Read John 10:19-24. Circle the words that stand out to you. What is the Lord saying to you?
19 The Jews who heard these words were again divided. 20 Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?”
21 But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
22 Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
Digging Deeper
At what point in a “conversation” would you say to yourself, “Why listen to him/her anymore? I am done with this conversation. I just want to end it.”
All of us have experienced arguments between our spouse, children, a coworker or even a friend that this is getting or going nowhere. After an hour of going over the same thing over and over, we conclude that it is pointless. We’re tired and each of our minds our made up. Nothing in heaven or earth is going to change our positions. It’s insane to continue. Why listen anymore?
If we are honest with ourselves, at times, we just don’t want to admit that s/he is right or at least partially right. If anything, we want him/her to admit that we were right first! In other instances, we just don’t believe what that person is saying. We don’t trust his or her words. We question their integrity. The story and excuses they give doesn’t seem to add up, it isn’t credible. It just can’t happen the way that person explained it. It’s doesn’t fit into our narrative of reality, what is true or false.
We have our own reasons for not listening anymore and they have their reasons not to listen anymore. But listening is not about disproving the other person’s reasons or feelings. It is to gain understanding from their perspective and to perhaps empathize with them. In doing so, we may be able to better relate to them and if God allows, enlightened that person, not force our viewpoint on them.
Let us give good reasons why they should continue to listen to us as we share how God transformed lives and has answered our prayers. What reasons will you give to your family and friends of why they should believe in our God and His salvation for them?
-Kingston