The Gospel of John Lesson 39 (6-23-2013) John 11:11-16

The Gospel of John Lesson 39 (6-23-2013)

Lesson 39 – John 11:11-16

In our last study we saw that Martha and Mary had sent messengers to Jesus telling Jesus that Lazarus was very sick requesting Him to come and help quickly. But, Jesus in obeying the Father delays initially in His coming. However, now, John 11:7-10, it was time to go to Bethany in Judea. But, first, He takes a moment before going to use the situation at hand to instruct His disciples concerning priorities and principles of the Kingdom telling them that they must work while there is light.

Things are moving pretty fast at this point. There is not much time left. Jesus’ day this side of the Cross is almost over. His day is almost gone. He has much yet to teach His disciples concerning the Father, the Spirit, God’s work and God’s Kingdom. Soon, Jesus would pass the baton of God’s work and His Church off to them. It would be very easy to be preoccupied in reading this section of Scripture with Lazarus’ resurrection and miss these important truths and lessons.

Over the next ten or so chapters we will get an insider’s view of literally the last ‘days’ of Jesus’ life this side of the Cross and the crash course on theology and teachings concerning the Kingdom that He gave to His disciples. May we also be good disciples. If we are too casual in reading this section we will miss some very important spiritual truths and principles.

In v. 11 Jesus continues the conversation by laying out the initial details and purpose of their visit to Jerusalem. At this time His disciples were unaware that this would be their final trip together. He begins in v. 11 to teach them another deep, profound and yet simple spiritual truth using the situation at hand concerning Lazarus’ death.

He begins by relating Lazarus’ death to falling asleep. It is important to make the distinction here as we begin to discuss Jesus’ perspective concerning Lazarus’ condition and situation as related to his death and death in general. It is important to note that Jesus does not see all death or death in general as He will portray it concerning Lazarus. As a matter of fact this is the distinction and spiritual truth that He is making to those present, and, also to us. That is, that the death of a believer is in reality no death at all.

Jesus made the statement to those present, which included the Pharisees, in John 8:51 that if a man keep His sayings that they will never see death. And, in John 5:24 He told them if one would hear His message and believe that He was from the Father that they would pass from death to life referring to life eternal. This is much different than the reality that He shares in the Gospels of the physical death of the non believer, which in reality is true death.

In v. 11 Jesus begins sharing this spiritual lesson and truth by equating Lazarus’ death with sleep. When we search the Scriptures concerning this premise we find that this is indeed not an isolated passage concerning the state of a believer and what we would term as death. We find in Matthew chapter 9:24 that Jesus made a public statement to those present that the maid that appeared to have died to everyone else was not dead at all, but according to Jesus and His point of view was asleep. In saying this, those present laughed Him to scorn. But, Jesus saw a reality that they could not.

However, this view of sleep does not translate to the non believer. Jesus’ words to the unbeliever of their outcome are not good. Instead He gives them sober warnings that their death is true death and that their end should be considered before it is too late.

We have seen many such warnings in John’s Gospel concerning those who rejected and would not believe Christ’s message choosing to remain in darkness and death. The connotation and meaning of death spoken of for them is not just physical death, but death eternal as well, and, the death referred to is not eternal sleep, but being very much alive and yet ‘dead to God’.

One the best examples of this truth is found in Luke’s Gospel chapter 16:19-31. (Read) In reading this passage, you will find that there is a different outcome between Lazarus and the rich man when passing from this life, each ending up in a different place. Most believe that the picture given here, although not the final final destination, is however, representative of what awaited each of them following physical death. It says that the rich man ended up in a place of torment, but Lazarus went to be in the same place as Abraham the father of our faith.

In John 11:11 Jesus gives us a true picture of death for the believer. In what we term humanly as death in this world, for the believer it is as sleep to this life. In this world, while we sleep we are not aware of this physical world around us and what goes on. We are in another world so to speak, a sleep or dream world, which at the time may be just as real to us at that moment as what we consider the real world. Only God knows the reality of that world, that is the sleep world.

 Our passing as believers Jesus says is much like that, the example of falling asleep. We pass from one reality to another going to be with Christ. This is a mystery, of course, and is not fully understood. Some of this mystery is clear to us and other details are vague or not clearly understood at all.

