Tell Us 

John 10:22-42   

People are still asking Jesus to tell them plainly who he is. If you are the Christ, tell us. Jesus continues to tell them that I have TOLD YOU and you do not believe. Jesus goes on to tell this group of people that his sheep hear his voice and follow him.

Not much has changed over the course of 2000 years. People still want to know plainly who Jesus is, but they do not accept (or rather, they do not like) the answer that they receive.

The response of the crowd was angry and violent toward Jesus. Some wanted to arrest Jesus, many wanted to stone him, yet in the midst of all the negative things that were transpiring around Jesus, many still believed.

His sheep hear his voice, they know his voice, and they follow his voice regardless of what possible persecution may be incurred. Jesus was faithful to his Father and his Father's will and purpose. Jesus loves his Father and desires all to know and love the Father the way that he does.

His passion for each of us to know both him and his Father burns stronger today as Jesus faithfully speaks to his sheep through His Word and by His Spirit. Yet, just as when Jesus walked the earth in flesh and blood, men and women today are still angered by his words.

Persecution for faith in Jesus is ever increasing throughout the world. Many are persecuted, imprisoned, tortured and martyred for their love for Jesus. Many have seen family members taken or killed, homes destroyed and had to stand by while churches and entire villages were burned down because of their embracing of the Gospel.

Yes, many still seek to arrest and stone (kill) Jesus. They seek to kill his words, his influence, his faith, his power, and his purpose that resides in the hearts of his people. They seek do this in many forms and fashions. Yet, in spite of all of this, you and I cannot be plucked from the hand of the Father. We are held secure by Him.

As persecution comes closer to our doors in this country and the anger toward Jesus increases as sin is exposed and convicted, may we find ourselves willing to stand for the Gospel not simply theoretically but in reality because we are deeply in love with Jesus who saved and redeemed us.