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John 10:18
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I have power - Or, authority, εξουσιαν. Our Lord speaks of himself here as man, or the Messiah, as being God's messenger, and sent upon earth to fulfill the Divine will, in dying and rising again for the salvation of men. This commandment have I received - That is, I act according to the Divine commandment in executing these things, and giving you this information.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down myself: I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again--It is impossible for language more plainly and emphatically to express the absolute voluntariness of Christ's death, such a voluntariness as it would be manifest presumption in any mere creature to affirm of his own death. It is beyond all doubt the language of One who was conscious that His life was His own (which no creature's is), and therefore His to surrender or retain at will. Here lay the glory of His sacrifice, that it was purely voluntary. The claim of "power to take it again" is no less important, as showing that His resurrection, though ascribed to the Father, in the sense we shall presently see, was nevertheless His own assertion of His own right to life as soon as the purposes of His voluntary death were accomplished. This commandment--to "lay down His--life, that He might take it again." have I received of my Father--So that Christ died at once by "command" of His Father, and by such a voluntary obedience to that command as has made Him (so to speak) infinitely dear to the Father. The necessity of Christ's death, in the light of these profound sayings, must be manifest to all but the superficial student.
John Gill Bible Commentary
No man taketh it from me,.... It was indeed taken away at the instigation of the Jews, and by the order of Pilate, and by means of the Roman soldiers, who crucified him; and the former of these are often charged with slaying him, and killing him, the Prince of life; and it is expressly said, "his life is taken from the earth", Act 8:33; and yet no man could, nor did take it away, without his Father's will, and determinate counsel and knowledge, by which he was delivered up into the hands of the above persons, and by which they did to him what they did, or otherwise they could have had no power over him; nor could any man, nor did any man, take away his life from him, without his own consent; he voluntarily surrendered himself, or he could never have been taken; he went freely to the cross, or he could never have been led there; he suffered himself to be nailed to the accursed tree, and when he hung on it, he could easily have disengaged himself, and come down; and when they had him there, they could not have taken away his life, had he not of himself given up the ghost, and breathed out his life and soul: but I lay it down of myself; of my own will, or of my own accord, as the Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions render it; which was done with the greatest patience and meekness, resolution, courage and magnanimity; and with a full will, and with the greatest cheerfulness and alacrity; and that as a ransom for his people, and that they might live through him: I have power to lay it down; this was not his life as God, but as man; and was so his own, as it was not his Father's, and was entirely at his own dispose; for it was the life of that individual human nature, which was united to his divine person; and so in a sense his, as it was not either the Father's or the Spirit's; and was so his own, as ours are not, which are from God, and dependent on him, and entirely to be disposed of by him, and not by ourselves: but Christ, the Prince of life, had a power of laying down his life of his own accord, as a ransom price for his sheep: and I have power to take it again; as he was the Son of God, and truly God, and as the surety of his people; having satisfied law and justice, by his obedience, sufferings, and death, and for the ends mentioned in note; see Gill on Joh 10:17, this commandment have I received of my Father; which may respect both branches of his power, but is not the foundation of it, but the reason of is exercising it; because it was so agreeable to his Father's will, which is the same with his own, as he is the Son of God, and one with his Father, and equal to him; and what he delights in as Mediator, in which capacity he is considered as a servant; and in which he cheerfully became obedient, even unto death, to his Father's command, or in compliance with his will: the Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions read, "because this commandment have I received of my Father": this is a reason why he so readily exerted his power, both in laying down his life, and taking it again, because it was his Father's command and will, and which he received from him, with the utmost pleasure; his and his Father's love, good will, gracious ends and views towards the elect, herein being the same.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:18 No one can take my life from me: The Son’s death was voluntary. Jesus was not a martyr or a victim. His decision to die was freely given in obedience and intimate relationship with his Father (see Acts 2:23-24). • Jesus’ resurrection was not an afterthought in which God rescued his Son from tragedy. God could not be contained by a tomb, and since Jesus and the Father are one, Jesus possessed the authority to rise from death.
John 10:18
Jesus the Good Shepherd
17The reason the Father loves Me is that I lay down My life in order to take it up again.18No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from My Father.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
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Christian Revolution
By Alan Redpath3.6K50:06RevolutionEXO 20:2DEU 8:2MAT 4:4MAT 5:17MAT 6:33JHN 10:18In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of the message of the living Christ in today's world. He highlights the current state of revolt and unrest in various countries and emphasizes that the message of Jesus is the only answer to the problems of humanity. The preacher expresses gratitude for knowing the Lord Jesus and urges others to awaken their conscience to the truth. He also discusses the moral vacuum that exists in society, where the word of God and the Ten Commandments have been eliminated. The preacher concludes by emphasizing that the gospel is not an easy escape from reality, but rather God's plan to fulfill His law in the lives of believers.