Job spoke of this passing when he was longing for some relief from his pain in Job chapter 14. In verses 10-15 he speaks of his passing as actual relief from his then present situation and that after passing he would be raised from sleep at God’s appointed specific time, vs. 12-3. Job says in v. 15 that God will call him and that he will answer. One Scofield reference footnote makes mention that some bible interpreters believe this occurred following Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus being the first of many to rise. This is indicated in Matthew’s Gospel in chapter 27 verses 51-3. It is sure, however, from all Scripture that our passing is not the cessation of consciousness and that the passing of the non believer is not the same as the faithful.

Although we do not understand fully the passing of one who believes in Christ and His message, it is clear that our passing is not unto death, but it is unto ‘life’. Jesus here in John 11:11 refers to it as falling asleep. The term death does not according to Jesus apply to one who believes and receives His message.

Again, this is not an isolated passage or concept. Stephen when he was stoned upon his death was referred to as falling asleep, Acts 7:60. In I Cor. 15:6 Paul refers to the passing of some of the saints that saw Christ after His resurrection as falling asleep and later in that chapter in v. 51-4 make reference to the death of a believer again as sleep. Other references such as I Thes. 4:13-5 and II Peter 3:4 also state such.

It is pretty universal that death is feared as the great hurdle. Hebrews makes reference to this in Heb. 2:14-5 where the writer of Hebrews assures us that we have nothing to worry about. Martha in coming to Jesus did not see the passing of Lazarus as Jesus did. Neither did His disciples. Most of the time, neither do we.

In John 11:11 Jesus refers to Lazarus’ death as falling asleep. In v. 12 the disciples’ response tells us that they were not thinking on the same level as Jesus. They respond by saying in essence “if our friend Lazarus is sleeping, let’s let him sleep. We will catch up with him later”. But, in v. 14 Jesus makes it clear to them the seriousness of the situation at hand hoping that they will begin to get the reality that He is trying to convey to them. At the end of v. 11 He makes an interesting statement. He tells His disciples what He is about to do when they go to see Mary and Martha. But, are they listening?

He tells them that He intended to wake Him. Jesus in saying this to His disciples was not mistaken concerning Lazarus’ state. Lazarus is dead from a human perspective and Jesus knew it! In the next couple of verses He will relay this plainly to disciples and we will also see Martha and Mary confirm to us Lazarus’ death also later in this chapter.

But, in v. 15 we see Jesus make a statement that is significant in two ways. First, in v. 15 we see a significant emotion expressed by Jesus that is easy to miss if we were not paying close enough attention. He tells them that “I am glad for your sakes that I was not there”. At the time I am sure that His disciples might have wondered what He meant by this. At the time we must remember that they had no idea what was about to happen and they were at a disadvantage as compared to us in understanding what Jesus meant by this because we get to read ahead, we know the outcome of Jesus’ visit. But, in knowing the end we also can see the emotion and compassion that Jesus expresses here in v. 15. In reading ahead to v. 35 we know that Jesus gets all choked up about this subject, so much so that He cannot control His emotions.  

This account is indeed a tender part of the Scriptures, for it shows to us plainly the heart of our God toward us. Yes He is a softy when He thinks about us especially during the reality of the difficult and serious parts of life. His heart does break when we face the difficulties of this life, Isaiah 53, Heb. 2:18 and 4:15. We see here Jesus state that if He had been present when Lazarus had died that He would not have been able to control Himself and wait out the days to raise him.  Jesus knew that God had a purpose and will in the death of Lazarus. Because of His tender heart He had to stay away.

The second thing we see in v. 15 is that apparently the disciples’ faith was not complete as yet. He makes the statement that the main reason for the events that were about to happen was to deepen their faith and commitment in Him. These were the guys that He would eventually hand over His work and ministry to. Through them He would found Church. He only had a few days left to get them ready. The raising of Lazarus would be one of the major events to complete their commitment to Him. In v. 16 we see their response to this. They as yet did not fully understand, but as yet were timidly willing to go with Him knowing the potential danger that was there. Later we will see them demonstrate a more bold reaction to such conditions their commitment at that time being complete. 

The Gospel of John Lesson 38 (6-16-2013) John 11:6-10

The Gospel of John Lesson 38 (6-16-2013)

Lesson 38 – John 11:6-10

In the first 6 verses of this chapter we see that Jesus had close personal friends. These were more than casual acquaintances. These were friends. John uses strong relational words to identify them telling us of specific connections with Jesus and using the strongest relational word known, love, to describe their bond. We will see as we continue to read through this chapter just how real and intimate their relationship with Jesus was. It is also important to mention that those mentioned here were also well known by those who were close to and traveled with Jesus, i.e. His disciples. Their relationship represented the early Church.

