John 10:22-42 – If I Do Not The Works Of My Father, Believe Me Not
Read Psalm 82 and John 10:22-42
1) What is called the feast of dedication in John is called Hanukkah by Jews today. Explain the meaning of this celebration and some of the main features of its observance.
2) Describe the atmosphere of Solomon’s porch at the temple as the Jews come “round about” Jesus.
3) The Jews want Jesus to make a plain statement about his identity. What statements about his identity has Jesus already made to them? (See, for example, John 5:17-18, 5:20-30, 6:37-40, 8:58). Has he been clear or evasive in his statements?
4) From the first 9 chapters of John, list some of the works that Jesus is referring to in verse 25 when he says that the works he does bear witness to him. What kind of witness do those works provide?
5) According to Jesus, he has told the Jews plainly that he is the Messiah, and yet they don’t believe. Why do some people remain unbelieving in spite of witnessing the works that Jesus has done in his Father’s name? (v. 25-26)
6) Describe, once again, the relationship with Christ that is envisioned in verse 27. Do you enjoy such a relationship?
7) What are the long-term results of being one of Christ’s sheep?? (v. 28)
8 ) On what is the security of the sheep dependent? (v. 29-30)
9) If it is the sovereignty of God that assures our salvation, why is it such a sensitive matter to some, and even viewed as offensive to others, to affirm that salvation is completely in God’s hands? (See Ephesians 2:8-10)
10) What is the charge for which the Jews seek to stone Jesus at this time? (v. 33) According to Leviticus 24:14-16, what is involved in this charge, and what is the penalty?
11) In the exchange between Jesus and the Jews in verses 31-33, how have the Jews misjudged the situation? (See Matthew 23:1-3)
12) As in our previous discussion of Matthew 22:41-46, Jesus does not seek merely to stump the Pharisees and make them look bad, but rather to make them consider all of the implications of an Old Testament text. As he now quotes from Psalm 82 in verse 34, what does Jesus intend for the Jews to consider in relation to their charges against him?
13) In what sense can men be called “gods”? (See Genesis 1:26, Exodus 4:16, Exodus 7:1, Exodus 21:6, Exodus 22:8.)
14) Just limiting your review to those scriptures from John mentioned in question 3, what parts of Christ’s work as the One sent by the Father could only be accomplished by someone who was himself divine? (If you can think of examples, feel free to include them.)
15) Similar to the wicked shepherds in Ezekiel 34, the “gods” are also on trial in Psalm 82. What are the charges against them? Who is bringing the charges and conducting the trial?
16) What is the ultimate end of the “gods” in Psalm 82? What warning should the Jews have taken from Jesus’ reference to this Psalm?
17) What is the intention of Jesus’ retreat to “beyond Jordan” as he escapes out of their hand? (See John 2:4, 7:8, 7:30, 8:20, and 17:1)
18) Many of the Jews believed that John the Baptist was a true prophet even though he did not perform any miraculous works, and yet the Jews in Jerusalem (especially the religious leaders) will not believe Jesus’ words, even though he does many miraculous works. Describe the essential difference between the people described in verses 41-42 and the Jews Jesus has just left in Jerusalem.
