John 10:37-38 – Gospel Seeds Through Works

Daily Devotional Bible Verses

If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” (John 10:37-38 ESV)

Earlier in this narrative a group of people asked Jesus to tell them straight out if he really is the Christ (John 10:24). Prior to this in the Gospel of John, Jesus had revealed that he is the Messiah to only one person, the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:26). Here though, it would seem as if Jesus had the perfect opportunity to reveal himself as the Messiah to a large number of people. He is the one who is going to save them by laying down his life for them. It seems the ideal moment, but he doesn’t.

If we read further we see his answer to those who want to know if he is claiming to be the Messiah and want to stone him for it. In essence, Jesus responds that even if they don’t believe him they should believe his works because only God could have produced them. In turn, their hearts could have grown soft toward Jesus and what would be the Gospel. What a great lesson for us as believers.

Many times our actions or works will be the first seeds planted in the heart of a future Christian. He or she might not believe in the Gospel message, but they believe that there is something different about the way we live our lives, treat others, serve the poor and display grace. God will use these works to bring about the realization of the Holy Spirit’s power at work and the truth of the Gospel.

Be encouraged today if your words about God are being rejected as a simple myth or fairy tale. Remember that your actions can be just as important to a person in their journey to belief in Jesus.