John 10:25-26
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, but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus highlights that his miracles weren't just impressive feats, but a divine endorsement, done "in my Father's name" to bear witness. This shows that the evidence for his identity was always present in his actions, even if his audience refused to see it.
The Jews have just surrounded Jesus in the temple during the Feast of Dedication and demanded that he plainly state if he is the Christ. Jesus responds by pointing out that he has already told them, but they refuse to believe, challenging them to consider the powerful works he performs in his Father's name as undeniable evidence of his identity.
Why does Jesus sound so frustrated here? He just told them the truth, but they're still not getting it. What's the deal with stubborn disbelief?
Jesus is responding to a direct challenge: 'If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.' (John 10:24). His answer, 'I told you, and you do not believe,' isn't just a complaint; it's an exasperated sigh from the divine. He's pointing out that the truth hasn't been hidden. He's spoken it clearly, even using titles and analogies they should have understood. The problem isn't a lack of information; it's a lack of willingness to accept it. Their minds are already made up, clouded by their own expectations of what the Messiah should be, rather than open to who Jesus actually is. This is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the biggest barrier to believing isn't God's communication, but our own resistance.
Jesus points to his 'works' as proof. What kind of works, and how do they testify about him?
The 'works' Jesus refers to are His miracles – healing the blind, raising the dead, feeding multitudes. These weren't just impressive feats; they were powerful endorsements from His Father. He stresses that these works are done 'in my Father's name,' meaning by His authority and power. They serve as undeniable evidence, a divine signature on His claims. While His words declared His identity, His works demonstrated His divine power and authority, making Him far more than just a teacher or prophet. They were meant to convince even those who were skeptical of His words. It's a crucial point: God equips Jesus with undeniable proof of His mission.
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 dialogue in John 10:25 takes place during the Feast of Dedication, a festival celebrating the rededication of the Temple after its desecration. Jesus' reference to His 'works' performed 'in my Father's name' directly challenges His accusers to connect His miracles to the historical significance of the Temple and God's ongoing redemptive work.
c. 167 BC
Antiochus IV Epiphanes Persecutes Jews
King Antiochus IV Epiphanes of the Seleucid Empire actively suppressed Jewish religious practice, enforcing Hellenistic customs and defiling the Temple in Jerusalem.
164 BC
Temple Rededication (Feast of Dedication)
Judas Maccabeus and his forces recaptured Jerusalem and rededicated the Temple, establishing an annual festival, the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah), to commemorate this event.
Late 1st century BC - Early 1st century AD
Herod the Great Rebuilds the Temple
Herod the Great began an extensive and magnificent rebuilding and expansion of the Second Temple, a project that would continue for decades.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry and Miracles
During His public ministry, Jesus performed numerous miracles, such as healing the blind and the sick, which He presented as evidence of His divine authority and mission.
Jesus directly appeals to his works as proof of his divine mission, echoing the sentiment in John 10:25 that his deeds testify to who he is.
Matthew 11:4-5Jesus points to the very same kind of works—healing the sick, raising the dead—as evidence to John the Baptist that he is the one who was to come.
Acts 2:22Peter reminds the crowds that Jesus of Nazareth was God-accredited through mighty works, wonders, and signs, directly supporting the idea that Jesus' works bore witness to him.
John 14:10-11Jesus asserts that he and the Father are one, and the works he does are not his own but the Father's, reinforcing the concept that his works were divinely authorized.
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 highlights that his miracles weren't just impressive feats, but a divine endorsement, done "in my Father's name" to bear witness. This shows that the evidence for his identity was always present in his actions, even if his audience refused to see it.
The Jews have just surrounded Jesus in the temple during the Feast of Dedication and demanded that he plainly state if he is the Christ. Jesus responds by pointing out that he has already told them, but they refuse to believe, challenging them to consider the powerful works he performs in his Father's name as undeniable evidence of his identity.
The Jews have just surrounded Jesus in the temple during the Feast of Dedication and demanded that he plainly state if he is the Christ. Jesus responds by pointing out that he has already told them, but they refuse to believe, challenging them to consider the powerful works he performs in his Father's name as undeniable evidence of his identity.
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pisteuete · Greek Verb
To trust in, rely upon, or cling to as true; in a biblical context, it implies a transformative commitment to the person and work of Jesus Christ.
probatōn · Greek Noun
A metaphor for those who belong to God, recognizing His authority, following His guidance, and remaining under His protection.
Winter, c. AD 29-30— this verse
Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem
Jesus is in Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication, a time of remembrance for the rededication of the Temple. He is found teaching in Solomon's Porch.
Winter, c. AD 29-30
Confrontation and Challenge at the Temple
Jewish leaders surround Jesus, demanding a clear answer about whether He claims to be the Messiah, while Jesus points to His words and His miraculous works as testimony.
"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, but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep." — Jesus highlights that his miracles weren't just impressive feats, but a divine endorsement, done "in my Father's name" to bear witness. This shows that the evidence for his identity was always presen…
