The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

Prayer Precedes God’s Power

Paula K. Graves

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February 13, 2026

Jesus’ prayer precedes God’s power in the raising of Lazarus. John 11: 41 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” 43 Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 And the dead man came out.[1]

Jesus’ prayer is not a plea for a miracle, but rather a thanksgiving for the Father’s hearing of prayer. Jesus began the prayer by calling on the “Father.” This title demonstrates the special relationship between Jesus and the Godhead. It seems the decision to raise Lazarus had already been made, and Jesus now thanked the Father for hearing the previous prayer.

When Did Jesus Begin Praying?

Jesus probably began praying for Lazarus as soon as He received the message that Lazarus was ill. We might even have a clue about what He was praying. John 11: 39 “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.” [2]

Decomposition of a dead body began quickly in the heat of the Middle East. In normal circumstances, Martha would have been correct. Yet I think Jesus prayed that there would be no decay in Lazarus’s body and that He could summon him back to life. I don’t think there was any smell when the grave was open. The Father had answered Jesus’ prayer, and Jesus thanked Him for it.

Jesus was walking towards His own death. He may have also been praying for the Father’s will for His death on the cross and His own resurrection.

Prayer for Jesus’ Identity to be Made Known

Martha knew the truth of Jesus’ identity. John 11: 27 “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.”[3] But many people only thought Jesus was a human teacher. Interestingly, the only mention of Jesus praying before a miracle is in this story. Jesus Himself explained the reason for the prayer. He wanted the people to believe that the Father had sent Him.

We, too, need to know Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God. We must look to Jesus because He is the Resurrection and the Life. As believers, we can be assured that we will live forever with Jesus after our life on earth ends. Jesus gives us this promise. John 5:24 “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.[4] Jesus is also a model of prayer for us. If he needed to pray, we do too. Prayer precedes God’s power in our lives. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/podpanel/episode/jesus-said-i-am-the-resurrection-and-the-life

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

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The Struggle with Unbelief

Tom Graves

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February 12, 2026

The struggle with unbelief is common both in Jesus’ time and today, providing insight into people’s hearts. When Jesus was brought to the temple in Jerusalem as an infant for the purification offering, an elderly man named Simeon met them. As he held the child in his arms, he spoke prophetic words about His future. Luke 2:34bHe has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. [1] Throughout Jesus’ ministry and today, the truth of our Savior reveals people’s hearts.

 As Jesus traveled to Jerusalem to give his life on the cross, he came to Bethany, where his friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived. Being just outside of Jerusalem, their home was a common place for Jesus to rest during his ministry. Unfortunately, this visit was as sad as Lazarus had died. Mary and Martha had sent Jesus a note to come quickly, but He had waited a couple of days before traveling there. When Jesus arrives, many people are weeping and sorrowful. In this setting, people would confront the question, “Who is Jesus?”

Who is Jesus to You?

Who is Jesus to you will determine your eternal destiny! For some, Jesus is a distant thought; others may not know Him at all. Some oppose Him, and yet others place their faith in Him. This was also true as Jesus went to the home of Mary and Martha after their brother had died.

John 11:34 “Where have you put him?” Jesus asked them. They told him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Then Jesus wept. 36 The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!” 37 But some said, “This man healed a blind man. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?”[2]

Our enemy, satan, always tries to plant doubt in our minds, and you can see him doing this as Jesus enters the scene. But in the midst of doubt, we must turn to God’s Word! Jesus tells us in John 14:1Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”[3]

Faith Comes by Hearing

 Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.[4] We might not have been there to witness the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, but we can read about it in God’s Word. John 11:39 “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.” 40 Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?”[5]

Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, but the greatest miracle that day was when people saw the miracle and placed their faith in Jesus. After Jesus prayed, he shouted for Lazarus to come out. John 11:44 And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!” [6]

How about you and the struggle with unbelief? Have you placed your faith in Jesus? If not, it’s never too late to confess your sins and ask Jesus into your heart. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/podpanel/episode/jesus-said-i-am-the-resurrection-and-the-life

[1-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Jesus’ Anger and Sorrow at Death

Paula K. Graves

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February 11, 2026

The story of the raising of Lazarus illustrates Jesus’ anger and sorrow at death. John 11: 33 When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled.. 35 Then Jesus wept.[1]

The crowd surrounding the grieving sisters and Jesus assumed that Jesus was frustrated that He had not arrived in time to prevent Lazarus’ death. John 11:36 The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!” 37 But some said, “This man healed a blind man. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?” 38 Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb.[2]

This is not true because John 11:14-15 tells us Jesus had purposely waited until Lazarus had been in the grave for four days.

