John 10:22-42
With complete insincerity, the Jews once more question the Lord. "If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly" (v. 24). But not only had He declared it to them (e.g. John 8:58), but He had also showed it to them (vv. 25, 32, 37, 38). From now on He is to confine His activities to His own flock. The sheep belong to Him by right, firstly because the Father has expressly given them to Him (v. 29), then also because He has redeemed them. Vv. 27, 28 are very precious because they tell us what He does for His sheep: He gives them eternal life, He leads them, He keeps them safe in His hand – and they are characterized by the fact that they listen to His voice and follow Him. This is surely the right response to His marvellous love!
Once again the Jews try to stone the Lord Jesus (John 8:59), this time accusing Him of blasphemy. "Thou being a man, makest thyself God", they say. Indeed the ambition of the first Adam and all his descendants was to be equal with God. But the Lord Jesus followed exactly the opposite path – "Being in the form of God" He was "found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself" (Philippians 2:6-8).
However v. 42 concludes "Many believed on him there" and so became His blessed sheep.