What Jesus Gives To Those Who Believe

By Mary Vee
John 10

Peter

The Temple-Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Peter. 

Autumn is nearly over. December has come. It was about 197 years ago when Judas Maccabaeus began the celebration called Dedication, later called Hanukkah. 

This is a feast held in December to remember the refurbishing and opening of the temple after Antiochus Epiphanes ruined the grounds and building in168 BC.

The person who took the photo is unknown. The photo
courtesy goes to this individual who posted this winter photo
of the Western Wall on the Spirit of Israel Facebook page.

Hanukkah is an eight day feast held in Jerusalem. Jews travel from all over Israel to attend. 

It is at this time that I begin today's story. 

Photo courtesy: ebibleTeacher.com

I found Jesus in the Temple area, walking in Solomon's Colonnade. A group of Jews gathered around him. Their leader said, "How long will you keep us in suspense? Are you or are you not the Christ? Tell us plainly.

Jesus said, "I did tell you, but you do not believe me. The miracles I have done in my Father's name speak for me. You don't believe because you do not follow me as a sheep would his master. 





"My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give each one eternal life. None will ever perish. Neither can anyone snatch them from me.

"My Father, the One who has given me my sheep, is greater than all. No one can snatch my sheep out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."

Inside the Temple, a room for females only-
Photo by Mary Vee

Although Jesus answered their question, they became angry. They bent low and picked up stones to hurl at him.


Jesus said, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. Which one of these gives you a reason to stone me?"

Their leader said, "We are not stoning you for any of those. We will stone you for blasphemy, though. You are a mere man and yet you claim to be God."

"Then don't believe me if I do not do what the Father does. 

"But, if I do these things, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father."

The men lunged toward Jesus, grabbing for Him, but He escaped their grasp.

Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.