What does John 10:21 reveal about the division among the people? Setting the Scene • Jesus has just declared Himself the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-18). • His words stir strong reactions, echoing earlier tension after He healed the man born blind (John 9). • John 10:19 notes, “Again there was a division among the Jews because of Jesus’ message.” The Immediate Division (John 10:19-21) • John 10:20—accusers: “Many of them said, ‘He is demon-possessed and out of His mind; why listen to Him?’” • John 10:21—defenders: “But others replied, ‘These are not the words of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?’” What John 10:21 Specifically Reveals • Contrast of Conclusions – Some judge Jesus by prejudice: “demon-possessed.” – Others weigh evidence: His miracle of sight (John 9:1-7) counters any demonic explanation. • Reasoned Recognition – The defenders point to the coherence and authority of Jesus’ teaching (“These are not the words…”) and to His works (“Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”). – Logical deduction exposes the flaw in the accusation, showing that truth withstands scrutiny (cf. Proverbs 12:19). • Validation of Messianic Signs – Opening blind eyes fulfills Isaiah 35:5 and 42:7—acts reserved for the promised Messiah, not for demons. • Exposure of Hearts – Division highlights who is spiritually receptive and who is hardened (cf. John 3:19-21). – Those siding with Jesus display budding faith; opponents reveal spiritual blindness (1 Corinthians 2:14). • Continuing Pattern – The Gospel often notes crowds split over Jesus: John 7:12, 43; 9:16; 12:37-43. John 10:21 is another snapshot of that ongoing separation of belief and unbelief. Lessons for Us Today • Miracles and Message Stand Together – Sound words and supernatural works authenticate Christ; they cannot be brushed aside by mere slander. • Evaluate Claims by Scripture and Evidence – Like the defenders in v. 21, weigh accusations against the biblical record and observable reality (Acts 17:11). • Expect Division over Truth – Jesus Himself foresaw this (Luke 12:51). Fidelity to His voice will always separate sheep from goats (Matthew 25:31-33). • Miracles Aim at Faith, Not Spectacle – The healed man’s sight (John 9) signaled Jesus’ divine identity; those with open hearts perceived it, the hardened did not. Related Scriptures That Echo the Same Truth • Isaiah 35:5: “Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.” • Matthew 12:22-24—Pharisees attribute Jesus’ healing to demons, repeating the same faulty logic. • 1 John 4:1—“Test the spirits…”; v. 21 models such testing. • John 20:30-31—Signs are written “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.” |
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