25-30Jesus answered, "I told you, but you don't believe. Everything I have done has been authorized by my Father, actions that speak louder than words. You don't believe because you're not my sheep. My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them real and eternal life. They are protected from the Destroyer for good. No one can steal them from out of my hand. The Father who put them under my care is so much greater than the Destroyer and Thief. No one could ever get them away from him. I and the Father are one heart and mind." (The Message)
John continues to show us bits and pieces of Jesus life and ministry as he tells the story. Here Jesus is confronted with people (the religious and political leaders of the day) who are questioning his authority. Jesus points to the miracles that have been done through him and asks why they still do not believe him. It is a place that many of us know very well. We have seen the miracles and yet we wonder where is God today? It is difficult at times to focus upon the voice of Jesus and to remember that we have been called and marked by him. One of the basic reasons that I ask people on a regular basis, "Where have you seen God at work lately?" is that we need to be reminded of whose we are. When ever we stop looking for what Jesus is doing it becomes more difficult to hear and recognize his voice. The more we see God at work the easier it will be to follow him where he leads us.
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- What has John told us about Jesus actions that should have shown the people that he was sent from God?
- When you think of the images of sheep and shepherd that you know from the Bible what comes to mind?
- Why is it difficult sometimes to follow the leading of Jesus?
- What would you need to know before you were willing to follow Jesus no matter what?
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