I and the Father are one, is the subject of this text as the first 21 verses, were Jesus as the good Shepherd.
The Jews wanted to hear plainly if He is the Messiah or not. They clearly understood Jesus' claim as we read in verse 30, I and the Father are one. We know this because the response was not to fall to their knees and worship, it was to stoop, pick up rocks, and intending on stoning Him.
Several things to address.
First, this word "one" is what seems to confuse people even today. Some claim that the trinity is polytheistic, or worshiping multiple gods. Others claim that the trinity is a manifestation of God in three ways at different times and they exist apart from one another not simultaneously. Both are heretical views and should be ignored. The term "one" is complicated but put with other scriptures such as Jesus baptism where all three persons of the God head are present and believing that scripture supports scripture it will come into focus.
Its similar to when we read that we were created in God's image. Does that mean that God is multicolored, male and female, short and tall, etc? OF course, not, so we look to other scriptures and see that we were created with intellect, emotions, etc. So when it comes to the trinity or in this case two of the members of the trinity being one, it becomes clear they are unified, all wise, loving, patient and on and on we go. The primary purpose of the Lords statement was to clarify, that not only did the Father send Him, He came from the Father and they are one in purpose and essence, yet distinct in person hood.
We covered the reality that some are not of the sheep pen, others (gentiles or us) are of a "different" pen but will be brought along with the sheep that are in Israel. This is great news for the gentile believer that we also are included in the plans of redemption and eternity in heaven.
How do we know if we are of His sheep? Glad you asked, Jesus answers. The sheep of His fold, recognize His voice and they follow Him. They know the character of the shepherd and respond the only way they know how. To be present with, to follow after. We feel safe and taken care of in His presence, we desire to be with Him in the word, and prayer, we strive to live a life that reflects the shepherds values and that includes loving Him and loving others. Where He goes, where He sends us we obediently go and we are confident He has a plan and it is to prosper and not to harm us.
He gives us eternal life. No other source, no other way, it comes from Him and it is a gift to those who respond. You are sealed for the day of redemption.
But let's take a quick look at the disbelief of those who reject the Lord.
Their reactionary response show us the passion in which they hated Jesus. They were willing to take His life. Do you know why? Ultimately, it stems from pride and self righteousness, both of those qualities are absent from the Lord but very present in the devil. They are responding in the flesh to a spiritual conviction. Why do you suppose people even today are critical towards the church? They point out your flaws and persecute the church, (the true church) as a sign of proof that we are hypocritical yet miss their own hypocrisy. Yet Jesus' response was one of truth, consistency and love.
Those who rejected Him also considered themselves "religious". Sound familiar? The way Jesus addresses it is similar to what He did in the wilderness when tempted by Satan, He responded each time with scripture. What is the weapon of choice in Ephesians 6? It is the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. That is what matters, that is what makes the difference and that is what divides.
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Jesus takes the Jews to the word of God to show them the fallacy of their arguments. Jesus quotes out of psalms using a statement that they had taken out of context regarding those who were judging and proclaiming to be a spokesman for God, yet were really only projecting themselves. The phrase, called you gods, isn't recognition that there are other gods, but simply a form of rebuke to the self righteous living as though it is all about them. The Jewish leaders would be rebuked in this statement and so Jesus follows it up with the truth. If I do the things of my Father then believe, if I do not do the things of my Father don't. In fact He goes so far as to say, don't believe me then, believe the works that are evidence of who He is.
I suppose that is a good place to stop, My only hope is this clarifies your own experience and gives you hope as you share the good news with others. The rejection is not towards you, but because of your affiliation with Jesus and the conviction that comes with the flesh. Keep sharing the gospel and be encouraged.
Till next time.
P.M.
