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Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe.” John 10:24–25
The reason why these individuals were unaware that Jesus was the Christ is because they desired Jesus to speak plainly to them. However, Jesus surprises them by stating that He has already answered their inquiry, but they choose not to believe. This passage in the Gospel further emphasizes the teaching of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Intriguingly, these people wanted Jesus to be straightforward about His identity as Christ, yet Jesus straightforwardly reveals that their lack of belief stems from their failure to listen. Consequently, they have misunderstood His message and are left in a state of perplexity.
This situation teaches us that God communicates with us in His own unique manner, which may not align with our preferences. His language is mystical, profound, gentle, and concealed. He only unveils His deepest mysteries to those who have learned to comprehend His language. However, for those who are unable to grasp God's language, confusion arises.
If you ever find yourself feeling bewildered in life or uncertain about God's plan for you, it may be worthwhile to examine how attentively you listen to God's way of speaking. We may implore God incessantly to speak to us straightforwardly, but He will always communicate in His customary way. And what is that language? At its core, it is the language of infused prayer.
Prayer is not solely about reciting prayers; it is ultimately a loving relationship with God. It is a profound form of communication. Through prayer, God acts within our souls, inviting us to believe in Him, follow Him, and love Him. This invitation is continuously extended to us, but often we fail to hear it because we neglect genuine prayer.
Much of John's Gospel, including the tenth chapter we are currently reading, employs a mystical approach. It cannot be simply read like a novel, comprehending all of Jesus' teachings in one go. Jesus' teachings must be heard within the depths of our souls, prayerfully pondered, and truly listened to. This approach will open the ears of our hearts to the certainty of His message.
