In Jesus' final public teaching in the Gospel of John (10:22-42), the people of Jerusalem tried to pin him down. They wanted him to declare openly who he was. In keeping with his indirect public style, Jesus pointed them to his words and works. He also boldly declared, "I and the Father are one." This statement sent them looking for rocks to stone him, since they thought he was a man who made himself out to be God. They grasped that he claimed identity with God, but they got things exactly backwards. (sermon notes)
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."
No matter how bad things get, God is still working out his own holy will through seen and unseen agents.
Because God's power is greater than ours, we ought to obey God, knowing that the joy he gives is greater than suffering humans can...
