Religious Leaders Surround Jesus at the Temple
John 10:22-42Intro Questions
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- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
OPEN:
- What is the big annual "feast day" for your family? Who usually comes? What is served? What is the big pastime?
- What family traditions are you going to preserve for your children?
DIG:
- Given the meaning of the Feast of Hanukkah (when Jews remember their deliverance during the Maccabean revolt, 168-165 В.С.), what feelings about Rome's authority might, surface among the crowds? How would Roman authorities prepare for this feast? What might be the real intent of the Pharisees' question in John 10:24?
- How do the leaders interpret Jesus' claim to be one with God? How does Jesus sidetrack them (John 10:34; Psalm 82:6)?
- What could account for the difference in reception Jesus received across the Jordan (John 10:40-42)?
REFLECT:
- What has convinced you that Jesus is the Messiah? What "old ways" of looking at Jesus must you overcome by faith?
- What difference does it make that Jesus is God and not just a man? Would the promise of John 10:28 mean much otherwise?
Other Resources:
Jesus is The Good Shepherd - John 10 https://virtualbiblestudy.com/lessons/john/10/
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One Step At A Time
A century ago, the record industry was in a sales slump. The records that were being sold were symphonic and operatic works, as well as
popular show tunes—songs that New York audiences would love. Yet many people were not interested in having New York culture as their only option. And the upstart radio stations were broadcasting popular local musicians.
So, the recording executives began to produce platters of popular music: country music, blues, jazz, ethnic offerings and folk music. This exposed the businessmen to types of music they’d never heard and did not really
appreciate.
Very quickly, the companies recorded great numbers of Southern country string bands and willingly sold the records although the Northern
execs didn’t understand the appeal of the music. One New York official, Ralph Peer of OKeh Records, described a 1923 recording by “Fiddlin’” John Carson as “pluperfectly awful.” That “awful”
record of “Little Old Log Cabin In The Lane” was the label’s first country hit. In 1927, at Bristol, Tennessee, Peer recorded the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers in the same session, launching country music.
Peer formed his own company and spent the next 30 years recording and marketing artists in country, blues, jazz and early rock and roll. If he didn’t appreciate the music, he at least appreciated the profits! And music
became the background to daily life.
“Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe
the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father” (John 10:37-38 NIV).
Jesus was perpetually baffled that people could listen to His teachings and not understand His relationship to the Father. Even more amazing,
they could see a miracle take place directly in front of them yet not realize that His words were backed up by supernatural power. In this case, the opponents admitted that He worked miracles, yet they were willing to kill
Him because He violated their sense of propriety. Some were willing to accept the miracles—the healings, the feedings, the raising from the dead—as evidence that Jesus had power. And since He had power,
His teachings were of interest, too. So although they didn’t quite accept the idea that Jesus truly is the Son of God, they were willing to accept His words and benefit from them.
Today, some have little interest in determining Jesus’ identity. However, they’re willing to listen to His words and benefit
from the astonishing wisdom He displays. In fact, the teachings of the Lord fill our world even for those who do not acknowledge Him. Our laws reflect a desire for peace and mercy and equal treatment that traces directly back
to the commands of Jesus. The words of Jesus Christ have become the background to our lives, the unthinking attitudes that determine right and wrong. Many who wish to see fairness operating everywhere don’t realize that
they are reflecting the good teachings of Jesus. They might not appreciate the theology, but they appreciate the benefits that shape their lives! And maybe one day, a step at a time, they’ll know the whole truth and
it will set them free.
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