READ: John 10:14-30
14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.
20 And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?
21 Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?
22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.
23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.
24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.
26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
30 I and my Father are one.
KEY THOUGHT:
Winter can be a difficult time for people, especially after the anticipation and fulfillment that comes with the Christmas season. Sometimes winter brings depression, discouragement, and even disbelief. Changes in weather, activity, and the amount of daylight hours can cause moods to change and lead to feelings of melancholy, oppression and hopelessness. The coldness of the midst of winter seems to counter all the hope and joy that Christmas brings.
In the Scripture reading for today, we find Jesus speaking to a crowd in winter. His words offer hope and promise, but the crowd doesn’t respond. Filled with unbelief and hopelessness, they seem to doubt and counter the words Jesus spoke unto them.
We can find ourselves in the same situation if we lose sight of who Jesus is and why He came. If we put our hopes in Him, we will find true joy. If we put our hopes in the weather, the seasons, or anything else for that matter, we will experience doubt that leads to hopelessness. Even as winter brings cold days with less light, the true Light of the world is ever-present in Jesus Christ.
Don’t let the midst of winter bring you down. Warm up to the light of Jesus and experience the promise of hope found in Him. Jesus not only rescues you from the midst of winter, He redeems you and gives you eternal life if you believe and trust in Him.
CONSIDER:
- What do you like or dislike about winter?
- How does the winter season affect your activities, especially those involving church or serving God?
- What can you do to help yourself and others around you experience the joy of Jesus even when the storms of winter abound?
APPLICATION:
Warm up to the light of Christ and experience joy in winter and in all seasons throughout the year!
