Seeing two people move in perfect sequence is an amazing sight. Hip-hop, ballet, swing, tap, river dancing, and even country line dancing are prime examples. One of my personal favorites is step dancing, where they stomp the stage and smack their bodies all in sync together creating a moving and entertaining beat. I think it’s so cool and manly to hear those chants and deep base sounds. My wife can testify that I do it all over the house. We have a raised foundation so you hear every beat and thud throughout the house; it’s an acoustic dream for stepping.

Similarly, Jesus and the Father move in perfect sequence in their works. What the Father does, the Son does, and with perfect reflection. This is the idea behind Jesus’ words in John 10:30 where He states, “I and the Father are one.” Context teaches us that it refers to being one in action and purpose. Jesus preserves the sheep (His people) as God the Father does because they are in perfect sequence/oneness of action and purpose. Now, even though this oneness is clearly a reference to a functional oneness, there is an implicit ontological identity lying underneath. In other words, if Jesus does the works of the Father, He is also divine like the Father as well.

Since Jesus preserves His sheep unto eternal life, we have great hope and peace. He is our preserving grace and no one can snatch us out of His hand—His oneness with the Father makes it certain. One of the great struggles some sheep can feel is that at any moment they will be lost and fall away. Many moments become filled with terror because they fear sinning and the judgment of God. Let this passage relieve your fears and rest your soul.

Moreover, consider Psalm 56:1–4

¹Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me;
all day long an attacker oppresses me;
²my enemies trample on me all day long,
for many attack me proudly.
³When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
⁴In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can flesh do to me?

Whenever you are afraid, trust in the Lord who preserves His sheep. Remember it is God who holds you fast. It is God who enables you to will and to work according to His good pleasure.

Here is a favorite song of mine; may it encourage your heart today!

Pastor Sean

Sources

Carson, D. A. The Gospel according to John, The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans, 1991.

Harris, Murray J. John, Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament. Nashville, Tennessee: B&H Publishing, 2015.

Köstenberger, Andreas J. “John.” In Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament, edited by G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson, 415