March 28 | John 10: 22-42

Michael Guastella
5 days ago
3 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

The Evidence is Right In Front of You

By Michael Guastella

I wish people would get right to the point sometimes. I am often impatient with someone who I feel is just droning on and on, but saying nothing. Bloviating nonsense for the love of nothing but the sound of their own voice. But more often than not, I don’t realize until after the fact that my focus on my own impatience has made me miss something important. In this way, I relate strongly to the Hanukkah crowd that is gathered around Jesus in Solomon’s Colonnade. Verse 23 is basically the crowd yelling “get to the point already!” and Jesus responds in kind in verse 25 with “I did tell you, but you do not believe.” Jesus had been showing them through miracles and teaching — the evidence was already there.

The crowd wanted a clear, unambiguous declaration of the presence of the Messiah. Another thing I related heavily to. How many times have we asked for a “parting of the clouds” crystal clear signal from God when faced with one of our own decisions… only to find that God has given us the answer no fewer than a dozen times already and we weren’t looking closely enough. As for me, that has happened more times than I’d like to admit.

In verses 25-30, Jesus again paints the picture for us of what truths he has revealed to us: that He speaks clearly, He holds us securely, and that He and the Father are one. His works testify to who he is. His sheep recognize His voice. Faith in Him is the ultimate security of the universe, and it is the key that unlocks the understanding of who Jesus says He is.

The real kicker is the claim that almost got him stoned – that He is the Son of God, and that He and God are one. The crowd picks up their rocks in anger and, rather than back down from that claim, Jesus appeals back to his works as His evidence. Verses 37-39 show us, yet again, that Jesus does not attempt to strike fear into their hears, He does not raise His voice in anger from their doubt, He simply says “actions speak louder than words” and they still attempt to attack Him. But Jesus escapes and continues to spread the Word regardless.

Sometimes, we are so close to the evidence that we stop seeing it. Sometimes it’s right in front of us. The answered prayer we chalked up to coincidence. The moment of peace that came from nowhere in the middle of a hard season. The verse that landed exactly when you needed it most. Like the crowd at Solomon's Colonnade, we all must answer the question of who Jesus is. The good news is that He hasn't left us without evidence. His Word, His works throughout history, and His ongoing presence in the lives of His people all testify to the truth of who He is. Our greatest shepherd, our toughest security, and our most perfect example.

Prayer

Lord, open our eyes to see all the evidence that you constantly put right in front of us that we are too stubborn or distracted to see. Remind us that you do not let us wander and that the truth we need has already been given to us by You. Thank you Lord for your presence, your example, and for holding us so tight. Help us to hear your voice and follow where it goes. Amen.

About the Author

MICHAEL GUASTELLA

I have been a Hilliard resident since 2022, and have lived in Columbus about 11 years. I am originally from the Cleveland area. I work in downtown Columbus as a government affairs consultant. My wife, Rachael, and I have been attending UALC since early 2024.