John 10:31-42 CSB
Again the Jews picked up rocks to stone him. [32] Jesus replied, "I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these works are you stoning me?" [33] "We aren't stoning you for a good work," the Jews answered, "but for blasphemy, because you-being a man-make yourself God." [34] Jesus answered them, "Isn't it written in your law, I said, you are gods? [35] If he called those to whom the word of God came 'gods'-and the Scripture cannot be broken- [36] do you say, 'You are blaspheming' to the one the Father set apart and sent into the world, because I said: I am the Son of God? [37] If I am not doing my Father's works, don't believe me. [38] But if I am doing them and you don't believe me, believe the works. This way you will know and understand that the Father is in me and I in the Father." [39] Then they were trying again to seize him, but he escaped their grasp. [40] So he departed again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. [41] Many came to him and said, "John never did a sign, but everything John said about this man was true." [42] And many believed in him there.
Now is the Time
There are very few examples of someone turning to the Lord on their deathbed. It does happen, and these moments are glorious. I think of the soldier in a foxhole, lying in the mud and bleeding, looking at friends who have already succumbed to their wounds. He remembers the lessons of his family—his mother’s graceful words, seeking that protection and love he had as a small child. He remembers how she taught him about Jesus. He did not live the teachings, but in that moment, he realizes his need. He gives his heart to Jesus before his eyes close for the final time.
I think of the young teen with her whole life ahead of her. Leaving a party late at night, she is blinded by oncoming lights and swerves off the road. The car is a mangled mess. A man stops and pulls her from the burning vehicle. He is a seminary student, and he knows there is not much time for her soul. He tells her about Jesus, and she accepts Him into her heart before the ambulance arrives.
In my experience, those who have a terminal illness know the time is near. They may have accepted Jesus in the past, but life drew them away. They renew their relationship and find that first love they thought was lost. Many times, however, the time for a second, third, or a multitude of chances runs out before a belief in Jesus occurs.
Jesus has been performing miracle after miracle. He is teaching truth, but instead of accepting these signs and words that He is the Messiah, the crowd picks up stones to end His life.
Jesus asks them: Why? They claim it is not the miracles they hate, but who He claims to be. Jesus points to the Old Testament. Even selfish Israelite leaders were given the title of gods because they had the responsibility of representing God and carrying out the Law. If these sinful leaders were called “little gods,” how much more should the title belong to Jesus? He was set apart and sent into the world on a divine mission—born of a virgin, having life in Himself, the one who saves humankind and will sit at the right hand of the Father. Why should He not call Himself the Son of God, being of the same essence of the Father?
There is a time to leave when people will not accept the light. When the light is so bright that their eyes remain blinded, all they want to do is blot it out. Because it was not yet His time, Jesus escaped their grasp—whether by a miracle of providence or the sheer authority of His presence—and diffused the situation by walking away. Others needed the word.
Jesus traveled back to the very place where John the Baptist had first baptized. It was a return to the beginning. Although John had performed no miracles, the people there remembered his witness and realized that everything he had said about Jesus was true. They saw that while John was a great prophet, Jesus was the greater fulfillment—the Messiah whose miracles confirmed His words. In that place of quiet remembrance, away from the stones of Jerusalem, many believed in Him.
We are instructed to tell others, but when persecution comes, sometimes we must move to the next village. It is not about us; it is about souls. Sometimes we tend to dig in and keep casting pearls to swine who only intend to trample the faith. The Spirit will lead us when it is time to leave so others might hear.
Now is the time to believe in Jesus if He is working on your heart. Many miss the chance of believing and go on to their own eternity.
Reflection Questions
- The people noted that John did no signs, yet everything he said was true. Who in your life has been a “John the Baptist”—someone who didn’t perform miracles but whose consistent truth led you to Jesus?
- Jesus escaped their grasp because it wasn’t His time. How do you discern the difference between “digging in” to defend your faith and “moving on” to where hearts are more receptive?
- Considering the stories of the soldier and the student, is there someone the Holy Spirit is nudging you to speak to today before their “time of opportunity” passes?
Prayer
Father,
We thank You for Your patience and the many chances You give us to hear Your voice. We pray for those who are currently “blinded by the light”—those who see Your works but refuse to believe. Give us the wisdom to know when to stay and when to move on to other fields that are white for harvest. If there is anyone in our lives who is nearing the end of their chances, give us the courage to speak the truth in love today.
Amen.
