Bible Commentary

John 10:38 is a Bible verse from the New Testament where Jesus is reaching out to the Jews who did not believe Him and even accused him of blasphemy, but yet Jesus implored them to at least believe His works.

Jesus had extreme composure under pressure. He could look past all the hurtful insults and accusations and see the weaknesses of those who spewed them.

Many times, our initial reaction to a false accusation is to lash back in anger. How dare someone accuse us of something we didn’t do! Our very reputation, which we hold dear, is at stake.

Not Jesus. He looked at the big picture. He knew Who He was, and He knew His Father had sent Him to seek and save those who were lost (Luke 19:10).

In His response to those who dishonored Him and accused Him of blasphemy, He reached past the assault on His Name and honor and appealed to their heart with this request from John 10:38, “…though you do not believe Me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father.”

He took Himself out of their argument and asked them to focus not on Him, but on the works that He did. He was casting out demons, healing the sick and restoring sight to the blind.

If they focused on His works, the miracles, they would surely see the love of the Father in them.

Unlocking the Truth - Know God by His Works

Why did Jesus ask them to focus on His works, instead of on Him? He said in John 10:30, “…so that you may ^[f]know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father.”

There is a notation on the word “know,” which references the following: know and continue knowing. If you look up the word “know” in the dictionary, you’ll see this definition: to be sure or aware, to have knowledge.

Jesus wanted so much for them to see the Father in His works, not to draw attention to Himself, but so they would be sure, or aware of the Presence of the Father.

If they had knowledge of Whose Presence they were in, they would certainly be drawn to Him in humble adoration, and their hardened hearts be healed. What a joy that would be, and oh how it would mend the Father’s aching heart for His children who are in the darkness of unbelief.

What about you? What or Who do you believe in? Maybe you can’t put your finger on it. Maybe you can’t see Jesus in this messed-up and chaotic world. But look closely. You can see His works:

--in the eyes of the child who wishes his daddy was just like you because you pay attention to him.

--in the unselfish act of a soldier sacrificing his life to save workers in a building under attack.

--in the faithful touch of your spouse who loves you even when you’re unlovable.

--in the excitement of the loyal pet who greets you at the door every single day.

--in the friend who’s got your back when you’re having a rough day.

“but if I do them, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father.” John 10:38

Study the Bible verse of John 10:38 to know—to be aware and have the knowledge—of the Presence of God with you.