As friends they had come to Him with a request. Their brother was sick. This was no common cold. Mary and Martha knew that their brother’s condition was serious and had the real possibility and probability of ending in death. It is interesting to note that although they were indeed close to Jesus that their requests to Him and their interaction with Him was always appropriate relating to Him not only as a close friend, but also as their Savior.

In v. 3 we see that Mary and Martha, seeing the seriousness of the situation, send a messenger to Jesus asking Jesus to come quickly. John does not tell us where Jesus was at this time and it is only conjecture as to where Jesus might have been. But, the possibility does exist that he was still at this time at Bethany beyond the Jordon, or in Jordon, where John the Baptist had done so much preaching and baptizing preparing the people for Jesus’ coming. We must remember that Jesus’ time is getting short and He is now in the process of completing His work before His death on the Cross and John the Baptist had done much in preparing the people for Him in this Bethany.

A couple of things would point in this direction. In v. 7 Jesus tells His disciples that they must go back to the region of Judea which would imply that they were not presently in Judea. Second, the inference in the first part of this chapter gives the impression that they were in a relatively safe place and their going back to Judea would be potentially dangerous. Bethany beyond the Jordon would have been a relatively safe place. Add to this, it is obvious that Bethany, considering the short amount of time Jesus had left to do His work, would have been one of the most productive places He could have been to do and complete His work due to the work of John the Baptist.

Sometime after v. 3 Jesus receives the request from Mary and Martha to come. I am sure that the messenger had relayed the seriousness of the situation to Jesus. But, Jesus’ response to their request to come was not exactly what they had expected. At first, one might think that Jesus’ response was a response of apathy to the situation. But, this was not the case. V. 5 tells us what was in Jesus’ heart concerning the situation. He loved Lazarus. But, the messenger had told Jesus that Lazarus was indeed extremely sick and near unto death expressing urgency and that He was needed right away. But, Jesus chooses to tarry instead, sighting His reasons for doing so in v. 4.

In v. 4 of chapter 11 He makes some interesting comments. He tells them that Lazarus’ death was not unto death, which we will see later from a human point of view was indeed unto death. Jesus also points out to them that God was in this situation giving them the heads up that their faith would be exercised and that they should be watching what was about to happen.

So, Jesus did not return with the messengers as expected. Meanwhile back at Bethany in Judea Mary and Martha were dealing with a real life crisis. They were receiving word back that Jesus was not coming which was discouraging. Their faith in their relationship and their beliefs in Jesus is now challenged. They had expected Him to come and fix the problem. They had seen Him heal the sick before. Why not now? Now their faith and their relationship with Him was filled with questions. The question may be asked, ‘was their faith in His abilities initially challenged presenting potential doubts concerning Him and His claims?’ Going further, we could ask ourselves the question, ‘When God does not show up in our life as expected do we too wrestle with doubts concerning God’s love for us and His ability to care for us fully?’ We will see later in this chapter that the faith of Mary and Martha does hold even though things do not initially work out so well.

In v. 6 we see that Jesus stays where He was for two days after He receives His request from Martha and Mary. From a human point of view, this proves to be disastrous for Lazarus. In v. 7 and 8 Jesus finally decides to go to Judea, but not without protest and concern expressed by His disciples. His disciples remind Him of the climate and situation that prompted them to consider leaving Jerusalem reminding Him that the Jews when they left were actually picking up stones intending to stone them. But, Jesus reminds them of a higher calling in verses 9 and 10. First He reminds them that there are some things that are more important than even life itself. He reminded them that this was the light of day for Him and His ministry and that He saw plainly God’s will and purpose in what His Father had for Him to do. It was still light. In John 9:5 Jesus had declared to His disciples, “As long as I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.”

He had only so much time to complete the work that the Father had given to Him. He would leave the details of His life and of life itself up to the Father. He knew that it was the eleventh hour, and that there was not much time, day, left. Even though He knew that the time of His life remaining was short, and that the destination that was now in front of Him was indeed heading toward the end of His day and that darkness would follow, there was yet still some light of day left to complete His work. Toward the end of the day, when time is short and there is not much day left, you hasten to complete your work while you still have the light.

