3.4 Reappearing Themes – Belief and Unbelief
The Reaction to the Light

Read John 3:16–21, John 9:35–41, and John 12:36–46. How do these texts repeat the theme of faith versus unbelief that appears in the prologue?

In John 3:16–21, John 9:35–41, and John 12:36–46, the central theme of faith and unbelief, which is already introduced in the prologue of the Gospel, is reiterated. These texts show a clear division between those who believe in Jesus and accept Him as the Light of the world and those who reject Him and remain in darkness.

John consistently presents two groups in his Gospel: those who recognize Jesus as the Messiah and those who, despite having the opportunity, reject Him. Faith here is not just a passive agreement but an active process manifested in openness to Jesus and His light. This is reflected in the Greek verb “pisteuō,” which is used 98 times in this Gospel. It emphasizes that faith is a living, active action—a constant trust and walking in the light of Jesus.

Those who believe in Jesus open themselves to His light and allow themselves to be shaped by Him, even when He confronts or corrects them. They are willing to let their lives be reflected by the light of Jesus and are thereby transformed. On the other hand, unbelievers reject the light because they prefer darkness. They often meet Jesus with resistance, wanting to preserve their own traditions and ideas, and they judge Him instead of allowing His light to judge them.

These recurring themes of faith and unbelief highlight that faith in Jesus is not merely an intellectual assent but a fundamental decision for the light and truth that transforms life.

In what way do you live out your faith in Jesus, rather than merely giving intellectual assent to Him as the Messiah? Why is it important to know the difference? (See Matthew 7:21–23.)

It is important to recognize the difference between living out faith and merely giving intellectual assent to Jesus because genuine faith is demonstrated through actions. Matthew 7:21–23 warns us that it is not enough to simply know the right things about Jesus or to verbally confess Him; our faith must be expressed through obedient actions. Jesus says that not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of God, but only those who do the will of the Father.

Living faith is shown in the decisions we make daily: how we treat others, how we trust God in difficult situations, how we practice love and forgiveness, and how we strive to live according to God’s commands. It involves making our faith active and letting it shape our lives rather than remaining on a theoretical level.

It is important to recognize the difference because mere intellectual faith does not bring about real change in the heart and lifestyle. Genuine faith transforms us, while simply knowing about Jesus without application does not build a deep relationship with Him. The goal of faith is to be in a living, obedient relationship with Jesus that shapes our lives and positively affects the lives of others.

The connection between the theme of “Faith and Unbelief” and our daily lives and faith is profound and practical. John’s Gospel shows us that faith is not just an intellectual agreement but an active, lived decision that fundamentally shapes our lives. This decision to believe or not believe in Jesus has direct implications on how we live our daily lives.

1. Faith as a Lifestyle Faith, as depicted in the Gospel of John, is not just a belief in the mind but a daily choice to follow Jesus and His light. This means that our faith must be reflected in our behavior—in our relationships with others, in our integrity, and in our willingness to be shaped by Jesus. Faith is not something we live only in church or when reading the Bible but something that manifests in every decision and action.

2. Light and Darkness in Daily Life John often speaks of light and darkness as metaphors for faith and unbelief. In daily life, this means consciously choosing to live in the light of Jesus by allowing God’s truth to penetrate our lives. This can involve acknowledging difficult truths about ourselves, admitting our mistakes, and letting God’s light guide us, even when it is uncomfortable. On the other hand, it means avoiding darkness—things like self-deception, selfishness, and sin that lead us away from God.

3. Faith in Action As seen in Matthew 7:21–23, it is not enough to merely say “Lord, Lord.” Living faith is demonstrated in our actions. This means that in everyday life, we do not only believe in Jesus theoretically but practice love, forgiveness, patience, and mercy in our behavior. Faith in Jesus should transform us so that we positively influence our surroundings and the people around us.

4. Dealing with Challenges The kind of faith John speaks about also involves trust. In daily life, this means trusting God in difficult situations instead of relying on our own strength or control. Faith leads us to look to God in crises, uncertainty, and suffering, trusting that He is working everything for good.

5. The Importance of Obedience Faith is inseparably linked with obedience. In daily life, this means that we not only know what God expects from us but also do it. This might involve making difficult decisions, letting go of old habits, or standing up courageously for what is right, even when it costs us something.