Why Did Jesus Weep?

Jesus also knew that He would raise Lazarus from the dead because He had earlier told His disciples so. John 11:4Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.[3]

Scripture does not explain why Jesus wept, but scholars have given several explanations.

  • Jesus was weeping in sympathy with those who grieve over the loss of a loved one.
  • He was weeping over sin, which corrupted life and caused death and despair.
  • Jesus may have been weeping in anger over the people’s unbelief in the face of death.
  • He may have been sad to bring Lazarus back to a sinful world from a perfect heaven.

Jesus’ tears also demonstrate His human side and empathy with us. Death is humanity’s ultimate enemy. At this point, the mourners were overcome with grief and didn’t realize that the One who is Life itself was in their midst.

We Don’t Grieve Without Hope

Jesus was only a few weeks away from His crucifixion. The raising of Lazarus foreshadowed Jesus’ resurrection. This miracle also infuriated the Jewish leadership because they felt the people would follow Jesus and not them. As a result, they plotted Jesus’ death. Little did they know that God would use this to bring salvation to the world.

Death is still a reality in this world, but it is only temporary for the believer in Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4: 13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.[4]

This story demonstrates Jesus’anger and sorrow at death and prepares us for His solution for us as believers. Christ has overcome death on the cross, and we need to live in light of that fact. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/podpanel/episode/jesus-said-i-am-the-resurrection-and-the-life

 

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

I Am the Resurrection and the Life

Tom Graves

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February 10, 2026

‘I am the resurrection and the life’ are some of the most comforting words for a believer written in the Scriptures. Jesus spoke these words of comfort to Martha, the sister of Lazarus, before He raised him from the dead.

John 11:23 Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 “Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day.” 25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. 26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” [1]

It’s helpful to see that Jesus didn’t dismiss what Martha said about the future resurrection. Instead, His ‘I am’ statement brought a whole new understanding of what the resurrection means. Through this, He offered Martha wonderful comfort.

She thought Jesus was talking about the resurrection at the end of time, but Jesus actually had something much closer and immediate in mind. Similarly, Martha viewed this resurrection as a distant event far in the future. Yet, she completely overlooked the fact that the true source of life and resurrection was right before her.

Faith in Jesus Gives Us Eternal Life

 Yes, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, but one day he would die again. The good news is that when we place our faith in Jesus, we receive eternal life and will one day be raised from the dead. If you have been to a funeral and observed a deceased body, they are lifeless, yet that is not the end.

On our own, we are powerless, but faith in Jesus transforms everything in this life and the next. With no fear, we can trust our ultimate destiny to Jesus, who gives us life. He revives us spiritually through regeneration by the Holy Spirit. He will raise our lifeless bodies on the final day, reuniting them with our spirits so we can live as complete, redeemed beings in His presence.

Every believer can find comfort in knowing they won’t face eternal death. Those who have passed away continue to live, and anyone still alive and holding faith won’t face eternal separation. While Christ didn’t promise to prevent physical death, He did assure us of a life full of abundance—resurrection and everlasting life with Him.

Faith is Trust in God’s Promises

John 11:26b Do you believe this, Martha?” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.”[2]. The question comes to all of us as well: Do you believe this? If you don’t, it might be hard to find meaning in your life or understand what happens after death.

But if you believe, Jesus promises that you can experience a resurrection life — a life filled not with the scent of death, disease, and despair, but with the beautiful aroma of God’s heavenly life. If you are a believer, there is great hope in Jesus’s words, “I am the resurrection and the life.” If you have never placed your faith in Jesus as your Savior, He is calling you today so you can experience a transformed life in this life and the next. Take His hand and come to the cross. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/podpanel/episode/jesus-said-i-am-the-resurrection-and-the-life

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Has God Let Me Down?

Tom Graves

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February 9, 2026

Has God let me down? Perhaps it’s something you’re currently struggling with or have struggled with in the past. When life goes sideways, we sometimes wonder, “God, where were You?”

