22At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. 24So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” 25Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; 26but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. 27My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. 30The Father and I are one.”
Thoughts: We continue with the misunderstanding--or perhaps the inability to accept--of Jesus identity. But we also have here one of the most gracious of Gospel proclamations: "I give them them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out my hand." Think about that statement---nothing, absolutely nothing can snatch us away from the loving hand of our Lord. That is good news indeed.
Questions: Have you always heard this good news of Jesus, or have folks tried to convince you that there are things that could 'snatch you' away from Jesus? Is it a bit scary to think that Jesus 'knows' you or is it comforting?
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