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 82nd
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.
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