As the story of Lazarus’s death unfolds, you can feel the pain of his sisters, Mary and Martha, as they speak to Jesus after he arrives. John 11:21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.”[1] A few minutes later, her sister also questions Jesus. John 11:32 When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” [2]

If Only You Had Been Here

Neither woman was questioning Jesus’ timing so much as acknowledging that, if He had been there, things would have turned out differently. Despite experiencing pain and sorrow, their faith remained strong and unwavering. John 11:22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” 23 Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 “Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day.” [3] This story reminds us that even in tough times, God hasn’t abandoned us. It encourages us to stay hopeful and keep trusting in His love and guidance.

God Help me Understand

Sometimes, our plans can change unexpectedly, or our circumstances might not turn out as we hoped. There could be many reasons for this, and it’s completely normal to feel confused or disappointed. But what should we do when it seems like God has let us down and we begin to question His goodness or His love?

Remember, it’s okay to have these feelings, and you’re not alone. Many of us experience similar moments of doubt, which can be an opportunity to deepen our trust and understanding. Life is full of losses and disappointments as we walk our journey of faith. When things in my life aren’t going well, I sometimes wonder if God loves me or hears my prayers. However, the Bible clearly states otherwise. 1 Peter 5:7Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. [4]

God, Let Me Be Open to Your Plans

We often focus only on our own situation when we feel disappointed by God. That’s when we ask, “Has God let me down?” Remember, sometimes God allows our plans to change because He has something even better in store for us. Take Joseph, for example—he didn’t expect to spend time in prison, but that experience ultimately helped him save his country and family, as you can read in Genesis. When things don’t go according to our plan, it’s a gentle reminder to reflect on what truly matters to us. It makes us ask ourselves, “Am I more committed to God’s plans or my own?” Even if we don’t fully understand why God allows certain things, His plans are always part of something greater. At the heart of everything, God truly wants to transform our hearts and build a loving relationship with us through life’s trials and surprises. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/podpanel/episode/jesus-said-i-am-the-resurrection-and-the-life

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Jesus Has a Divine Timetable

Tom Graves

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February 8, 2026

Jesus has a divine timetable. When I began to realize that the Lord operates on a divine timetable in both His ministry on earth and in my life, it was like a light turning on. Suddenly, the Scriptures and Jesus’ ministry took on a greater perspective. Have you ever struggled with God’s timing, especially when praying for the needs of others or your own? In God’s wisdom and mercy, He has His own timetable, which works everything for the good of those who love Him.

In the story of Lazarus, God teaches us many lessons, one of which is the importance of His timing. John 11:1A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha… 3 So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.” [1] Mary and Marth had clearly stated their need to Jesus. They might have wondered, “Would Jesus heal him from afar or come quickly and heal him before he died?” Have you ever been in a similar situation where you wondered why God did not hurry up?

God Teaches Us While We Wait

John 11:4 But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.”[2] Unbeknownst to Mary and Martha, God was going to do something that would not only heal Lazarus but also strengthen the faith of others.

As Jesus received this message, He remained where He was for two more days. God’s timing, especially when He delays, can make us feel like He isn’t answering us or isn’t answering in the way we hope. But remember, His answers are always perfect and fashioned with love. Philippians 4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. [3]

Sometimes, when we pray, it might feel like things are getting tougher instead of better. It’s natural to feel tempted to doubt or despair. However, remember that delays can actually help us grow in patience. As we place our trust in His perfect timing, our patience deepens and strengthens. It is often in these situations that I feel the Lord teaching me things I couldn’t learn any other way. 

Embrace God’s Timing

God has not forgotten you. There’s no need to revisit past doubts about whether His plans for you have been disrupted. His best plan remains intact, and neither accidents nor sin can destroy it. If you are in Christ, God is actively working in your life, and nothing escapes His notice.

Today, you may find yourself in a dark and challenging phase, struggling to find light and questioning how much more you can endure. But remain hopeful—God is with you in this darkness. When God writes your story’s final chapter, you’ll look back and see how all His work has harmonized for your good and His glory. Jesus has a divine timetable. To learn more, listen here: 

https://podpoint.com/podpanel/episode/jesus-said-i-am-the-resurrection-and-the-life

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Sheep Follow the Good Shepherd

Tom Graves

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February 7, 2026

Sheep follow the Good Shepherd, and that is what distinguishes those who follow Jesus on the narrow path from those who take the broad road of the world. Jesus speaks to us about this narrow road. Matthew 7:13You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. [1]

Are you allowing Jesus to lead you on the narrow road today? In my own life, there have been times when I strayed from the path, trusting in my own abilities instead of letting the Good Shepherd guide me. Perhaps you have done the same. We often relinquish control of our lives to Him, only to reclaim it when situations diverge from our plans.

