John 10:22-30 (NRSV)
Read John 10:22-30 on biblegateway.com
Verse 22At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, Verse 23and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. Verse 24So 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." Verse 25Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; Verse 26but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. Verse 27My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. Verse 28I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. Verse 29What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand. Verse 30The Father and I are one."
Devotion
We love the courts of the Lord along with Jesus. Our church may not be as splendorous as Solomon’s Temple. But we are at home there and find what happens in that place to be the most important event of the entire week. We hear the comforting words that our heavenly Father has forgiven all our sins. God’s word is read and applied to our lives. We respond with confessions of faith, with prayers and hymns. We pass the peace to our neighbors.
All this is a reality for us because Jesus is the Messiah. The most important event in human history, Jesus’ resurrection, makes this possible. Otherwise, there would only be the ruins of the Jerusalem temple to sit amongst and lament. As it is, his living presence has resulted in houses of worship all over the world.
Prayer
Lord, when we are in your house this coming Sunday, may your assuring presence confirm our faith and lead us to testify in your name. Amen.