“How long will you keep us in suspense”?! That’s what the Jewish leaders asked Jesus on a return trip to Jerusalem. It was a provocative question to be sure, and out of all the text from this wonderful chapter, I was intrigued to follow this question along with it’s answer. What was the question? John 10:24 Are you the ONE? And how long were they holding for the answer to this burning question? Let’s dig in.

It might be helpful to know that the number of Jewish feasts and festivals kept a “good Jew” on the move. During Jesus day there were celebrations happening in the spring, fall, and winter. Side note: Having been in Israel in 2017, I would say that their tradition has not waned. The Jews still “know how to party” and celebrate all things Jewish! This annual routine meant a lot of gatherings and opportunities to teach and learn from the scholars.

Back to our Q & A: We know that in John 7-10:21, Jesus is in Jerusalem in the fall-
During this time He states:
>His teaching comes directly from His Father, in heaven.
>He was sent by God
>He comes from heaven
>He will fill His believers with the Holy Spirit
>He is The light of the world
>He is the “I am”- remember, I Am is the name that God gave Himself to Moses.
>He is the “Son of Man” which speaks of His humanity and Deity, etc.
>He is the “gate” – The only true way to the sheep.
>He is the “good shepherd” – The sacrificial shepherd, the shepherd who knows His sheep, and is known by them.

These are just the most obvious statements recorded in these few pages from the book of John, but I think they are more than enough to raise an eyebrow, at least they are for me. (Hindsight is 20/20?)

Moving ahead 3 months. (Remember the good old days when you were waiting for the next season of your favorite TV series? The cliffhanger came in the season finale in May and you had to wait till season opening shows in September to know whether your favorite character survived the crash, or the gun-shot wound, etc., etc.) This is the case for the remainder of John 10, in the winter Jesus returns for the Feast of Dedication (which is now commonly known as Hanukkah.) Let’s go back to the question on the temple floor, don’t keep us in suspense they say, tell us plainly if you are the Christ.

Pause. With all of the above statements Jesus made last time He was in town, do you think they really needed to ask that question? Yeah, I don’t either.

In fact Jesus agrees. He says, (John 10:25) we already talked about this, guys. (My paraphrase.) You didn’t believe me because, you’re not one of my sheep. In verse 27, Jesus returns to the last bit of his conversation with them back in the fall. (John 10:14-18). “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

He goes on to further explain what the benefits are to those “sheep” whom He is shepherding. These are the words of JOY to me, and HOPE for the world today. Verse 28: “I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” And just in case you don’t want to take my [Jesus’] word for it, here is the penultimate statement; (verse 29) “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” Ultimately, “I and the Father are one.”

Drop the mic. That’s what the believers would say if they were listening to Jesus’ worlds today. His audience back on that day instead responded by picking up stones, which is the opposite of “drop the mic.”

Why do I describe this truth as my joy?

Joy is internal. Joy is eternal. Joy is spiritual. Joy doesn’t wane over time because it isn’t a reaction to stuff and people that make you happy. Joy comes from living a life of faith that is based in truth. Joy comes from a growing relationship with the “good shepherd”. My joy is fresh and new as I reflect upon the security of being held in the hands of God. It’s more than enough for me.

My personal application is to remember the joy of this truth and act like it. Let the Joy of the Lord bubble over into other people’s lives by speaking positively, being encouraging, helping them know how they can receive this joy, and so on.

I remember when I used to dip the little plastic wand into the soap bottle and blow a string of bubbles into the air. I remember waving the air and watching the bubbles stream out effervescently. Giggles ensued. That is a picture of the JOY that should be streaming out of us as a Christ follower. Because we have nothing but good news to share. If you’re not causing people to smile, or feel encouraged, and loved, I say dip the little plastic wand into the bottle. Another way to do that is to memorize John 10:28-30, let God right the “wrong” circumstances of your life, and share the eternal joy with others.

And about the hope for the world?

If you are more like the Jews who were asking questions. Man oh man, they did not want to humble themselves and become a follower of Jesus. Wow! They were proud, and stuck in their religious system, not desiring to even considert the truth Jesus was saying, evidenced by the miracles He was performing. The Truth stood right in their presence and their response was to pick up stones and just get rid of it. Jesus gave them every chance because as the good shepherd, He came to save the world, not to condemn it. Your hope, and application is the look at the heart of Jesus. He came as the Savior. Submit to Him. Follow Him and know the joy of His keeping you safe in His hands.

Want to know more about that? I’d love to talk.