Eternal life means just that.  Scripture:  John 10.22-30

Click to read: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2010:22-33&version=NIV1984&interface=print

Key verse: John 10.28 – I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.

This is a beautiful passage in John 10 as we seek to unpack it.  Many Jewish people have come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Dedication, also called the Feast of Lights, or Hanukkah.  It was a time intended for great joy and gladness, commemorating God’s faithfulness in sustaining his chosen ones; the people also remembered the restoration of the Temple after having been desecrated by a Syrian king.  So it is not surprising we would find Jesus teaching in the temple at this time. 

It is winter, and Jesus is walking along Solomon’s Colonnade, a covered 45-foot walkway, likely taking protection from the wind and rain.  The Jewish leaders surround the Good Shepherd, and demand he explain himself … again.  “If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”  “I did tell you, but you do not believe.  The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me…”    They did not believe because they chose not to believe; again I say, ‘there is none so blind as he who won’t see!’  “…you do not believe because you are not my sheep.  My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” 

Jesus refers to himself once more as the shepherd, and to his sheep as those who follow him.  The Shepherd bids us come—we say ‘yes’ only if we follow.  And by our choice to follow him daily, we are his—and once his—it is ‘for keeps’.  Jesus keeps us for eternity.  “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” 

‘Wait!’  One of you says, ‘Are you saying that once I become a Christian I am always a Christian?’  Read Jesus’ words, Friend—“…no one will snatch them out of my hand.  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”  Remember, he is the Good Shepherd, who calls us to be his sheep—as such, do you think that if you, like a sheep, wanders, that you no longer belong to him?  It is not about our holding on to Jesus, it is about his power and strength holding on to us.  When Jesus promises us eternal life; he does not change his mind.

Christine