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
Who are you, Jesus? That question has been asked since Jesus walked this earth. It is a question for people today and will be until the last day. I don’t know if Jesus got frustrated with these religious leaders, but it sure sounds like it. "I've told you, and you do not believe." What more could he do?
Sometimes words go only so far. Jesus points to his deeds. "The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me." In our lives our actions say a great deal. People come to know the essence of a person by how that person lives and acts. In the same way our congregations are known by what they do. A good question for every congregation is this: "If your congregation disappeared from the face of the earth tomorrow, who would miss it besides those who attend worship?"
Prayer
Lord Jesus, guide us in our speaking and in our doing. Lead our congregations to speak and act in ways that give life and light to your world. Amen.