November 18, 2016
I WILL FOLLOW!
John 10:22–42
Eva Royer
Central Truth
Once you are saved, you are always saved and cannot lose your salvation. Jesus provides eternal security for those who believe in Him.
Key Verse |
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:27-28)
John 10:22–42
I and the Father Are One
22 At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, 1 10:29 Some manuscripts What my Father has given to me is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”
31 The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” 33 The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.” 34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’? 35 If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken— 36 do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? 37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; 38 but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” 39 Again they sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands.
40 He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first, and there he remained. 41 And many came to him. And they said, “John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” 42 And many believed in him there.
Dive Deeper | John 10:22–42
"Where you go, I'll go, where you stay, I'll stay, when you move, I'll move . . . I will follow you." These are lyrics from the Chris Tomlin song, "I Will Follow," the perfect reminder that you can hear God through songs, through experiences, through other people, and all throughout the day if you are listening. If you are His sheep, you will recognize Him and His voice.
I hear it often said, "Your radio station plays the right song at the right time." The credit actually goes to the Holy Spirit for causing that intersection to happen: for knowing exactly what you need to hear, at the exact moment you need to hear it.
One of the most difficult parts of hearing God is learning to discern His voice. The good news is, it only takes a willing heart, an attentive ear, and quality time with Him.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd who leads those who have faith in Him and love Him. Worshiping, praying, and reading the Bible are a few suggestions about how to get to know Him. Do you have an interactive relationship with Him? If you are not sure, just start talking to Jesus to create the conversation. Jesus says, "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." (John 16:24, NIV)
Jesus tells us in John 10:28, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." Again, God promises us the assurance of salvation, "'Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." (John 5:24, NIV).
Jesus guarantees us many promises in His Word. Tune in, and He will speak directly to you. Just listen!
Discussion Questions
Jesus says that those who truly believe in Him will hear His voice, He will know them, and they will follow Him (John 10:27).
1. Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus? If so, how do you recognize His voice?
2. Do you know Jesus is not looking for perfect people, just ones with willing hearts?
3. How do you share with others your relationship with Him?