Straight Talk

Again the Jews were divided because of these words. Many of them were saying, ‘He has a demon and is out of his mind. Why listen to him?’ 10:19-42  Maya Angelou said that people will forget what you did but never forget how you made them feel. This can go both ways. Judging by the desire to stone Jesus, the Jews in this passage felt angry. It is very difficult to accept a truth about yourself that is unflattering and negatively judgmental. Criticism is sometimes used as a defense mechanism when people want to protect something about themselves. Although his words (scripture) were true, it didn’t change their minds about Jesus and it did not change their mind about who they believed themselves to be. Suffice it to say, the criticism and anger was not about Jesus as much as it was about them not wanting to accept straight talk concerning the scripture and life. No body likes to be criticized or judged negatively, but as we follow Christ, the Word of God should not only be our strength but our examiner as well.

If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.’ John 10:19-42