“The Father and I are one.” (John 10:30 NLT)

While Jesus was walking in the Jerusalem temple, He was ambushed by the Jewish religious leaders. Yet again, they hoped to trap Him with a carefully chosen question: “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly” (verse 24 NLT).

Jesus had left no doubt about His identity. He already had told people “plainly” that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life (see John 3:15). That He was the Son of God (see John 5:19). That He would judge all people (see John 5:22). That the Scriptures point to Him (see John 5:39). That He came down from Heaven (see John 6:38). That He is the bread of life (see John 6:48). That He is the light of the world (see John 8:12). That He always did what pleased God (see John 8:29). That He was sent by God (see John 8:42). That He existed before Abraham (see John 8:58). That He is the Good Shepherd (see John 10:11). That He would be resurrected after He died (see John 10:17–18).

The Jewish leaders knew exactly who Jesus claimed to be. They had tried to kill Him several times for speaking blasphemy. What they really wanted was for Him to say the words, “I am the Messiah.” That would have been cause for the Roman governor to have Him arrested and executed.

Jesus had spoken those very words to a Samaritan woman in John 4. But for Jewish people, the word Messiah was loaded with expectations. The Jewish people of Jesus’ day were looking for a Messiah who would lead them against Rome. Jesus knew that if He said, “I am the Messiah,” it would only confuse people. They would be looking for political and military action instead of the much more important spiritual and eternal truths that Jesus taught.

It wasn’t just Jesus’ words that spoke the truth about His identity. Every miracle He performed showed that God had sent Him. Every time He healed someone, He did it in His Father’s name.

The problem wasn’t with Jesus’ words or actions; the problem was with the Jewish leaders’ willingness to believe. They kept asking Him for another sign. And another. But no sign was ever enough to change their unbelief.

Like everyone who refuses to believe in Jesus, they would not receive God’s gift of eternal life. Jesus makes it clear that it’s a gift that can’t be taken away. He is the Good Shepherd. He takes care of His sheep. He keeps us safe and secure. He and His heavenly Father won’t allow anyone to snatch us out of His hands.

“The Father and I are one,” He explained. The religious leaders knew exactly what He was saying. Again, they picked up rocks to stone Him to death. Jesus challenged them to explain their unbelief. They had seen the miracles God wanted Him to perform. Even if they didn’t believe His words, they could at least believe His actions.

Unfortunately, a stubborn heart can convince itself of anything, no matter how much undeniable evidence is presented. And no matter how serious the consequences of unbelief are.

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