As Jesus continues His ministry the more He does amazing things and the more He reveals about Himself the more opposition He encounters.  Ultimately this is leading to His purpose in the first place, to die for our sins.  Let’s look at this account in John 10 when they ask Him point blank if He is the Messiah. 

Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe 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 shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” 31 Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, 32 but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?”

Jesus knows that this is not the time quite yet for His crucifixion.  It’s interesting that while He is answering His opponents He is also offering hope for those who follow Him.  He reminds us that as followers of Him we can never be taken away from our relationship with God.  We always remain in His grip.  Jesus gives us this truth at the risk of being stoned to death.  To me this is one of the most significant promises in the Bible.  Nothing can separate us from God.  It’s the one relationship in life that can never fail or let you down.  Today hold on to Jesus’ promise that when He is holding you nothing can take you away from His great loving arms.

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave