New Beginnings - The Good Shepherd - The Son of God

 JOHN 10

John 10: 34-42

"Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are “gods”? If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside— what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son?  Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. 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 in the Father.” Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp". Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. There he stayed, and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true.” And in that place many believed in Jesus".

Jesus answered his accusers by challenging them to check the facts. At least three kinds of evidence had been give to convince people about Jesus: (1) Verbal proof convinced some, such as the people who said, "No man has ever taught like this one!" (Mark 1:22). (2) Character proofs convinced others who had spent time with Jesus and observed his life. (3) Signs and miracles demonstrated his power over time, space and the laws of nature. Jesus recognised that some who might not be convinced one way might be open to other evidence. He invited his listeners to consider his miracles if they found his words too difficult to believe. After all, the prophet said that the Messiah would do great works (Isaiah 34:4-6). The purpose of all this evidence was to help people "know and understand" that the Father and Jesus are one.

On those with minds already made up, all the evidence had no effect. But many considered the evidence and "believed in Jesus".

Getting Personal

1. When do you tend to doubt what you've been taught about Jesus and God?
2. What evidence is most helpful to your faith?
3. In what ways do the facts about Jesus help you as you share the truth about him with others?

Although Salvation comes by faith alone, having faith does not mean jumping into the dark or believing without facts. Jesus told his accusers to use their minds and to consider all the evidence. Today, we have the advantage of even more evidence for the truth of Jesus's claims -- the Resurrection, the eyewitness accounts in the New Testament, and 2000+ years of changed lives. God wants us to renew our minds (Romans 12:22), not close them. He wants us to study and know his Word (2 Timothy 2:15), and to compare Bible teachings with what the Bible says (Acts 14:11). The evidence is there for those who wish to see. We can know and trust our Saviour (2 Timothy 1:12).

Putting it into Action

Thank God for all you are learning about Jesus through his Word. Ask God to strengthen your devotion to Christ as you listen to and study his clear teachings and claims, his amazing works, his sinless life, his atoning death in your place, his resurrection, and his work in countless lives. 

Bible Verse

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2, NIV

Prayer

Grant us your Spirit, Lord our God, that we may discern your good, acceptable, and perfect will. Give us joy in fighting on your side, so that what is good, acceptable, and perfect may be given to the world. Wherever we are and whatever work we do, give us energy to serve you and be guided by you so that your will may be done and your kingdom come, so that already today we may find happiness even though only in hope. In Jesus name. Amen.

For Further information please contact

Martin      082 645 3008

Tryphosa 067 091 4402

For any additional information email ccnokuphila1@gmail.com