John 10:20

And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?

John 10:20 (KJV)

Context

John 10 records Jesus’ discourse about being the Good Shepherd. In the preceding verses, Jesus declared that He lays down His life for the sheep and that He has authority to take it up again (John 10:17-18). This teaching caused a division among the Jews (John 10:19).

Meaning

In verse 20, many of the Jews who heard Jesus speak accused Him of having a devil and being mad. These accusations were a direct response to Jesus’ claims, which challenged their traditional understanding of the Scriptures and religious practices. The charge of demon possession was recurring; earlier, in John 7:20, the people said, “Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?” and in John 8:48, they said, “Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?” The accusation in John 10:20 is the fourth time Jesus was called demon-possessed. The Jews linked madness with the devil, concluding that His words should not be regarded.

The reaction reveals spiritual blindness. Despite witnessing Jesus’ miracles and hearing His profound teaching, they dismissed Him as demon-possessed and mad. This highlights the hardness of their hearts and their unwillingness to believe in Him as the Messiah.

Biblical connections

The verse also shows the division among the people: some said He had a devil, while others reasoned, “These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?” (John 10:21). This latter question points to the miracle of healing the man born blind (John 9), which was a powerful testimony to Jesus’ divine authority.

Application

This verse reminds believers that following Jesus may result in opposition and rejection. Just as Jesus faced accusations, His followers may also face similar challenges. We are called to stand firm in our faith and trust in Him, even in the face of opposition. The people’s response also highlights the need for discernment. It is crucial to evaluate teachings in light of God’s Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. The accusation of demon possession is a reminder that the world often rejects the truth and mischaracterizes those who speak it. This verse encourages perseverance in the face of misunderstanding and false accusation, knowing that Jesus Himself was slandered. It also warns against dismissing God’s message because of the messenger’s perceived flaws.

Reflection

The response of the people contrasts with the response of the sheep who know the Shepherd’s voice (John 10:4-5, 14).