He knew that the Father would give Him wisdom to navigate what would await Him in Jerusalem being that there was still light to see by. He knew that there would be a time soon to come that He would hand Himself over to the forces of darkness in death, night so to speak, when the Father would complete His work in Him. In v. 10 He was reminding them not to wait too long to do God’s work for opportunity or day does not last forever.

Jesus knew the Father’s will at this time was to go to Jerusalem no matter what the present danger. In doing so He would meet the Father there who would help Him complete His work. Waiting for a safer time and missing the Father Presence and His timing Jesus knew would accomplish nothing. Attempting to do God’s work when God has left or is not present is like trying to do a job in the darkness…stumbling. God had put light in Jesus’ heart to see clearly what He was supposed to do. They would go to Jerusalem.

The Gospel of John Lesson 37 (6-09-2013) John 10:34- 11:5

The Gospel of John Lesson 37 (6-09-2013)

Lesson 37 – John 10:34- 11:5

Jesus answers them in v. 34 with an interesting reply. He refers them to a quote in the Old Testament found in the 82^nd chapter of the book of Psalms, specifically making reference to v. 6. However, in referring them to this passage He may in actuality be referring them to this section of Scripture, Psalms 82 in general, which has reference to those who were placed in authority who were not judging justly similar to what was happening here in John 10.

The term gods here in John 10 in all likelihood was referring to magistrates or those who were placed in authority. In Psalms chapter 82 those in authority were making unfair judgments using their position and authority to their own advantage much like those found here in this chapter were doing. Those found in Psalms 82 who were abusing their position were actually judged and warned to change telling them to use their position for good and not for evil. It appears that Jesus does the same here in John chapter 10.

As leaders of the people they of all people should be testifying to the people that Jesus is indeed the Christ. Instead they put a stumbling block of confusion and doubt in front of them. In v. 36 Jesus rebukes them telling them just that, saying that they have no reason not to acknowledge Him for who He is. But, instead they are found in response to this calling Him a blasphemer.

In v. 37 He tries to reason with them again telling them to at least objectively consider and evaluate His works, telling them if His works do not measure up not to believe Him or His message. But, He goes on to say in v. 38 that if His works do support and validate His claims, He tells them to reconsider their position. This is the message He also gives to us who read this passage today. He also tells us to reconsider our position, considering this account if we also have doubted His message in the past.

In the last part of v. 38 He essentially puts Himself and the Father up next to each other and asks them to take a look and see if there is not a strong family resemblance. But, they would not hear of it. They were stiff necked and stubborn, in essence not hearing a word of what He was saying and sought to take Him intending to carry out their original plan to stone Him, v. 39.

But, they were unable to carry out their plan, Jesus escaping out of their hand left and went and resided in the area of the Jordon where John the Baptist had originally been baptizing, v. 40. V. 41 Even though Jesus had been rejected by the religious leaders all was not lost. The people, following John the Baptist’s witness and lead do what the religious leaders had refused to do and evaluate Jesus’ claims objectively and come to the conclusion that this is indeed the real deal. It tells us in v. 42 that in being objective and honest they take a large step forward and believe on Him.

The time frame between Jesus leaving the Temple at the end of chapter 10 and the beginning of chapter 11 and the raising of Lazarus from the dead suggests that Jesus may have spent some time here at the place referred to in v. 40 of John chapter 10. Many theologians believe that the place referred to here is actually a place referred to in Scripture as ‘Bethany beyond the Jordan’, Jn. 1:28 and 3:23.  It was a place that John the Baptist had often resided. It was known as a wilderness place and was a place where John was found frequently baptizing having the reputation of being dependable for having much water. It is believed that this was also the site of Jesus’ baptism.

Much had happened at this place. John the Baptist had laid much of his groundwork concerning the coming Messiah here. John had come to prepare the way for this Messiah. Many had heard John’s message concerning Jesus. By now it was well known that Jesus had the reputation of claiming to be Israel’s Messiah. It tells us in v . 41 of chapter 10 that when Jesus showed up those who had heard John’s message identified Him as the One John was talking about saying that everything that John had said about Him was true. Jesus had probably spent some time here with the people. It tells us that many believed.

