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.
John 10:25
Jesus responds to the Jews’ demand with a measured rebuke: He has already told them the truth, and they did not believe. He points to the works he performs in his Father’s name as a witness to his identity. The context emphasizes that visible signs—miracles, authoritative teaching, and alignment with the Father’s will—should confirm who he is. Yet belief is not simply a matter of signs; it’s a matter of the heart’s disposition toward God. The phrase “in my Father’s name” signals Jesus’ mission as obedient to the Father, functioning as God’s agent. The response underscores the recurrent biblical theme: unbelief persists despite clear evidence because it stems from a deeper spiritual resistance, not merely from insufficient information. This verse prepares readers for the next argument: the unity of Father and Son is at stake, and belief or disbelief has eternal significance.
Key theological themes: revelation through works, the importance of obedience to the Father, and the certainty that Jesus’ authority is derived from and aligned with God. The verse ties Jesus’ identity to the Father’s will, reinforcing the Johannine emphasis on Jesus as the God-sent Word who reveals the Father. It also highlights the moral dimension of belief: God’s acts in Jesus demand response; unbelief is not a neutral stance but a moral and spiritual decision contrary to divine revelation.
In modern life, this calls believers to examine what they count as “evidence.” Do we trust our experiences, our tradition, or our logic more than the witness of Jesus? Practical steps: study the works and claims of Jesus in parallel with Scripture, observe how his name is represented in your life, and measure your response by obedience to God’s will. For those exploring faith, consider evaluating the fruits of Jesus’ life in the Gospels—not just the miracles but the character and moral teaching—and ask whether those works point you toward trust in him. A concrete practice: keep a “trust journal” noting moments when you see Jesus’ leadership at work in your life, and reflect on how that shapes your decisions and priorities.
Cross-References: John 5:36; John 14:11; John 6:28-29; 1 John 5:9-10