, because it was the custom to place lamps, signifying the Law, in the windows of houses.
The Jews ask Christ if he is the Messiah, but it is not an honest question seeking to find the truth. Jesus has already spoken truthfully to the people, and he has given them signs of his divinity, performed in his Father’s name.
We remember that in John’s Gospel the word ‘Jews’ is often synonymous with the authorities in the Temple, the scribes, the chief priests, the Pharisees, those with vested interests.
It is the Temple authorities who have distorted the Law, such as to make God’s house a place of trade, in effect a market place, and who themselves cannot see the truth of Jesus as he offers himself openly before them, while they have also led others, whom they should shepherd, to such blindness.
There are people who seek to fit Jesus into their own preconceptions of how the Messiah should be, who refuse the gift of grace, who refuse belief, and so who cannot be with Jesus, really through their own choice, who give themselves over to death instead of life everlasting.
Jesus returns to the parable of the good shepherd. Through grace, his sheep hear and recognize Jesus the good shepherd’s voice.
Through grace and through prayer, we have belief, and we have mutual knowledge and understanding of Jesus. Often this is not an easy journey, but we see and we listen, and so we find our true shepherd.
Jesus now speaks of his union with his Father. In these Bible verses, Jesus explains that we have been given to him by the Father. Through Jesus’ complete obedience to his Father’s will, in fulfilling the great plan of our salvation, Jesus shows himself to be the Son of the Father, and the Father and the Son to be two persons, distinct, yet of one substance: I and the Father are one.
This great truth develops through the course of John’s Gospel. Earlier Jesus proclaimed that God was his Father, thereby angering the Jewish authorities by making himself equal with God, which to them was a blasphemy worthy of death. There will be further revelations of this mystery at the Last Supper – see John 13-17. And right from the start of John’s Gospel, we contemplate the mystery of Christ’s divinity and his relationship with God the Father: ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.’ Christ is the perfect revelation of God. He is truth incarnate.
‘Listen to what the Lord says: “You see in me your body, your limbs, your organs, your bones, your blood. If you are afraid of what belongs to God, why do you not love that which is your own? If you run away from your Lord, why do you not run back to your kinsman?
‘“Perhaps you are afraid because of the greatness of the passion which you inflicted on me. Do not be afraid. This cross is not mine; it is the sting of death. These nails do not pierce me with pain; they pierce me more greatly with love of you. These wounds do not draw groans from me; rather they draw you into my heart. The stretching out of my body makes room for you in my heart; it does not increase my pain. My blood is not lost to me; it is paid in advance for your ransom.”’ St Peter Chrysologus
Audio Bible KJV | Endnotes
What Were The Expectations Of The Jews Concerning The Messiah, The Christ, At The Time Of Jesus?
John 10:22-30 is set during the Feast of Dedication, also known as Hanukkah, in Jerusalem. Jesus is walking in the temple and is approached by Jews who ask him if he is the Messiah, the Christ, that they have been waiting for. This passage provides insight into the expectations that the Jews had concerning the Messiah, the Christ, at the time of Jesus.
To understand the expectations of the Jews concerning the Messiah, it is necessary to delve into the history and religious beliefs of the Jewish people. The Jews had been waiting for the Messiah, the Anointed One, for centuries. They believed that the Messiah would be a king who would restore Israel to its former glory and rule over a new kingdom of God on Earth. They also believed that the Messiah would be a military leader who would defeat Israel’s enemies and establish peace and security for the Jewish people.
The expectation of a powerful military leader is evident in passages such as Isaiah 9:6-7, which reads: ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever.’
Similarly, the expectation of a political king is reflected in passages such as Micah 5:2-4, which reads: ‘But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth. And this man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.’
The Jewish people also believed that the Messiah would be a prophet like Moses. Deuteronomy 18:18-19 reads: ‘I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.’
Moreover, the Jewish people believed that the Messiah would be a descendant of King David. This expectation is reflected in passages such as Jeremiah 23:5-6, which reads: ‘Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.’
The expectations of the Jewish people concerning the Messiah, the Christ, at the time of Jesus are reflected upon by religious authorities through the ages. Saint Thomas Aquinas, a Catholic theologian, wrote in his Summa Theologica that ‘the office of Christ pertains to a king, a priest, and a prophet’ and that ‘the Messiah should be a descendant of David according to the flesh’.
Martin Luther, a Protestant reformer, also believed in the expectation of a political king as the Messiah. In his commentary on Isaiah, he wrote: ‘Christ himself came not to set up an earthly kingdom or government but a spiritual kingdom in which he rules in faith in the hearts of his people.’
