Father’s Gift

By Ed Pilapil Jr.

John 10:22-30 • March 17, 2024 • English Service 10:00 AM

 

Sermon Introduction

The writer explained the background of the dialogue. It was during Hanukkah, a feast of dedication. The Jews celebrated the moment they expelled the Seleucid Empire, which defiled the temple with a pig. After removing the enemy, they dedicated the temple to the Lord. Every year, the Jews celebrate the Feast of Dedication. Jesus walked on the eastern side of the outer court of the temple. Jews confronted Him with a question; His answer would be more than expected.

22 At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon (John 10:22-23).

Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

 
 
 
 

John 10:22-30

22 At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one”.

Notes

The writer explained the background of the dialogue. It was during Hanukkah, a feast of dedication. The Jews celebrated the moment they expelled the Seleucid Empire, which defiled the temple with a pig. After removing the enemy, they dedicated the temple to the Lord. Every year, the Jews celebrate the Feast of Dedication. Jesus walked on the eastern side of the outer court of the temple. Jews confronted Him with a question; His answer would be more than expected.

  1. Not My Sheep

    The Jews asked Him directly if He was the Christ. He responded by saying what He had been saying, which was about His works that bear witness to who He is. Jesus explained why they did not believe; they were not among His sheep.


    24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep (John 10:24-26).

    Application: All who do not believe do not belong to Him. Thus, we must genuinely believe in all of Jesus' claims, one of which is that of the Messiah. Not everybody will believe, but we must believe with all our hearts, souls, and minds.

  2. My Sheep

    The sheep who belong to Jesus will hear His voice and follow, which is the sheep's only response to the Good Shepherd. Jesus would know them and give them eternal life. Moreover, they are secured in Him for eternity.

    27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand (John 10:27-28).

    Application: One question that we must ask ourselves is: Are we followers of Jesus? How may we know? We are His followers because we hear His Word, believe, and obey. Furthermore, we find comfort in the Word instead of discomfort. The sheep feel that overwhelming trust when they hear the shepherd’s voice. Do we feel the same way about His Word?

  3. Father’s Gift

    The writer repeated a theme about all who would believe in Jesus. Those who genuinely believe in Jesus are from the Father. Every believer saved by His grace is a gift to the Son. Jesus explained that no one is greater than the Father, and He and the Father are One.


    29     My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one” (John 10:29-30).

    Application: The gospel is about the person and work of Christ. Genuine salvation can only be secured by the Father and Son. We, therefore, believe that no one can take us from His eternal protection. No one can take His true followers from Him because He is greater than all. We then testify that through His grace alone, those who follow Him are secured in Him.

Reflection & Discussion

  1. What was the question, and How did Jesus respond?

  2. What does the sheep do, and what does the Lord do for them?

  3. What is the claim of Jesus with the Father that will be provocative?