Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus doesn't just say "you don't believe." He points out that the evidence—both his words and his actions—has already been presented, highlighting a deliberate blindness in his listeners. The "works" he mentions aren't just miracles, but actions performed specifically in his Father's name, directly linking his divine authority and mission to what he's doing.
Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is in the temple during the Feast of Dedication, and the Jewish leaders have gathered around him, demanding a direct answer about whether he is the Messiah. He had previously spoken about his divine identity and authority, but their expectations of a political liberator prevented them from understanding or believing him. Now, he points them back to his words and the miracles he performs in his Father's name as undeniable evidence of who he is.
Jesus just told them the truth, but they aren't listening. Why does he turn to his 'works' as evidence?
Jesus is frustrated here, and rightfully so! He's been direct, teaching them about his divine nature and mission. Yet, they refuse to believe. It’s like he's saying, 'I've already told you everything you need to know, but you're choosing not to hear it.'
Think about it: He'd claimed divine authority, spoken of eternal life, and even hinted at his oneness with the Father. But their minds were stuck on a political Messiah. So, instead of repeating himself, Jesus points to undeniable proof: his actions.
What's so special about Jesus' 'works' that they testify about him?
When Jesus refers to 'the works that I do in my Father’s name,' he’s talking about his miracles – healing the sick, opening blind eyes, feeding the hungry. These weren't just parlor tricks; they were powerful demonstrations of God's power and presence.
These acts weren't done in his own name or by his own power alone. They were done 'in my Father’s name,' meaning with God’s authority and by God’s power. They served as God’s signature on Jesus’ ministry, confirming that Jesus was who he claimed to be – sent by the Father.
Why did Jesus' undeniable 'works' fail to convince the religious leaders?
The core issue wasn't a lack of evidence, but a hardened heart. Jesus knew they weren't 'of his sheep' – they weren't genuinely seeking truth and weren't receptive to his voice. Their rejection wasn't because the works weren't convincing, but because they were unwilling to believe.
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Jesus points this out: 'But you do not believe because you are not of my sheep.' Their spiritual condition, their stubbornness, prevented them from seeing the divine truth displayed right before their eyes. It’s a stark reminder that belief isn't just about intellectual assent; it’s about a heart posture towards God.
Understand the original words
pisteuete · Greek Verb
A firm, active trust and reliance upon God or His revelation; in the New Testament, it is the response of a transformed heart to the truth of Christ.
erga · Greek Noun
In this context, it refers to the miraculous acts or deeds performed by Jesus that serve as objective evidence of His divine authority and identity.
patros · Greek Noun
The personal name of the first Person of the Trinity, emphasizing the intimate, covenantal relationship between Him and the Son, Jesus Christ.
martyrei · Greek Verb
To provide evidence or provide testimony regarding the truth, particularly concerning the identity and divine mission of Jesus Christ.
The Feast of Dedication, commemorating a past cleansing of the Temple, provided a charged setting for Jesus' declaration of his own divine identity. His listeners, steeped in the history of defiance against foreign oppression and the rededication of their Temple, struggled to reconcile Jesus' claims with their expectations of a political or military messiah.
c. 167-164 BC
Maccabean Revolt Begins
The Seleucid Empire, under Antiochus IV Epiphanes, attempted to suppress Jewish religion. This led to a revolt, culminating in the rededication of the Second Temple.
c. 164 BC
Temple Rededicated
Judas Maccabeus and his followers recaptured Jerusalem and rededicated the Temple. This event is commemorated by the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah).
Late 1st century BC
Herod the Great Rebuilds Temple
King Herod the Great began a massive expansion and renovation of the Second Temple complex, which would continue for decades.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry in Judea
Jesus conducted his public ministry, teaching, performing miracles, and encountering increasing opposition from Jewish authorities.
Winter, c. AD 30-33— this verse
Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem
Jesus was in Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah). He walked in Solomon's Porch at the Temple and was confronted by Jewish leaders.
Jesus directly appeals to his works as proof of his divine mission, just as he does in John 10:25, showing a consistent theme of divine action validating divine words.
Matthew 11:4-5Jesus points to the very same kind of miraculous works—healing the blind, lame, and lepers—as evidence to John the Baptist that he is the one prophesied to come.
Acts 2:22Peter uses Jesus's miracles as a foundational argument for his identity, proclaiming that God demonstrated Jesus's authority through 'wonders and signs and symbols' to the crowds.
Deuteronomy 18:21-22This Old Testament passage sets the standard for discerning a true prophet by whether their prophecies come true, providing a backdrop for why Jesus's verifiable works were powerful testimony.
clarkeJohn 10:25: "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."
I told you, etc. - That is, I told you before what I tell you now again, that the works which I do, bear testimony to me. I have told you that I am the light of the world: the Son of God: the good shepherd: that I am come to save - to give life - to give liberty - to redeem you: that, in order to this, I must die, and rise again; and that I am absolute master of…
ellicottJohn 10:25: "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."
(25) I told you, and ye believed not. —Better, and ye believe not, as all the best MSS. Here, as in John 8:25 , where a similar direct question was put to Him, the answer is indirect. It could not be otherwise. Their misconception of the Messianic work had made the very word Messiah an impossible one for Him to utter to them. To have said He was the Messiah would…
Jesus doesn't just say "you don't believe." He points out that the evidence—both his words and his actions—has already been presented, highlighting a deliberate blindness in his listeners. The "works" he mentions aren't just miracles, but actions performed specifically in his Father's name, directly linking his divine authority and mission to what he's doing.
Jesus is in the temple during the Feast of Dedication, and the Jewish leaders have gathered around him, demanding a direct answer about whether he is the Messiah. He had previously spoken about his divine identity and authority, but their expectations of a political liberator prevented them from understanding or believing him. Now, he points them back to his words and the miracles he performs in his Father's name as undeniable evidence of who he is.
Jesus is in the temple during the Feast of Dedication, and the Jewish leaders have gathered around him, demanding a direct answer about whether he is the Messiah. He had previously spoken about his divine identity and authority, but their expectations of a political liberator prevented them from understanding or believing him. Now, he points them back to his words and the miracles he performs in his Father's name as undeniable evidence of who he is.
"Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me," — Jesus doesn't just say "you don't believe." He points out that the evidence—both his words and his actions—has already been presented, highlighting a deliberate blindness in his listeners. The "works…
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Last reviewed October 2026