Conclusion:

The themes of faith and unbelief that John addresses in his Gospel challenge us to actively live out our faith in daily life. Faith is not just a mental agreement to theological truths but a deep transformation that is reflected in how we interact with others, respond to challenges, and choose to live in the light of God. This decision shapes our lives and brings us into a living, powerful relationship with God.

Our faith in Jesus is not only shown in words but in the active decision to accept His light in our lives and follow Him.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-3-the-prelude-the-prologue-3-4-reappearing-themes-belief-and-unbelief-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

October 16, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 10

¹ Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

² But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

³ To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

⁴ And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

⁵ And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

⁶ This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

⁷ Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

⁸ All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.

⁹ I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

¹⁰ The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

¹¹ I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

¹² But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

¹³ The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

¹⁴ I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

¹⁵ As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

¹⁶ And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

¹⁷ Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

¹⁸ No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

¹⁹ There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

²⁰ And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?

²¹ Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

²² And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.

²³ And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.

²⁴ Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

²⁵ Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.

²⁶ But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

²⁷ My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

²⁸ And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

²⁹ My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

³⁰ I and my Father are one.

³¹ Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

³² Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

³³ The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

³⁴ Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

³⁵ If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

³⁶ Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

³⁷ If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

³⁸ But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

³⁹ Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,

⁴⁰ And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.

⁴¹ And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.

⁴² And many believed on him there.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

John Chapter 10 contains the well-known teaching of Jesus about the “Good Shepherd.” Jesus uses the image of the shepherd to explain His relationship with the believers. He portrays Himself as the good shepherd who is willing to lay down His life for the sheep. Throughout this chapter, Jesus’ care, guidance, and willingness to sacrifice are highlighted, while He simultaneously depicts the religious leaders of His time as “hired hands” who do not genuinely care for the well-being of the people.

Commentary

The Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18)

In this passage, Jesus uses the image of the shepherd and His sheep to explain His role as Savior and Protector. Jesus emphasizes that a true shepherd enters the sheepfold by the door and that the sheep listen to the shepherd’s voice. He explains that He is the “door” through which the sheep are saved, and that all who do not come through Him are like thieves and robbers. This refers to false teachers and religious leaders who lead God’s people astray.

Jesus calls Himself the “Good Shepherd” who is willing to lay down His life for the sheep. This act of dedication demonstrates His love and commitment to the believers. In contrast, the “hired hands” flee when danger threatens because they do not truly love the sheep. Jesus also reveals His divine authority by explaining that He willingly lays down His life and can take it up again. This allusion to His impending crucifixion and resurrection underscores the depth of His plan for the redemption of humanity.

Jesus and the Religious Leaders (John 10:19-30)

Jesus’ words lead to a renewed division among the listeners. Some accuse Him of being possessed by a demon, while others acknowledge His miracles and view His words in a different light. The discussion becomes even more intense when Jesus speaks in the temple during the Festival of Dedication. The Jews demand a clear statement from Jesus about whether He is the Messiah. Jesus responds that His works testify about Him and that those who believe in Him are His “sheep,” who hear His voice and follow Him.

Jesus promises eternal life to the believers and emphasizes that no one can snatch them out of His hand. This statement highlights the security and protection that Jesus offers to His followers. However, His words “I and the Father are one” (v.30) again enrages the listeners, as they understand this as blasphemy.

The Accusation of Blasphemy (John 10:31-42)

The Jews pick up stones to stone Jesus because they believe He has made Himself equal with God. Jesus defends Himself by referring to the Scriptures that call people “gods” and emphasizes that His works demonstrate that He was sent by the Father. Despite their attempts to arrest Him, Jesus escapes and withdraws beyond the Jordan, where many believe in Him.

Summary

John Chapter 10 emphasizes Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd who knows, protects, and lays down His life for His sheep. Jesus explains that only through Him can salvation and eternal life be attained. His statements about His unity with God the Father and His divine authority lead to sharp confrontations with the religious leaders. The passage highlights the division between those who believe in Jesus and those who reject Him. Ultimately, Jesus assures His followers that they are safe in His hand and that no one can separate them from Him.

 

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/16-10-2024-john-chapter-10-believe-his-prophets/