What is the meaning of John 10:20? Many of them said, The crowd surrounding Jesus at the Feast of Dedication was not monolithic. John 10:19 already notes, “Again there was division among the Jews because of Jesus’ message”. • The inspired text accurately captures real voices—neighbors, religious leaders, and bystanders—who had just heard Jesus claim, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). • Scripture repeatedly shows that clear revelation produces either faith or hostility: see John 7:43; Luke 4:28-29; Acts 14:4. • Taking the passage literally, we recognize that these spoken words are part of God’s record, demonstrating human unbelief in the face of divine truth. “He is demon-possessed and insane. The accusation combines spiritual slander (“demon-possessed”) with a personal insult (“insane”). • Earlier, a similar charge was hurled: “You are a Samaritan and have a demon” (John 8:48). The pattern fulfills Isaiah 53:3—“He was despised and rejected by men.” • Matthew 12:24 and Mark 3:22 reveal the same tactic: attributing Christ’s works to demonic power rather than acknowledging divine authority. • Such claims ignore the evident goodness Jesus displayed in healing the blind man (John 9) and in offering eternal life (John 10:28). • By labeling Him insane, they dismissed both His miracles and His teaching, contrary to the testimony of Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the LORD is good.” The literal wording underscores a tragic irony: the One they call mad is perfect holiness in human flesh. Why would you listen to Him?” The scoffers not only reject Jesus for themselves but seek to silence His voice for others. • Proverbs 1:7 states, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,” yet unbelief treats divine wisdom as folly. • Jesus had just said, “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). The question “Why listen?” exposes who is—and is not—among His sheep. • Acts 4:18-19 shows the same pressure later placed on the apostles: “Do not speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” True disciples must choose obedience to God over the crowd’s ridicule. • Despite opposition, the gospel still advances (Romans 1:16). The literal charge to stop listening only highlights the power of Christ’s words that still draw hearts today. summary John 10:20 records an authentic moment of resistance: some listeners brand Jesus demon-possessed and insane and urge others to stop listening. Their reaction fulfills Scripture’s portrayal of hardened hearts while contrasting sharply with the promise that Jesus’ true sheep will hear His voice. The verse therefore stands as both a sober warning about unbelief and a reaffirmation of Christ’s unquestioned authority, integrity, and divine mission. |
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