Thoughts on John 10:31-42

The conflict between you and the Jews is heating up, again they are ready to stone you. They can’t argue against your works, they are all good, life-giving deeds, so they take issue with your words, call you a blasphemer. OK, words it is, you best them with your logic and knowledge and they attempt to arrest you, but you escape. You go across the Jordan, to the place John was first baptizing. The place you were baptized.

When conflict rises, when temptation is great, when there is a formidable task ahead, go back to your baptism. That’s what Jesus did. He went back to the place where he heard God’s voice speak his identity, “You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Remembering who you are gives you strength and resolve to face your life.