Adjusted Reality - John 10:24-33

The Jews gathered around him. They said, "How long will you keep us waiting? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."

Jesus answered, "I did tell you. But you do not believe. The kinds of things I do in My Father's name speak for Me. But you do not believe, because you are not My sheep.

"My sheep listen to My voice. I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never die. No one can steal them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than anyone. No one can steal them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."

Again the Jews picked up stones to kill him.

But Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many miracles from the Father. Which one of these are you throwing stones at Me for?"

"We are not throwing stones at you for any of these," replied the Jews. "We are stoning you for saying a very evil thing. You are only a man. But you claim to be God." – John 10:24-33

What happens when we make up our minds ahead of time? Before we listen to all the facts? We close the door on any thought other than our own or the people who have our ear. We shut out the possibility of getting to the heart of the matter or learning the truth about something. 

Often, we make up our minds to confirm or justify our own perception of reality, better fit our own agenda, or make us more comfortable. We usually want to see things in a way that will mesh with how we have been taught or brought up. It's the path of least resistance… and we're good with that.

However, when facts and reality confront us with a different perspective or reasoning, we must decide. Usually, that's uncomfortable. Sometimes, a decision requires personal sacrifice -  of our comfort, social standing, friendship, or even finances. 

The Jews (Pharisees) were having a rough time with Jesus. He didn't fit the way they saw God… or how they wanted to see Him. And… He very often doesn't fit how we want to see God. 

We can claim all day long that a banana is really an apple… but it still won't change the fact that it is what it is. 

Jesus claimed to be God. We have to deal with that.