John 10:25
Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Jesus had performed numerous miracles in Jerusalem and Judea: healing the paralytic (John 5), feeding the five thousand (John 6), giving sight to the man born blind (John 9). These signs exceeded anything the prophets had done and were recognized as messianic indicators (John 7:31). Even Jesus's enemies couldn't deny the miracles—they could only dispute their source (demon power vs. divine power).
In Jewish jurisprudence, testimony required witnesses. Jesus presents two witnesses: His words and His works. Together they constitute overwhelming evidence of His identity. The works validate the words; the words interpret the works. The religious leaders demanded more evidence while rejecting the evidence given—a pattern of willful unbelief.
The early church defended Jesus's messiahship by appealing to His works. Peter at Pentecost declared: "Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know" (Acts 2:22). The miracles were public, undeniable, and testified to Jesus's divine mission.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's appeal to His works challenge the demand for more evidence—when is there sufficient proof, and what prevents belief?
- What is the relationship between Jesus's words and His works in revealing His identity?
- How should we respond when people claim they would believe if given sufficient evidence, yet ignore the evidence already available?
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not—Jesus refuses their demand for a different kind of answer; He's already revealed His identity clearly. The problem isn't lack of evidence but refusal to believe. The verb "believed not" (οὐ πιστεύετε/ou pisteuete) is present tense—continuous unbelief despite continuous revelation. They keep demanding proof while ignoring the proof already given.
The claim "I told you" refers not to a single statement "I am the Messiah" but to Jesus's cumulative self-revelation through words and works. His "I am" statements (John 6:35, 8:12, 10:7, 10:11), His claims to forgive sins (Mark 2:5-7), His acceptance of worship (John 9:38)—all declared His identity. They had ears but wouldn't hear.
The works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me—Jesus appeals to His "works" (τὰ ἔργα/ta erga)—miracles that only God could perform. These works are done "in my Father's name" (ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ πατρός μου/en tō onomati tou patros mou), meaning by the Father's authority and revealing the Father's character. The works "bear witness" (μαρτυρεῖ/martyrei)—legal testimony confirming Jesus's claims.
Jesus shifts the issue from His declaration to their response. The evidence is sufficient; the problem is their unbelief. John's Gospel emphasizes that Jesus's works reveal His glory (John 2:11) and prove He is sent from the Father (John 5:36). The Father testifies to the Son through these miraculous signs. Rejecting the signs means rejecting the Father's testimony.