In John 10:31-42, I really love how Jesus boldly proclaims His divine nature while still walking among us in human form. "The Father and I are one," He declares, a statement so powerful that those who heard it picked up stones to kill Him. Yet in His infinite wisdom, Jesus reminds them of the good works He performed through the Father's power. Today's gospel illuminates the perfect unity of Jesus Christ's divinity and humanity - a mystery I contemplate daily in my devotion. His works testified to who He truly was: the Son of God dwelling among men.
The accusations against Jesus remind me of the opposition we face when we stand firmly in our faith. When challenged about His identity, Jesus did not waver or compromise. Instead, He pointed to the evidence: "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." How profound! His actions spoke the truth of His identity when words alone were rejected. As I fast today, I examine my own life - do my works testify to my relationship with Jesus Christ? Would people outside of my life see our Lord's presence in my life, in how I live and how I serve?
Many seek to trap us with worldly reasoning, just as they attempted with our Lord. Yet Jesus demonstrates perfect wisdom in His response, reminding us that Scripture itself speaks of our divine calling as "gods" to whom the word of God came. If this is true of mere mortals who receive God's word, how much more so of Him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world! I hold fast to this understanding: no human argument or temptation will separate me from my complete devotion to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When the world tries to diminish His divinity or humanity, I stand firm in the complete truth.
Today's gospel concludes with Jesus withdrawing to where John had been baptizing, and many coming to believe in Him there. This reminds me that even when faced with opposition, our Lord continued His ministry. Though enemies sought to seize Him, He remained sovereign over His circumstances until the appointed time. When life challenges me with trials and persecutions, I choose to walk with unwavering trust in the Lord. My devotion is not contingent on comfortable circumstances but rooted in the unchanging truth of who He is - fully God and fully man - regardless of what storms may come.
Jesus' dual nature offers me a perfect understanding of my humanity. He comprehends my weaknesses because He took on flesh, yet offers me strength beyond human capacity because He is God. This mystery sustains me daily. I need both His humanity and His divinity - His compassion born of human experience and His authority over all creation. As Scripture declares, many believed in Him because "everything that John said about this man was true." Today, I reaffirm that everything Scripture reveals about Jesus Christ is true. He is fully God and fully man, and in this truth, I place my complete trust, devotion, and allegiance with Jesus Christ.
©2025 James Dacey Jr.