Not all religious authorities agreed on the expectations of the Messiah. For example, the Jewish philosopher Maimonides believed that the Messiah would be a purely human figure and not divine. He also believed that the Messiah would bring about a peaceful and prosperous era, but not necessarily through military conquest.
In conclusion, expectations of the Jews concerning the Messiah, the Christ, at the time of Jesus were primarily focused on a powerful military leader and political king who would restore Israel to its former glory and establish a new kingdom of God on earth. They also believed that the Messiah would be a prophet like Moses and a descendant of King David. Ultimately, Jesus’ teachings and actions did not align with the expectations of the Messiah held by many Jews of his time.
The Sabbath is rooted in God’s own example. After creating the heavens and the earth in six days, God rested on the seventh day and blessed it, setting it apart as a holy day (Genesis 2:2-3). This pattern of rest and blessing established the foundation for the observance of the Sabbath [ … ]
Scripture: John 14:27 ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’ In this verse, Jesus offers his peace to his disciples, a peace that is different from what the world provides. This divine peace is deep, abiding, and capable of calming troubled hearts and dispelling fear. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding and is rooted in the presence and promises of Christ. Prayer Dear Jesus, I come before you, seeking your peace in my life. The world around me is filled with chaos and uncertainty, but I know that your peace can calm the storm within my heart. Help me to trust in you more deeply, to rest in your promises, and to feel your presence in every moment. Fill me with your peace that surpasses all understanding, and help me to be a vessel of your peace to those around me. Amen. Personal Reflection What areas of your life are causing you anxiety or fear? How can you invite Jesus’ peace into these areas? Reflect on a time when you experienced Christ’s peace amidst turmoil. Meditation On Prayer And Gospel John 14:27 reveals a profound truth about the nature of Jesus’ peace. Unlike the fleeting and often superficial peace offered by the world, Jesus’ peace is enduring and deeply transformative. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is anchored in the character and promises of Christ. As we navigate through life’s challenges, it’s crucial to understand and embrace this divine peace. Jesus’ peace is rooted in his presence. When he says, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you,’ Jesus is assuring us of his continual presence. This peace is a gift that flows from his abiding presence in our lives. It is a reminder that we are never alone, no matter what we face. his presence brings comfort and security, allowing us to rest even in the midst of life’s storms. Furthermore, Jesus contrasts his peace with the peace that the world gives. The world’s peace is often conditional and temporary, based on circumstances that can change in an instant. In contrast, Jesus’ peace is steadfast and eternal. It is a peace that reassures us in our deepest fears and anxieties, reminding us that he is in control. This peace transcends our understanding, as it is grounded in the eternal and unchanging nature of God. To experience Jesus’ peace, we must cultivate a relationship with him. This involves spending time in prayer, meditating on his word, and seeking his presence in our daily lives. It also means surrendering our worries and fears to Jesus, trusting that Jesus will provide and protect. As we draw closer to Jesus, his peace fills our hearts and minds, transforming our outlook and calming our spirits. One practical way to embrace Jesus’ peace is through prayer and meditation. By setting aside time each day to be still before the Lord, we create space for his peace to fill us. Reflecting on scriptures like John 14:27 can remind us of his promises and help us focus on his presence. Additionally, practicing gratitude can shift our focus from our worries to the many blessings in our lives, further opening our hearts to his peace. Another aspect of embracing Jesus’ peace is learning to let go of control. Often, our anxiety stems from a desire to control our circumstances. Jesus invites us to trust in his sovereign plan, even when we do not understand it. By surrendering our need for control and placing our trust in Him, we open ourselves to the peace that comes from knowing that He holds all things in his hands. Living in Jesus’ peace also means becoming peacemakers in our relationships and communities. As we experience his peace, we are called to extend that peace to others. This involves forgiving those who have wronged us, seeking reconciliation, and promoting harmony wherever we go. By being agents of his peace, we reflect his love and grace to a world in desperate need of his presence. Prayer Lord Jesus, Your peace is a precious gift that the world cannot give. In times of turmoil and distress, remind me to turn to you. Let your peace guard my heart and mind, dispelling all fear and anxiety. Teach me to trust in your unfailing love and to rest in your promises. Help me to be a peacemaker, sharing your peace with those around me. May your peace reign in my heart, my home, and my relationships. Thank you for your constant presence and the gift of your peace. Amen. Scripture: Matthew 5:9 ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ Blessing May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ fill your heart and mind, guiding you through every challenge and bringing you comfort and joy. May you rest in his unending peace and share it generously with those around you. Amen.
