I and the Father Are One!

Summary

• During the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah), the Jews confronted Jesus once again regarding His identity as the Messiah. Jesus reaffirmed his identity by referring to the miraculous works that He had done.
• The Jews did not believe in Him because they were not part of His sheep. His sheep knew Him and His voice. They were secure in their destiny because God the Father, who was greater than all, protected them.
• In this heated argument with the Jews, Jesus made this amazing claim: “I and the Father are One!” The Jews understood His claim to divinity, so they decided to stone Him.
• As the tension rose between Jesus and His Jewish opposition, He retreated beyond the Jordan - to Perea - where John the Baptist's testimony about him was first proclaimed. Many in Perea believed in Him.

Reflect

1. In vv. 28-29, Jesus promises His sheep that their salvation is fully secure and certain. What are the reasons Jesus gives for this assurance of eternal life?

2. Do you struggle with the assurance of your salvation? How would these two passages, John 10:28-29 and Romans 5:5-11, assure you that you are eternally saved in Christ?

Watch

Videos used with permission by Michael Hoff

The backdrop of Jesus’ teaching was at the Feast of Dedication, which celebrated the rededication of the temple after the Jewish zealots, the Maccabees, delivered Israel from the Seleucids’ domination. The people were wondering if Jesus was indeed the new Messiah who would free them from the Romans. Jesus did not give them a direct answer, but referred them to His works. Since the Jews did not believe Him, Jesus withdrew from them and stayed in Perea to prepare for the Father’s final redemption plan.

Reflect

3. Look at the way Jesus responded to His opposition. What can we learn from Him? How can we defend our faith in a hostile environment?

Closing Prayer

Pray for a heart that trusts in Jesus' promises and rests in His assurance. Ask for strength to follow him faithfully, even when we face opposition and adversity.

Additional Resources

God
The biblical concept of God is complex. It describes Him as both one and three. Watch and explore a biblically accurate description of God and His identity.