John 10:22-30 (NRSV)
Read John 10:22-30 on biblegateway.com
Verse 22At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, Verse 23and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. Verse 24So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Verse 25Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; Verse 26but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. Verse 27My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. Verse 28I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. Verse 29What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand. Verse 30The Father and I are one."
Devotion
My 3-month-old son, Adam, responds to his parents' voices with a greater intensity all the time. He follows his mother and me with an intent gaze wherever we move. He instinctively looks to us for food, security, warmth and entertainment. (Well, maybe he looks to his older sisters for that last one.)
Does today’s passage suggest that Jesus wants us to be like infants, helpless without him? Does he want us to be blind sheep who follow him without question? If that means we look to Jesus Christ when we are in trouble, then yes! If that means that we turn first to Jesus Christ when looking for answers, then yes! If that means we rebuke the devil in Jesus' name, then definitely yes!
Prayer
Lord God, turn our heads and hearts to you in times of tribulation and triumph. Let us not be easy prey for anyone who would try to snatch us from your grasp, we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.