One With the Father, But Not God

"JOHN 10:22-42

* "I AND THE FATHER ARE ONE"

* JESUS REFUTE CHARGE OF BEING GOD

Jesus has come to Jerusalem for the Festival of Dedication ( or, Hanukkah).  This festival commemorates the rededication of the temple. Over a century earlier,  Syrian King Antiochus IV Epiphanes built an altar over the great altar at God's temple. Later, sons of a Jewish priest recaptured Jerusalem and rededicated the temple to Jehovah.  Since then, an annual celebration is held on Chislev 25, the month corresponding to the late part of November and the early part of December. 

It is wintertime, the season of cold weather, Jess is walking in temple in the colonnade of Solomon. Here Jews encircle him and demand:  "How long are you going to keep us in suspense?  If  you are the Christ,tell us plainly." (John10:22-24)  How will Jesus respond?  He replies:  "I told you and yet you do not believe."  Jesus had not told them directly that he is the Christ, as he told the Samaritan woman at the well.  (John 4:25, 26)  He has, though, revealed his identity in saying:  Before Abraham came into existence, I have been." - JOHN 8:58.

Jesus wants people to conclude for themselves that he is the Christ by comparing his works with what was foretold the Christ would do.  This is why he at other times told his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.  But now he tells these hostile Jews outright: "The works that I am doing in my Father's name, these bear witness about me.  But you do not believe." - JOHN 10:25, 26.

Next time: Continue with One With the Father, but not God

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