John 10:22-30
22 At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico 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 Messiah, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; 26 but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.”
“… 30 The Father and I are one.” …”
Few statements in the Bible are as clear as this one. God the Father and Jesus the Son are one. There is no distance, separation, or divergence. Jesus makes it clear that he is God – the same God who created the heavens and earth, who called Abram and Sarai, and who led the people of Israel from Egypt into the promised land. What could be clearer.
Unfortunately, at times, in the conversations of people including clergy, it seems as if Jesus and God are two separate entities. While we often experience Jesus’ presence in ways that are different from how we experience God as Father, we cannot get past the fact that they are one and the same. Three persons yet always One God. (We’ll talk about the Holy Spirit at another time.)
Obviously, to fully comprehend what Jesus is saying demands more time and space than this devotion allows. However, by faith, we receive this news, trusting that what Jesus has told us is true. God the Father and God the Son are one.
Prayer: Lord, sometimes we hear Your Word but fail to fully comprehend. Yet, our trust is always in You. Amen.