Chapter 1 · Encounter 8 of 48
Held in His Hands
Prepare
Jesus returns to the image of the Shepherd as religious leaders question his identity. He speaks of sheep who hear his voice, follow him, and receive eternal life. As you read, pay attention to what Jesus says about the relationship between the sheep, himself, and the Father.
Read Scripture
Open each passage here without leaving this Encounter.
John 10:22-30
Further Conflict Over Jesus’ Claims
22Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
25Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30I and the Father are one.”
Romans 8:31-39
More Than Conquerors
31What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ponder
- What does Jesus promise about those who belong to him, and what reasons does he give for their security? How does Paul's language in Romans 8:31-39deepen the picture of God's faithfulness?
Romans 8:31-39
More Than Conquerors
31What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Both passages describe a security grounded in God's power and love. How does that compare with the things you ordinarily depend upon to feel secure? What might it mean to live with greater confidence in the Shepherd's care?
Look Again
Did you notice the language of separation in both passages?
In John 10:28-29 28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. John 10:28-29
In Romans 8:35-39 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.Romans 8:35-39
Read those verses again. Notice that neither Jesus nor Paul describes a life without threats. Instead, both direct our attention to the power and faithfulness of the One who holds us.
What does that add to your understanding of security in the Shepherd's care?
Practice
Notice one situation today in which you feel compelled to control the outcome. Take a moment to acknowledge the limits of your control and deliberately entrust that concern to God. Return to Jesus' words about his hand and the Father's hand as you do.
Prayer
Speak with God about the things you are afraid of losing or unable to control. Thank him for his faithfulness and ask him to help you live with greater confidence in his care.