Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals for this week are provided by Pastor Jason Sato. He and his family are currently serving in Cincinnati, OH.
Devotional Thought for Today
John 10:17-21 (ESV)
There was again a division among the Jews because of these words. [20] Many of them said, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?” [21] Others said, “These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
Whenever anyone makes a statement, we have two choices—either we believe them or we don’t. Whether it’s me telling you I can fly, or Jesus saying He is the Good Shepherd, our options are that simple.
The Jews in John 10 are sharply divided. After Jesus claims to be the Good Shepherd, some do not believe Him. His claims are so incredible that they call Him demon-possessed and crazy, but others are not so sure.
We may be tempted to scoff at their unbelief, but are we so different? God consistently declares things that are difficult to understand, hard to believe, or outright outrageous. Let’s look at some examples: Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Is this a “reasonable” advice in the midst of financial crisis? Luke 9:24 says, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” Is this true when we face physical—not only metaphorical—danger? Is the life Jesus offers us in John 10:10 (“I came that that may have life and have it abundantly”) actually possible or just a pipe dream? Is Romans 8:28 (“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose”) true all the time?
Jesus’ opponents were proud, selfish, and greedy, but they understood that Jesus meant what He said. At times, we find ourselves rationalizing or spiritualizing to make it seem like Jesus did not mean what He said. Fear, doubt, and selfishness can drive us to this. Of course there are extenuating circumstances and gray areas, but often we are given two simple options – to believe Him or not.
May He give us grace that we might believe, and when we walk in faith, may He prove His Word is true.
Prayer: Father, I thank You that You are always faithful and true. I try to complicate things so I can hide my doubts and my selfishness, but I want to simply believe Your Word and live in light of it. Fill me with Your Spirit that I might reject the lies of the enemy. Thank You that You promise me more than I imagine is possible.
Bible Reading for Today: Luke 9
Lunch Break Study
Read John 14:1-6 (ESV): “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. [2] In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. [4] And you know the way to where I am going.” [5] Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” [6] Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Question to Consider
- Why are the disciples troubled?
- How can the disciples be free from their troubled hearts?
- What are the disciples to believe?
Notes
- They do not know where Jesus is going or how to get there (v. 5).
- By believing in the Father and the Son.
- They are to believe in who Jesus is (the way, the truth and the life), and what He has promised (a room in the Father’s house).
Evening Reflection
Reflect upon your day. What lies were you tempted to believe? What truths did God impress upon your heart? Receive the Lord’s forgiveness for your unbelief, and ask for greater faith in His Word.