JESUS: THE DIVIDING LINE
JOHN 10:19-21
JOHN 10:19-21 NKJ
19 Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these sayings. 20 And many of them said, "He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?"
21 Others said, "These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?"
It is easy for those of us who have put our faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior to not understand people who do not believe. And yet it has always been that way.
When Jesus was on the earth, He brought such great joy and hope to many. But to many others, they were adamantly opposed to Him.
In this chapter, Jesus is talking about His heart for people and being a good shepherd. He contrasts Himself with Satan, who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But Jesus came that we might have the God kind of life and have it abundantly. He is the good Shepherd that gives His life for the sheep. We've never had a Shepherd as good as Jesus. No one has shown more mercy and integrity. And yet.
And yet, people rejected Him back in the days that he walked among them. Some accused Him of being demon-possessed and crazy. Others countered with demon-possessed people don't heal blind eyes. And there was a division among the people because of Him.
APPLICATION:
We are living in a day when the divisions that exist among us are growing larger. It appears that the days of diplomacy are long gone. But the most important dividing line is still there. Is Jesus who He says He is? Those of us who believe He is the Son of God, the Saviour of the world, stand on one side. Those who do not believe stand on the other. Our job is to get as many as possible to cross over. Not by name-calling or attempting to shame them. But rather, doing our best to exhibit the life, love, and light of our Savior living through us.
This is not always easy. People who mock and scoff at our beliefs and our Savior can be extremely agitating. We need God's grace and love, and strength to do this right.
Jesus is the dividing line, and we are His ambassadors. We are a bridge to those on the other side. May God make us more effective in reaching across the divide with His love and grace.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, help me reach as many as I can with Your love, grace, and truth. I am so grateful for the salvation that I have in You.