Tell Us Plainly John Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these sayings. 20 And many of them said, “He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?” 21 Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” 22 Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. 24 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

Christ’s reply: “I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me (Jn. 10:25). Christ told some directly: –Blind man he healed (Jn. 9:37). –Samaritan woman (Jn. 4:26). Works He did were greatest answer: –Answer to John’s question from prison (Mt. 11:2-6). –Nicodemus deduced this from His works (Jn. 3:2). John summed up his book by saying: Abundance Evidence John And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

Insinuations in this Question: Insinuated that Jesus made them doubt. –Jesus makes no one doubt. –People doubt when they lack faith. –Came to remove doubt and fear (Jn. 7:17). –If in doubt, examine self (Matt. 14:31). Insinuated He was withholding from them. Desiring them to beg from Him. –Christ came to give, not withhold (Matt. 10:8). –Christ invites (Matt. 11:28-30).

Insinuations in this Question: Insinuated His teaching was ambiguous. –Ask question as though He had not answered. –Attempting to place their unbelief on Jesus. –“I told you and you believed not” (Jn. 10:25). –Others heard and believed--something else accounted for their unbelief (Jn. 3:2; 9:38). –Similar excuses given today are a reflection on Christ. Some say the way of the Lord is not plain enough. Exempting themselves from not following the truth by saying it is not plain enough for them to obey. Placing blame on Christ for not making it plain to them.

Root of Their Unbelief Jesus Explained: –“But you do not believe, because you are not of my sheep” (Jn. 10:26). –Did not possess the disposition of spirit necessary to hear and be saved-- far from kingdom (Mk. 12:34). –Were not teachable and not willing to sacrifice: Pride (Jn. 9:34) Money (Matt. 19:22) Comfort (Jn. 6:66) Position of honor (Jn. 11:48) Praise of men (Jn. 12:42-43)

Jesus Has Spoken Plainly Jesus speaks plainly about matters relating to our salvation. Yet, some still say its not plain enough. –What must I do to be saved? Mk. 16:16 –What is baptism? Rom. 6:3-4 –What is the purpose of baptism? Acts 2:38; 1 Pet. 3:21 –Is the church essential to my salvation? Acts 2:47 –What name must I wear? Acts 11:26 –What about music in worship? Eph. 5:19 –Do I have to worship regularly? Heb. 10:25