John chapter 11

Now we come to a very tender and intimate part of Scripture. Although in reality all of Scripture and especially the accounts of Jesus are personal and intimate, here in chapter 11 we see a special side of Jesus… and God for that matter.  Although all of Jesus’ deeds and interactions with man and mankind were personal, one might consider most of His adult life as His professional life, performing the tasks and doing the job as Savior. But, here in chapter 11 we get a look into Jesus’ personal life so to speak, with His friends, getting the full story and getting the complete scoop.

The beginning of chapter 11 is very tender. It uses the word ‘Love’ to describe the relationship that Jesus had with these people, 11:3 and 5. At first one might get jealous of the relationship that we see here and that Jesus had with certain individuals found recorded in Scripture saying in essence ‘That’s not fair. I wish that I could have had that kind of special relationship with Jesus as they did’. This is exactly what Peter said in response to Jesus’ close relationship with John. (John 21) But, in reality what we see here is the relationship that Jesus our Lord does desire to have with each one of us, for the relationship that He offers each one of us is a personal relationship and not a so called professional one of only being our Savior. Jesus in coming to us was not just doing His job on the cross to save us. He came to all of us on the basis that is found here in this passage, personal and with love.

We know this to be true because Jesus Himself makes a point of this in John 15:8-15 telling us of His intention of desiring to be our friend. But, in the offer of friendship that He makes to us in John 15 He also states the condition of this friendship found in John 15:10 saying that the condition of this friendship is that we keep His commandments. Friends are accountable to each other.

Those found here in the beginning of chapter 11 even though they are and were special to our Lord are no more special to Him than anyone else. From His perspective and point of view He desires that each one of us have this kind of relationship with Him. Even the Pharisees who were so antagonistic to our Lord could have had this type of relationship with Jesus had they chose to do so. His offer to us is intimate friendship as seen here, if we choose to receive it. But it does come with one condition, that we keep His commandments. 

The Gospel of John Lesson 36 (6-02-2013) John 10:22-33

The Gospel of John Lesson 36 (6-02-2013)

Lesson 36 – John 10:22-33

We pick up our study some time after Jesus’ teaching concerning the Great Shepherd and the sheep still in Jerusalem some time later. It is not always exactly clear as to exact timing of these events, but we do have an approximate idea of the time because John does give us some markers as to when these events occurred. He tells us here in chapter 10 v. 22 that the events that He is about to share with us happened during one of the Jewish religious celebration, the Festival of Lights, that would have occurred typically in the winter month of December. Things are moving pretty quick now. We remember that we saw Jesus in chapter 7 teaching and debating in the Temple during the feast of the tabernacles which would have occurred in October. Many Bible commentators believe that the majority of the book of John was written concerning the events of the last 6 months or so of His life or prior to His crucifixion.

We see Him here in John 10:22-3 hanging around the Temple, and around the vicinity of Jerusalem as was Him pattern and custom at this time being essential in harm’s way. It was dangerous for Him to be here. Tensions continued to rise between Jesus and the religious leaders as Jesus continued to publically proclaim the truth and teach the people about the Kingdom of God. We already saw at the end of chapter 8 that these religious leaders who claimed to follow the teachings of Moses picked up stones to hurl at Him intending to do Him bodily harm. Thankfully, they were unsuccessful in carrying out their intentions at this time. They will attempt to do it again. This did not stop Jesus from proclaiming the Truth that the Father had given Him to proclaim.

We find Him here in Solomon’s Porch, which was a public place in the Temple area where people would often meet and congregate often to discuss spiritual concepts and principles and to learn about God. This was a place that the religious leaders used often to teach the people their doctrine and message that was often contrary or opposed to the message that Jesus brought to them. It is easy to understand that this would be a dangerous place for Jesus to be especially with the opposing message that He was sent to proclaim.

We see the Jews in v. 24 confront Jesus concerning His message and claims. At first glance it may appear that this encounter was a friendly discussion or debate, but it was not that way at all. We see here in v. 24 that the Jews begin this discussion by surrounding Jesus in actuality attempting to intimidate Him. They had already made up their mind. They did not like Jesus and at this point in their relationship they had every intention of doing away with Him.

The question that they ask Him initially at first glance may appear inquisitive, but it was not that. The question that they begin with was a leading question meant to trap Jesus and Jesus knew it. Their desire was to get Him to say something worthy of taking action to justify their doing away with Him. We see them here choose a topic that would be worthy of such retribution.

They ask Him if He was the Christ, essentially asking Him if He was claiming to be God. They knew that His reply to this question would define Him, or in actuality mark Him for in answering this question they would have what they wanted to take further action. Their request at the end of v. 24 was to state His answer plainly. They wanted Him to keep it simple and to the point, the people were watching, their reputation and standing with the people was at stake.

They had seen Jesus in action before. Jesus’ replies although usually easily understood as to its meaning were often delivered in such a way that His enemies did not have much that could be used against Him. He was, from their point of view, cunning and had a way of conveying His perspective and message without incriminating Himself according to their laws and rules. All too often, in actuality, Jesus’ replies often ended up making them look bad, especially to the people. However, from their point of view, in their eyes, He was guilty and to them worthy of the ultimate punishment.

Jesus responds to them beginning in v. 25. It is interesting that even yet, with all the confrontation and antagonism that He has received from the Pharisees that He continues to respond to them in a compassionate spirit as He continues to proclaim the Truth to them. He first reminds them that what He is about to share with them is nothing new. They had rejected His message before. But, in restating these truths to them He again leaves the door open for them, if they will choose to come, telling them that they should start fresh and rethink their perspective and take a fresh look at the facts concerning His message and proclamation.  

He begins by telling them to judge His message by His life asking them to closely examine His works as proof. This is not the first time that He tells them this. We saw in chapter 5 that this was one of the four witnesses that He had share with them that they should consider when deciding whether to accept or reject His message concerning His claims. His lifestyle and works bore witness of the Father God. In v. 32 He will make a point of this and ask them plainly to critique His life and see if they can point out a true infraction of the Law of God. At this point the only thing that they had to go on was His claim to be one with the Father which prior to this point had not been clear enough to them to take action on.

But, in these verses He will willingly hand over to them what they are looking for appearing to willingly give them what they will need to take the action that they desire, v. 31. In doing so, however, He also pronounces judgment on them. He tells them that the reason that they do not believe is because they are not of His fold, they are not His sheep. In the next few verses he restates some of the principles to them that He shared in the beginning of this chapter. However, in doing so, He also adds some deeper spiritual truths and promises concerning God’s Kingdom and our relationship with him.

He restates again in v. 27 that only those who are His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. But, He goes deeper in vs. 28-9 by telling them that His relationship between Him and His sheep is permanent and completely secure. He tells them in v. 28 that He is the One that is responsible for keeping His sheep and making their relationship with Him secure. He uses the phrase ‘eternal life’ indicating that these principles stated here are eternal which include our security and our relationship with Him. His statement in v. 28 is emphatic, stating it using His authority to back it up. This is a bold statement. One that cannot be denied as authoritative and in stating to them that ‘none can take them out of His hand’ He states and assumes the position of God.

But, if they had any doubt as to His meaning in v. 28 He finishes the picture in the next couple of verses telling them plainly Who He is connected to and Who He is claiming to be. In v. 29 He makes a clear and direct connection to God Jehovah using the term Father that is indicative of a relationship that is as close as it comes. Now in this verse He ties His authority and power to keep His sheep to the Father making them one in the same again assuming the position of God. If there is any remaining doubt as to His claim He finishes in v. 30 making it crystal clear who He is claiming to be.

Now they get it, and they have what they need to take the action that they have intended and desired to take all along. It says that they pick up stones to stone Him. But, before any of them begin to hurl their stone He stops them by continuing the debate and asking them why they would do such a thing asking them to state specifically which of His actions warranted such a response.

He makes the claim that the tasks that He performed were done at the request of His Father and that He was only obeying His directive. He asks them to critique His work, in actuality asking them to critique His work on two levels. First on the basis of whether the works that He performed were from the Father or not, and second on the basis of whether they could find fault on how they were performed and what He did. They could find no fault on either account and tell Him so in v. 33 and could not proceed with their intended action because of His works or actions. We can briefly fast forward and remember when Pilate examined Jesus that he could find no fault in Him either.

But, they had what they thought was enough to proceed with their actions, he had claimed to be God and they did not agree with His assertion. For anyone else it truly would have been blasphemy. This is what the first part of John chapter ten was all about. Even Jesus had stated such. But, this was different. This was Jesus. He had a right to make such claims. His works by them self were proof enough that the claims that He made were true. For Him to claim otherwise would have been a lie.