Sometimes we’re waiting for an answer God will likely never give
By Dean Collins
How long will you keep us in suspense? That was the question from the Jews who were watching Jesus carefully. They watched not because they believed him, but rather to somehow trip him up or trap him with the answers to their questions. They insisted that they simply wanted a clear and direct answer. Jesus replied, “I told you, and you do not believe.”
The dialogue took place during a Jewish feast. John tells us Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. During the conversation, Jesus referred back to his earlier dialogue with the same questioners. Along the way to Jerusalem Jesus had declared that he was the door to the sheepfold and that he was the good shepherd calling out to his sheep. Now to these questioners he repeated: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
It is pretty clear that those who were interrogating Jesus were following him around but not hearing his clear voice. They did not plan on truly following Jesus. They had an agenda, and it was not one of love. By the end of this conversation, the interrogators for a second time picked up stones with the intent of ending the life of Jesus. They would try a third time before this encounter was over.
In suspense?
As I thought about this passage, I was struck by how often we act as if Jesus is keeping us in suspense about something. I suspect our suspense is usually connected to our wants and wishes rather than our desire to have the identity of Jesus validated. Or worse, we determine that his identity as King of kings and Lord of our life is connected to how well and how often he delivers on our requests.
The questioners of Jesus had seen miracles that had no explanation other than they were done by the hand of God. When Jesus healed the man born blind in John 9, the questioners pressed the formerly blind man to come up with some answer other than the obvious one. The newly sighted man replied, “Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind.” The Jewish interrogators knew this to be true but would not accept this answer because it didn’t fit their preferred viewpoint. They also rejected the formerly blind man’s answer because he did not have their status or religious training.
His disciples?
Concerning his followers, Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” He confirmed his power and his promises to be true. He has given us eternal life and declared that no one can snatch us out of his hand. I wonder if our issue is less about Jesus keeping us in suspense and more about us keeping him in suspense about our willingness truly to live and walk as his disciples.
There are great challenges in our world today. Hatred, wars, economic disruptions, inflation, and so much anger and hatred. The world offers no clear path forward. But the Good Shepherd calls out to us and says, “follow me.” I pray that today will be a day when you and I both listen for his voice and follow where he leads. He will direct our path; even if we must walk in the valley of the shadow of death, he will lead us through.
There may be others around us who have heard us declare our faith. Let’s not leave them in suspense any longer, either. Let’s commit together to making our walk of discipleship consistent with our talk of discipleship. Not everyone will get on board when we do. There will still be difficulties. But as we faithfully follow our Good Shepherd, I have a feeling we will know his peace. His love will flow through us, even touching some who will come to know Jesus because we had the courage simply to listen and obey.
Your time with God’s Word
John 10:22-42 ESV
Photo by Eric Mok at Unsplash.com
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