How does John 10:21 challenge our understanding of Jesus' divine authority? Setting the Scene John 10 follows the healing of the man born blind (John 9). The crowd is divided: some brand Jesus as demon-possessed (John 10:20), others weigh the evidence of the miracle. The Verse “Others replied, ‘These are not the words of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?’” (John 10:21) The Question Raised • A demon can deceive, but can it give sight to the blind? • The onlookers connect Jesus’ words with His works. Words alone could be dismissed; works rooted in Old-Testament prophecy cannot. Recognizing Divine Works • Isaiah 35:5 foretells Messiah opening blind eyes. • Exodus 4:11 reminds that only the LORD creates sight. • John 9:32-33: “Since the world began, nobody has heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, He could do no such thing.” The miracle shouts divine involvement, pushing honest observers toward only one conclusion: Jesus carries the authority of God Himself. How the Verse Challenges Our View of Jesus’ Authority • Demonic power is limited and corrupt; creative power belongs to God alone (Psalm 146:8). • The crowd’s logic forces us to decide—either join those calling Him insane, or acknowledge His divine mandate. There’s no comfortable middle ground. • The authority to restore physical sight points to His authority to grant spiritual sight and eternal life (John 10:27-28). Supporting Scriptures • John 10:30—“I and the Father are one.” • Acts 10:38—God anointed Jesus “with the Holy Spirit and power… doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil.” • Matthew 12:28—Driving out demons “by the Spirit of God” proves “the kingdom of God has come upon you.” Key Takeaways • Miracles are not mere displays; they authenticate Jesus’ divine identity. • John 10:21 confronts every reader: if Jesus opens blind eyes, He speaks with God’s authority. • Accepting the literal truth of the text means embracing Jesus as more than teacher—He is Lord with unparalleled, divine authority over both body and soul. |
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