Studies in Isaiah - Part 1
By Harry Ironside2.5K45:58ExpositoryISA 35:1ISA 36:1ISA 40:1ISA 53:5MAT 6:33JHN 10:18REV 21:4In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing a message from the Lord about a coming battle and the loss of possessions. He then transitions to a section of the book of Isaiah, specifically chapters 40-44, which focus on comforting God's people. The speaker explains that God first reveals their true condition and then offers a remedy. The sermon also highlights the significance of four historical chapters in the life of King Hezekiah, emphasizing his godliness and the fulfillment of God's purpose through him.
A Christian Christmas
By Bob Jones Sr.2.4K13:22ISA 53:5MAT 1:21MAT 5:8JHN 10:18JHN 14:6ROM 6:231PE 2:24In this sermon, Dr. Bob Jones Sr. shares a story about a little orphan boy in a country school who willingly took the punishment of 10 lashes without his coat for another student. Dr. Jones uses this story to illustrate the concept of vicarious substitution, explaining that Jesus Christ took our place and suffered the lashes of God's judgment on our behalf. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the sacrifice Jesus made for us. Dr. Jones also challenges listeners to have a truly Christian Christmas, rather than just going through the motions of religious traditions.
Romans 6 - Part 1
By Zac Poonen1.5K56:41JHN 7:17JHN 10:18ROM 3:23ROM 6:6ROM 6:11EPH 1:4This sermon delves into Romans chapter 6, emphasizing the profound truth that believers have died with Christ and risen to newness of life. It highlights the importance of accepting by faith that our old sinful nature was crucified with Christ on the cross, leading to freedom from sin's power. The message underscores the need for believers to reckon themselves dead to sin and alive to God, allowing the Holy Spirit to make this truth a reality in their lives.
(Covenant Series) 6. the Everlasting Covenant of God - Part 6
By Al Whittinghill1.1K1:03:56Covenant SeriesGEN 1:26JHN 10:18ROM 5:12EPH 1:42TH 2:131PE 1:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of the Trinity in unity, highlighting the three persons of God acting as one. The sermon discusses how God had already planned for the provision of forgiveness even before Adam sinned. The preacher shares a personal experience of being in awe of God's power and might, realizing that God is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The sermon encourages the audience to learn about each member of the Godhead and not be swayed by man's theology, but to be rooted in God for eternity.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Three Pictures of Discipleship
By Zac Poonen8091:16:44MAT 13:22LUK 14:26LUK 14:33LUK 21:15JHN 10:18JAS 1:221PE 4:10This sermon emphasizes the three key conditions of discipleship based on Luke 14: building the skyscraper of faith by counting the cost, fighting the battle against the devil by denying self daily, and maintaining the saltiness of our lives by giving up possessiveness. The importance of standing before the Lord, sifting precious from worthless in our conversations, and being the mouthpiece of God with wisdom is highlighted to live as true disciples.
Hidden Treasure & Strange Gods & Mountain Peaks - Part 3
By Bakht Singh3491:03:22Christian LifeISA 40:5ISA 64:6MAT 13:44MRK 10:24JHN 10:18PHP 2:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving everything we have to seek and save sinners. He uses the analogy of a person who is willing to sell everything they have in order to buy a valuable pearl or field. The speaker highlights that Jesus is the one who gave everything, his body and blood, to save sinners. He contrasts this with the reality that as sinners, we have nothing of value to offer. The speaker also references biblical passages that compare human beings to dry grass, a filthy rag, and a withering leaf, emphasizing our insignificance and need for salvation.
The Arguments to Come to Him
By Rolfe Barnard23255:45Christian LifeMAT 11:27JHN 4:34JHN 10:18PHP 2:8HEB 5:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christ in our relationship with God. He emphasizes that nobody can truly know God unless Christ reveals Himself to them. The preacher uses the story of a soldier who stayed on his post for three days and nights, even though he was supposed to be relieved, to illustrate the joy and glory that comes from embracing the gospel of Christ. He emphasizes that salvation can only be found in Christ and that we must come to Him in faith, as He is the only way to God.
The Significance of the Cross
By Peter Brandon845:54SalvationThe CrossISA 53:5MAT 27:46LUK 23:42JHN 3:16JHN 10:18ROM 5:81CO 1:18GAL 2:20HEB 9:281PE 2:24Peter Brandon emphasizes the profound significance of the cross in his sermon, illustrating how it represents the power of God for salvation, despite being perceived as foolishness by the world. He explores the dignity of Christ's death, the pain He endured, and the prophetic nature of His sacrifice, highlighting that Jesus was the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world. Brandon also addresses the personal revelation of the cross, urging listeners to recognize their own sinfulness and the love of God demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice. He concludes by encouraging a heartfelt response to the cross, emphasizing that true salvation comes through a personal revelation of Christ's love and sacrifice.
The Indestructible Christ
By G.W. North0Eternal Nature of ChristVictory over DeathISA 53:5LUK 24:46JHN 1:14JHN 10:18ACT 2:24ROM 6:91CO 15:55PHP 2:8HEB 10:5REV 1:18G.W. North emphasizes the indestructible nature of Christ, explaining that while Jesus' physical body died, the eternal essence of Christ remained alive and indestructible. He clarifies that the Christ, who is God manifest in the flesh, cannot die, and that Jesus' death was a necessary part of fulfilling scripture, allowing Him to conquer death and rise again. North highlights the mystery that confounded the Jews, who understood that the Christ abides forever, yet struggled with the concept of His death. He illustrates that Christ's incarnation was a divine plan, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice that fulfilled the requirements of the Mosaic Covenant. Ultimately, North reassures believers that while Jesus' body was destroyed, the Christ within remained eternal and victorious over death.
