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When all you can see in the present is a negative it’s hard to see the potential of that negative becoming a positive in the future. The Jewish religious leaders saw Jesus as a negative and no matter what He said, or did, was going to change the way they felt. By the time we get to the end of chapter 10 Jesus’ public ministry is quickly coming to a close. Ever since chapter 1, John has been presenting Jesus is different ways, ways that clearly demonstrate that He is God’s Son, sent from the Father to offer eternal life.

To those who have heard what He said and saw the miracles that He did and believed in Him, He’s their hope. To those who heard what He said and saw the miracles He did and did not believe in Him, He’s a hindrance. To the religious leaders He’s a hindrance to their lifestyle and authority. If all you see in Jesus is a hindrance to your personal lifestyle it will be hard to believe that He is only hope of eternal life.

In our Scripture passage this morning, John offers one more piece of evidence that says Jesus really is God’s Son. Pay close attention to five events that take place while Jesus is at the Feast of Dedication.

1. The confrontation. [10:22-24]

This was supposes to be a festive time of celebration. It was an annual festival marking the rededication of the Altar by Judas Maccabeus in 165 B.C. (It is still celebrated today as Hanukah.) But notice: the Jews in verse 24 were more interested in confrontation that celebration.

Their question, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly” was more about entrapment than enquiring the truth. They were looking for a reason to kill Him.

2. The claim. [10:25-31] 

In verse 25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you did not believe.” It’s as if He’s saying to them: how many times do you have to be told to believe Me? It doesn’t get much plainer than verse 30: "I and the Father are one."

We see in verses 25-26 what the real problem with the religious leaders is: they are not Jesus' sheep, therefore they don’t hear His voice. Why do people respond differently to the preaching of God’s Word? I believe the reason is simple: a) those that know the Lord hear His voice and are moved by His Spirit, b) those who don’t know the Lord don’t hear at all.

If you come here week after week and the Word of God doesn’t move you in any way at all, you might not be hearing the voice of God because Christ is not your Shepherd. Jesus said in verse 27, “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they know Me.” He will keep you forever!

3. The charge. [10:32-33] 

Verse 32, “I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone Me?” Like the blind man, Jesus is saying, “the things that I have done point to God working in Me as the source...which one do you have a problem with?” Jesus might have asked, “Am I doing something to hinder the relationship between the people and God?”

In verse 33 the Jews are basically saying, “It’s not what You are doing, it’s what You are claiming.” Claiming to be equal with God. The irony here is this—the miracles were affirming His claim, as were the Scriptures and the prophets. Everything is pointing to Jesus being who He claimed to be. The Jews seem to be the only ones having a problem with His claim.     

4. The challenge. [10:34-38}

In verses 34-38 Jesus challenges the very premise of the Jews reason for wanting to stone Him. They say it is because He claims to be equal with God. For anyone to allow the name God to be used in connection with himself or herself personally was blasphemy.

They want to stone Jesus for using the word God. But Jesus reminds them that the Bible has used the word gods to speak of them back in Psalm 82:6, “I said, you are gods.” The word gods here refers to those in leadership over the children of Israel. And here in Psalm 82 God is rebuking them for their lack of understanding concerning who He really was. Sound familiar to our text. That’s why Jesus chose it.

The amazing thing here is that the Jews had become so threatened by Jesus that they were willing to grab at anything they could to try to get rid of Him. By this point they were consumed with animosity and anger. Apparently they didn’t like Jesus challenge because we read in verse 39 they try to seize Him again.

5. The consequence. [10:39-42] 

In verses 39-42 we see that the actions of the Jews cause Jesus to take His ministry back across the Jordan. Their rejection led to many becoming saved. The Jews were so threatened by Jesus they had become spiritually blind to the truth of God’s Word. You know it’s not too hard to become so right that you’re wrong.

I’ve noticed that people who are the most critical of Christ and His church think they are the ones right and those trying to be faithful are wrong.

3 things we need to learn from this passage.

1. John said in verse 22, “it was winter.” Winter represents either dead or dormant.

2. Jesus is never a threat to His people. Not every voice is of God.

3. At some point the gospel will be withdrawn. 2 Corinthians 6:2 tells us the "today" is the day of your salvation!