Sometimes, we even abandon the mission God has set for us right then and there because it’s not one we would have personally chosen. As I traveled this path, the Lord kept calling me back to the narrow road. Through His grace, He helped me see that the world’s road is deceptive. God’s patience with us as we struggle in life is one of our greatest blessings.

Sheep Listen to the Voice of Jesus

Something happens when followers of Jesus set aside their free will to listen to and obey the Good Shepherd. As Jesus spoke to the Jewish religious leaders, they had contempt for Him because they were not people of faith. They knew about God and were familiar with the Scriptures, but they did not truly recognize the Messiah standing before them.

John 10:26 But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.[2] Just as sheep recognize and respond instinctively to their shepherd’s voice, believers also find comfort and guidance in Jesus’ teachings. This recognition reflects a deep, ongoing relationship rooted in trust and familiarity.

Hearing Jesus’ voice is more than just hearing sounds; it’s about truly understanding, willingly accepting, and sincerely obeying His words. When a believer truly begins to follow the Good Shepherd’s voice, it transforms our lives because we are no longer following our own path.

Following the Good Shepherd Leads to Eternal Life

Jesus loves us so much that He gave His life on the cross so our sins could be forgiven and for us to be called to faith. With faith in Jesus, our lives are transformed both in this life and in eternity. It is hard for me to comprehend the blessings of eternal life and living in heaven forever with the Lord, all believers, and His angels.

 Paul says that heaven is so wonderful we can’t imagine how good it is. This is what awaits those who follow the Good Shepherd. 1 Corinthians 1:9No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. [3]

To learn how sheep follow the Good Shepherd, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-good-shepherd

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

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Refusal to Believe in Jesus

Tom Graves

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February 6, 2026

The refusal to believe in Jesus is sad because the consequences of not having faith are eternal. Perhaps you have friends or loved ones you have been praying for to come to faith, but they haven’t taken that step yet. Don’t give up praying for people to come to Jesus. Intercessory prayer involves praying on behalf of others and embodies divine love and compassion. It is a selfless act that reflects God’s heart. Romans 8:26-27 reminds us that God continually intercedes for us.

When we pray for others, we align with God’s will and become channels of His grace and mercy. The Bible contains many verses that encourage and inspire us to pray for one another. God wants to pray for people everywhere. 2 Timothy 2:4He wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.[1]  

Unbelief Begins With a Hard Heart

Many of the Jewish religious leaders had extensive Biblical knowledge, yet they did not believe in Jesus when He was among them. At the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus openly declared that He is the Light of the world and also the Good Shepherd who sacrifices His life for the sheep. During this same period, Jesus healed a man born blind as a witness to His identity.

Although the religious leaders could not deny this miracle, they still did not believe in Jesus. John 9:39 Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.” 40 Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, “Are you saying we’re blind?” [2]

When our hearts are hard, it can blind us to the truth even if it is obvious. 2 Corinthians 4:4Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. [3] When we walk in unbelief and have a hardened heart toward God, the enemy can veil our hearts.

Some Hearts Began to Soften

Although some religious leaders’ hearts remained hard, others began to soften. John 10:20 Some said, “He’s demon possessed and out of his mind. Why listen to a man like that?” 21 Others said, “This doesn’t sound like a man possessed by a demon! Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” [4]

Some weeks later, during Hanukkah, the religious leaders with hardened hearts still debated what Jesus had said and done, but refused to come to Him in faith. John 10:25 Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. 26 But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep.[5]

One day, all of us will enter eternity, and only through faith in Jesus will we reach heaven. If you haven’t come to Jesus yet, today He is calling you to come to Him so that He can transform your life. To learn more about the refusal to believe in Jesus, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-good-shepherd

[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Controversial Identity of Jesus

Paula K. Graves

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February 5, 2026

The “I am” statements created a controversial identity of Jesus. The Jewish scholars were well aware of the name that God had given Moses. Exodus 3: 14 God replied to Moses, “I Am Who I Am. Say this to the people of Israel: I Am has sent me to you.[1]

To this point, Jesus had said: I am the Bread of Life, I am the Light of the World, I am the Gate, and I am the Good Shepherd. The Jewish leadership recognized these statements as declarations of Jesus’ divinity. Jesus had also done many miracles that they could only attribute to God. Yet, Jesus wasn’t the political Messiah they expected.

