John 10:18-21

18 No one takes 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 command I have received from My Father.”

19 Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these sayings. 

20 And many of them said, “He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?”

21 Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

“Why Do You Listen to Him? Well… Why Wouldn’t I Listen to Him?”

In verse 18, Jesus builds on verse 17 by saying, paraphrasing, “No one takes My life from Me, but I lay it down Myself.” Not only did Jesus die for us, but He allowed it. He could have stopped it at any time if He had wanted to. He was not helpless. He was all-powerful. He was God in the flesh. The only reason that anyone was able to lay a finger on Jesus was because Jesus humbled Himself and allowed it. Listen to Philippians 2:5-8… ”Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Jesus left heaven for us. He left glory for us! Jesus had the power to give His life, and He had the power to take His life back again. God gave the command for His will to be done, and Jesus did it. Jesus allowed Himself to be scourged and beaten. He allowed Himself to have that crown of sharp thorns pushed down on His head. He allowed the soldiers to drive nails through His hands and feet. Think about it. He could have taken Himself out of the situation at any time. He had the power to do that. But He endured it all for us. No one took Jesus’ life. Jesus gave His life. He did it all because He is the good Shepherd who wants to save us… His lost sheep. 1 Peter 2:22-25 explains what Jesus went through for us so beautifully. “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” I was a sheep who had gone astray, and Jesus brought me back to Him. I am so grateful.

In verses 19-21, we see the division among the Jews concerning Jesus. Some said, “He has a demon and is crazy. Why are you listening to Him?” Others said, “Someone who has a demon could not speak as He does. Can a demon heal a blind man?” It is hard to believe that someone who saw this man, who had been blind from birth, fully healed and standing up to the Jewish leaders, would ask, “Why are you listening to Him?” Why would I not listen to Him? He has the words of life! He is the only One who has the power to save me from my sins! He is the only One who has ever died so that I can live! What is my alternative if I don’t listen to Him? The alternative is… I’m lost for eternity, separated from my Creator and Father, and that is not an option, not is it?

God means for everyone to learn what the Bible teaches about being saved. It only takes an open heart for Jesus and a willingness to put away what we’ve been taught in the past, and truly read what God’s Word says for ourselves… and then accept what it says and obey it. If I can help you in any way, I would love to! Are you walking in the light? Are you in Christ? Are you saved? If you aren’t, or if you’re not sure if you are, I’d love to help you. Are you a member of the Lord’s church, but are struggling spiritually in your walk with Christ? If you are… believe me, I’ve been there many times, and I’d love to help you. If you have any questions, please reach out. 

I love God’s Word. It challenges me to be better… to do more in His service. It is interesting and keeps me on the edge of my seat, wondering what will happen next. It gives me confidence and builds me up, and it brings me to my knees when my soul needs convicting! Thank you, Father, for the wonderful gift of Your Word!

God’s Plan of Salvation

Below is the plan God has outlined in His Word for humankind to receive His grace, which leads to salvation and an eternity with God in heaven. This plan is straight from the Bible. 

We have to hear His word. (Romans 10:17) 

Upon hearing the message of Jesus, we believe it. (Mark 16:16) 

Then, we confess Jesus’ name before men. (Matthew 10:32) 

Next, we repent of our sins. (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19) 

Finally, we are baptized into Christ for the remission of our sins.  (Acts 2:38, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:16, Romans 6:3-4, Acts 22:16, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:26-27) After baptism, God adds us to His church. (Acts 2:47)