What specific works of Jesus confirm His divine authority in John 10:37? Context of John 10:37 “ ‘If I am not doing the works of My Father, do not believe Me.’ ” (John 10:37) Standing in Solomon’s Colonnade, Jesus has just declared, “I and the Father are one” (v. 30). His hearers pick up stones, accusing Him of blasphemy. Jesus points them back to His works—visible, verifiable acts—so they can judge His claim by the evidence God Himself has supplied. What Jesus Means by “the works of My Father” • Miraculous deeds that only God can perform • Acts that perfectly fulfill Old-Testament prophecies (Isaiah 35:5–6; 61:1) • Works done in complete harmony with the Father’s will and character (John 5:19) • Signs intended to lead observers to faith (John 20:30-31) Specific Works Already Displayed before John 10 1. Water turned into wine (John 2:1-11) – creative power over nature 2. Cleansing the temple (John 2:13-22) – authority in God’s house 3. Supernatural knowledge of Nathanael and the Samaritan woman (John 1:48; 4:17-19) – omniscience 4. Healing the nobleman’s son at a distance (John 4:46-54) – power unrestricted by space 5. Restoring the lame man at Bethesda (John 5:1-9) – lordship over chronic disease 6. Feeding five thousand with five loaves and two fish (John 6:1-14) – sovereign provision 7. Walking on the sea and stilling the storm (John 6:16-21) – mastery over the created order 8. Giving sight to the man born blind (John 9:1-7) – fulfilling messianic prophecy of opening blind eyes Works Immediately Ahead in John’s Narrative • Raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11) – power over death itself • Substitutionary death and victorious resurrection (John 19–20) – the ultimate sign, foretold in 2:19 and authenticated in 20:27-28 Why These Works Prove Divine Authority • They are the Father’s own testimony about the Son (John 5:36). • No mere man can command nature, disease, demons, or death with a word (Psalm 89:9; Job 9:8). • The miracles align perfectly with messianic prophecies, confirming Jesus as the promised Christ. • Even His enemies acknowledge that a “notable sign” has been done (John 11:47; Acts 4:16). • The works are inseparable from His sinless life and authoritative teaching (John 8:46). Key Takeaways • Jesus invites honest examination: look at the works, then decide (John 10:38). • Every sign in John’s Gospel pushes us toward the same confession Thomas makes—“My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). • Because the works are true, His words are true; believing in Him is the only reasonable response (John 14:11; 1 John 5:12). |
    |