Debates About Jesus

In the fall, after the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus had healed a blind man. This was something no one else had ever done. Yet some people attributed this to demons and not God. John 10: 19 When he (Jesus) said these things, the people were again divided in their opinions about him. 20 Some said, “He’s demon possessed and out of his mind. Why listen to a man like that?” 21 Others said, “This doesn’t sound like a man possessed by a demon! Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” [2]

This debate continued into the winter months. When Jesus went to the Temple to celebrate Hanukkah, the people had more questions. John 10: 24 The people surrounded him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

25 Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name.[3]

Why Didn’t Just Plainly Say He Was the Messiah?

Jesus had plainly told the Samaritan woman at the well that He was the Messiah. John 4: 26 Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah![4] Yet, Jesus did not do the same for the Jewish people. Why? The term “Messiah” had huge political overtones to the Jews. They wanted a Messiah who would overthrow the Romans and bring back the nation of Israel. That was not Jesus’ mission. Thus, Jesus chose to demonstrate God’s works or miracles and to declare that He was the Son of God.

Jesus also knew that they wouldn’t listen. He had repeatedly told them and given proof through miracles but they continued to reject Him. John 10: 31 Once again the people picked up stones to kill him. 32 Jesus said, “At my Father’s direction I have done many good works. For which one are you going to stone me?”

33 They replied, “We’re stoning you not for any good work, but for blasphemy! You, a mere man, claim to be God.” [5]

Who is Jesus?

God sent Jesus to pay the price for our sin that we could not pay. As we believe and follow Jesus, He offers us the gift of a renewed relationship with God. This happens as soon as we believe and continues to eternity. The mission of Jesus continues through us, the church. We are to invite the world to experience His transforming power of love and grace. To find out more about the controversial identity of Jesus, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-good-shepherd

[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Bringing Other Sheep into the Fold

Paula K. Graves

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February 4, 2026

Jesus spoke about bringing other sheep into the fold. John 10: 16 I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd. [1] Who were these other sheep? They were the Gentiles. Jesus, as a Jew, came to the Jews, but His sacrifice on the cross would be for all who would believe.

Jesus was a descendant of Abraham, with whom God had made a covenant. God had promised Abraham blessings for obeying His instructions. Abraham’s descendants would become a great nation, the Jews. Genesis 12: 3bAll the families on earth will be blessed through you.[2] This means that not only would Jesus be a blessing to the Jews, but to all families, including the Gentiles.

More Prophecy About the Gentiles

Isaiah was a prophet who lived more than 700 years before Jesus. God used him to make many prophecies about the Messiah whom God would send. Isaiah 49: 6 He (the Lord) says, “You (the Messiah) will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth. [3]

When Mary and Joseph presented the baby Jesus at the Temple, a man named Simeon prophesied over Him. Luke 2: 30 I have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared for all people. 32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel! [4] God had told Simeon that this baby would be the one who could bring salvation to all people, including both Jew and Gentile.

Jesus had already declared Himself the Light of the World (John 8:12). Now Jesus spoke of one flock and one Shepherd. The night before the crucifixion, Jesus prayed for his disciples and future believers. John 17: 20 I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. [5]

Gentiles Included

The Jews had become proud because they were the chosen people of God. But God had chosen them to demonstrate Himself to the nations. Jesus came as a remnant of One to fulfill God’s purpose. After Jesus returned to heaven and the Holy Spirit was given, the early church slowly began to reach out to Gentiles.

 First, Philip reached out to the Samaritans, and then to the Ethiopian eunuch. Then Peter went to the house of Cornelius. The Jewish believers began to understand God’s plan for the world. After Paul realized that Jesus was the Messiah, he spent the rest of his life evangelizing the known world.

Today, the basis of the one flock is our one Shepherd. Ephesians 2:14 For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. 15 He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. 16 Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.[6] Jesus was bringing other sheep into the fold. To find out more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-good-shepherd

[1-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

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