The Carrefour will be open, where I can buy nuts for the red squirrel, who lives in Campo Grande. The red squirrel is Valladolid’s best bit. Even as a child, I had never seen one before, apart from in picture books. It was last term’s discovery. The most beautiful encounter. I didn’t know it was there – in the park. A complete surprise. The tiny little thing bobbled and hopped, as it received in its little hands a nut from the man’s hands. Each surprising instant – it was childlike. I whispered: ‘Oh my wow.’ I walk toward the El Cortes Ingles. There is, for now, that settled feel of friends in bookshops. Though a null-affect, neutral day – it won’t glean, it is not to be scratched at. The queues are long in the Carrefour. Though, as it might be, on relatively modest incomes, many people live centrally. Their behaviours neither pinched nor stark. Yet the shop so busy while the street so empty… An error in the simulation, a glitch in the code. I potter about the aisles, which are pleasant enough, then at the tills I flinch at how expensive a little bag of up-sold nuts can be. Nonetheless, I queue for a packet of almonds. Two English men queue directly ahead of me. They are stocky, and have gay voices, their wheelie-bucket piled with soft drinks and party food, while they bitch to one another about the obviously terrible party they’re going to. The air heaves relief as I wander up the way to the broad plaza fringing Campo Grande. This is a place to see – a piece of Spain. There is a tourist information office, though unopened. At these fountains, three girls take selfies. Pompous-looking buildings, the military offices aside, line the park’s nearest vicinities. Hotel-bars have their patches. Liveried doormen idle time, for there are no paying customers, in and out the doorways’ shadows. A mixed group of kids play at the hoops on the pedestrian boulevard, and two boys practise on skateboards, working the thing out. I pass by them, touched by the thought, and happy that they are there. Wistful, I smile at the odds of the ball spilling over to me, and play in mind the agreeable scene of a fleeting connection. Then I am through the park gates. An air now – of humanity become self-selecting. Modestly understated. Understatedly modest. Campo Grande is nice but it isn’t grande… I walk slowly, and very soon hear for a second time English voices. Not them – it is an English family, just a little way ahead, a Dad and a Mum and a younger boy and an older girl, and theirs are Midlands accents. Dad seems to have been here and to know the place. He gestures panoramically. Mum wants her lunch. The girl at a difficult age. She carries a balloon-on-a-stick. Though she is sprouting – yet wears a loud dress. Then leggings, trainers. Her hair is nice… Maybe she is being okay about it. And not horrific. It’s okay once they get into it, but those months… Yet then, they mostly blossom, if they come from a good home, and become rounded personalities, entering into their womanhood. It was that… when yet they weren’t… I shudder to think of it. They walk toward the pond, and I trail, and would follow had I not been going that way. I wish I could say something so they might hear I am English too. (Fake a phone call?) How my voice might sound – there’d be all college hurling around in such matter I… a demented thing, ludicrous blurt – of Henry, Geoff, and all of them – not to mention the personal predicament. Maybe they’re a nice family. She is letting him explain what he needs to explain. And it would blow his fire, me being English. Mum and Dad. You’d probably see them all having their lunch in a little while. All sat round the table. With napkins and the menus out. Dad looks safe. I look into the pond. Terrapins live in there. But not today. I walk toward the join in the paths where the squirrel lives. There, I crumple the packet of almonds, making noise. I peer and I squat and crouch – chewing a mouthful. All the peacocks have perched right up in the trees’ branches. That never looks like something they should be doing. It’s disappointing that the squirrel isn’t here – but then the not-knowing-if is a part of it. Now, next, my visit to the National Sculpture Museum is an obligation. Canon Peter stood literally aghast when I hadn’t heard of it. Mortified, I made resolute promises. Though a few weeks have passed, it isn’t just any old something I could do on the hoof. A great commitment – it must command a known and prepared and anticipated not-just-any-old-time. But, rather, the sort you must wait for – and listen for. [ … ] Beyond Plaza Mayor, there would be a brief series of old-town alleyways. The National Sculpture Museum would be – just up there, this archway, this next…They are bleached and forgotten-looking walls, and the smoothed paving could be medieval. Not that it is making Tomàs anxious – I follow the map. A kind of place – uneasy credit-cards, and modern vaccinations, and a phone, might not help much. I fancy I feel the back-wall of a church, and that – fancifully – pressure-release drawn out of me. Only I am playing games in a nice way – making play-scared on the uncertainty – with only myself to see. The National Museum is there, modestly signed on stencilled plexiglass stuck to the stone wall. A uniformed lady sits just a little way inside the doorway. She reassures me there is no money required, and directs me over the courtyard into the planned route, showing me where I can pick up a free map. I get my […]
