He has a demon, and is insane, why listen to him? John 10.19
This passage, in light of Jesus’ clear communication of who he is, is both discouraging and encouraging.
It is discouraging because they did not get it. Jesus, standing before them and preaching the truth, was thought to be crazy. How sinful is sin that it stops up the unbelieving ears so full that they cannot hear their maker’s words? This is disturbing. Every unbelieving heart is just this hard. Left unto ourselves Jesus and his message is crazy.
It is encouraging because there was obviously nothing wrong with Jesus’ sermon. He didn’t leave out any key points or magic phrases that would have made them believe. He preached and they thought he was crazy. And if people thought Jesus was crazy then it should follow that when we preach this same message to like hearts then we will get the same response. I am encouraged that I don’t have to wonder what is wrong with me or the message, it is the heart of the hearer that is out of tune.
Furthermore, we should be encouraged that it is this same, foolish message that actually brings people to faith. Isn’t that interesting? That truth that makes one snicker and bristle can also make the same person trust and treasure Christ! In fact, in this very passage we read that “my sheep hear my voice…” (v.27). It is and always be the words of the Son of God that brings us from the grave of unbelief to the table of gospel feasting.
Therefore, let us be humbled, encouraged, sustained and exhorted unto gospel joy and fidelity.