Strong Hands – John’s Gospel chapter 10 verses 22 to 30
3 Scenarios
- A young man struggling with sin
- A middle aged woman, but not sure – “I’m not as Christian as others”
- An old person with dementia and a shocking character change
- “Will I be in heaven?” say all 3. What if….?
Previously we saw how we become Jesus’ “sheep”. Here we see how we stay being Jesus’ sheep.
A question of identity
22 Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The Jews who were there gathered round him, saying, ‘How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.’
John 10:22-23
Jesus’ identity: – “Are you the Christ?”
A challenging response
25 Jesus answered, ‘I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.
John 10:25-26
Their identity: “you do not believe because you are not my sheep.” Seems unfair to us. But God’s “unchoice” is also their wilful choice to reject. Our part is to love and pray for them. Only God knows.
A comforting response
27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.’
John 10:27-30
The Christian’s identity: The sheep get more than they deserve. “I know them”. 3 promises to bank your life on.
- 28 I give them eternal life and they shall never perish. The greatest, last, enemy is conquered.
- 28 no one can snatch then out of my hands. Strong hands! All the assurance we need.
- 29 no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand, the Greatest One. His strong hands are wrapped around Jesus’ strong hands! 30 “I and my father are one.”
Strong hands for all scenarios
Our doubts and anxieties and dementia, our what if….?
But He says “Even if… you are safe in my hands”. It is not our feeble grip that matters.
