✝️ Devotional on John 10:31–42 | "Believe the Works"

🔎 When Words Are Rejected, Let the Works Speak

📖 Scripture: John 10:31–42 (NIV)

31 Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him,

32 but Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?"

33 "We are not stoning you for any good work," they replied, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God."

34 Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your Law, 'I have said you are "gods"'?

35 If he called them 'gods,' to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside—

36 what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, 'I am God's Son'?

37 Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father.

38 But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father."

39 Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp.

40 Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. There he stayed,

41 and many people came to him. They said, "Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true."

42 And in that place many believed in Jesus.

🧎 1. Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus, when I struggle with doubt or rejection, help me to see and believe what You’ve already done. Let Your works reveal Your heart and power to me today. Amen.

🔁 2. Repeated Words or Phrases

• "Works" – vv. 32, 37, 38
• "Believe" – vv. 37, 38, 42
• "God / God's Son / the Father" – vv. 33, 36, 37, 38
• "Stone / Seize" – vv. 31, 33, 39

🎯 3. Theme

Jesus is the Son of God, and even when His words are rejected, His works call us to believe and trust in Him.

🕊️ 4. Observing God

• Jesus performs many good works from the Father (v.32).
• He uses Scripture to defend His identity and authority (vv.34–36).
• He calls for belief not just in His words, but in His actions (v.38).
• Jesus reveals the unity between Himself and the Father (v.38).
• He retreats, but in that quiet place, many believe (vv.40–42).

🧍 5. Observing Humanity

• The crowd tries to stone Jesus for what they call blasphemy (vv.31–33).
• They focus more on the claim than the character or evidence (v.33).
• People often resist truth when it challenges their understanding (v.39).
• Yet others—away from the noise—believe based on testimony and truth (v.42).

💡 6. Interpreting God

Jesus does not only teach truth—He embodies it. His life, miracles, and actions flow from the Father’s will. When people reject His claims, He appeals to what they can see. God does not abandon us to blind belief; He reveals Himself through works of compassion, healing, and power. Belief is not forced—it is invited through evidence and experience.

🧠 7. Interpreting Humanity

People often reject what they don’t understand, especially when it threatens their sense of control or tradition. The religious leaders refused to accept Jesus' identity despite His works. But belief thrives in humility. Those who listened to John’s honest testimony, and who watched Jesus without bias, came to believe. Faith often grows best in quiet, uncluttered places.

🪞 8. Application

Am I willing to believe Jesus not just by what He says, but by what He’s already done? When doubts arise, I will remember His faithfulness. Today, I will reflect on one clear work of God in my life and let it strengthen my trust in Him.

💖 9. Spiritual Touch

"Even though you do not believe me, believe the works..." (John 10:38)

🙏 10. Closing Prayer

Jesus, You’ve proven who You are not just with words but with grace-filled action. When I hesitate to believe, remind me of what You’ve already done. Help me believe the works—and come to deeper faith in You.

🌿 11. Live It Today

Write down one “good work” Jesus has done in your life. Share that with someone who may need hope or encouragement today.