Quite often in Bible reading, John 10:40-42 would be considered classic “throw away” verses. But as Pastor Brian reminded us, not a single action of Jesus in the Bible is a throw away.

In this week’s text, Pastor Brian walked through three verses in John 10 that gives us an understanding of how much value Jesus placed on the long game of his ministry. We discovered that Jesus never does anything out of fear, but only ever out of strategy—so that many would come to believe in him.

Let’s read together.

Grow Together

Read this from the Bible together:

John 10:40-42  40 Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. There he stayed, 41 and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true.” 42 And in that place many believed in Jesus.

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Some key statements and questions put forward that are important for us to talk about…

“The Jesus went back across the Jordan… Jesus left the epicenter of influence to go where little was happening to honor John the Baptist’s ministry. What does this detail tell you about the character of Jesus and how he was committed to the long game in accomplishing his Father’s will?

There he stayed… When Jesus “stayed” it was proof that his health, confidence and identity were not rooted in his accomplishments. Have you ever stopped doing something that seemed of importance to go someplace that felt less important because God told you to? What was the result?

…and many people came to him. Jesus went out of his way so that many people would come to believe in him. Do you long for many to believe in him? Do you have a sense of urgency about everyone knowing the grace you have received?

Next Steps

”We might be the first culture in history that has almost zero vision for the future.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, what do you think that kind of reality provides for the next generation of Jesus followers?

”How’s your Christian worldview doing when you discover that John the Baptist will die in prison for being faithful.” Pastor Brian challenged us to define what the long game looks like. Does the idea of suffering or persecution seem like a just reward for those who are faithful?

”Following Jesus will cost you everything, but you’ll lose nothing and gain everything.” What do you think Pastor Brian meant when he said this? Does this very true statement align with the way you live your life or not? What do you think the long game should cost you? Why?