Matthew 27:51
By Chuck Smith0Transformation through FaithThe Divinity of ChristDAN 9:24MAT 27:51JHN 7:46JHN 10:18Chuck Smith emphasizes that the declaration 'Truly this was the Son of God' is supported by prophecy, the life of Jesus, His death, and personal experiences today. He highlights the overwhelming number of prophecies concerning Christ, the testimonies of those who witnessed His miraculous acts, and the significance of His sacrificial death. Smith encourages listeners to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God, which can transform their lives and lead them to serve Him faithfully.
1 Peter 3:18
By John Gill0RedemptionSufferingISA 53:5JHN 10:18ROM 5:81CO 15:202CO 4:17EPH 2:13PHP 3:10COL 1:22HEB 10:101PE 3:18John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 3:18, emphasizing that Christ suffered not for His own sins, but for the sins of His people, enduring immense pain and sorrow throughout His life and culminating in His death on the cross. He highlights that Christ's singular sacrifice is sufficient for the remission of sins, contrasting it with the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament. Gill encourages believers to endure their own sufferings patiently, as Christ, the just one, suffered for the unjust to bring them to God, offering them reconciliation and access to divine grace. He reassures that while Christ was put to death in the flesh, He was quickened by the Spirit, promising believers the hope of resurrection and eternal life. This profound understanding of Christ's suffering serves as a model for Christians to bear their trials with patience and faith.
Of the Passive Obedience of Christ, or of His Sufferings and Death.
By John Gill0Redemption through SufferingPassive Obedience of ChristISA 53:5MAT 26:39JHN 10:18ACT 2:23ROM 5:8GAL 3:13EPH 1:7COL 1:20HEB 12:21PE 2:24John Gill preaches on the passive obedience of Christ, emphasizing His willing submission to suffering and death for the sake of humanity. He highlights that Christ's entire life was marked by suffering, culminating in His crucifixion, which was foretold by the prophets. Gill explains that Christ's death was not only a physical event but also a profound spiritual sacrifice, bearing the weight of sin and divine wrath. The sermon underscores the necessity and efficacy of Christ's sufferings, which were essential for the redemption and reconciliation of His people. Ultimately, Gill illustrates that through His passive obedience, Christ fulfilled God's plan for salvation, demonstrating His love and commitment to humanity.
The True Basis of Life for the Companions
By T. Austin-Sparks0Heavenly CallingFaith in GodJDG 7:7JHN 10:18ACT 7:20HEB 3:1HEB 4:14HEB 6:4HEB 8:1HEB 9:23HEB 11:16HEB 12:23T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the words 'heavenly' and 'faith' in the Christian life, particularly as presented in the Letter to the Hebrews. He illustrates how God consistently places His people on a supernatural basis, demonstrating that true faith involves trusting in God's ability to accomplish the impossible, as seen through biblical figures like Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph. Sparks encourages young Christians to understand that living a heavenly life is not limited to the afterlife but is a present reality grounded in faith. He concludes that faith is the belief that heaven can do what no earthly power can achieve, urging believers to rely on divine resources in seemingly hopeless situations.
The Man Who Is Alive
By T. Austin-Sparks0Triumph Over DeathEternal LifeJHN 1:4JHN 10:18ROM 8:18ROM 8:29COL 1:18REV 1:17REV 4:6REV 5:5REV 22:1REV 22:17T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the central theme of life in the book of Revelation, contrasting the new creation Man, Jesus Christ, with the fallen state of humanity. He illustrates how the narrative from Genesis to Revelation revolves around the tree of life and the significance of living in Christ, who overcame death and offers eternal life to believers. Sparks highlights that the testimony of Jesus is embodied in the church, which faces opposition from death but ultimately will triumph through the life of Christ. He encourages believers to hold onto this life, despite trials, as the ultimate victory belongs to those who are in Christ. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace life and reject the temptations of death.
The Sufferings of Christ, and Their Consequent Joys and Blessings
By Samuel Davies0ISA 53:10JHN 4:35JHN 10:18ROM 14:92CO 5:19PHP 2:8HEB 7:25HEB 12:2REV 1:17Samuel Davies preaches about the sufferings of Christ and the joys and blessings that follow, emphasizing the profound sacrifice Jesus made for sinners. He describes the tragic sufferings of Jesus, the purity of His character, and the voluntary nature of His sacrifice. Davies urges the congregation to consider the weight of Jesus' sufferings and love, and the need to respond with gratitude, surrender, and devotion to Him. He highlights the joy and satisfaction Jesus finds in the salvation of sinners, the extension of His days through resurrection and exaltation, and the delight He takes in seeing His spiritual seed prosper. Davies calls for a heartfelt response to Jesus' sacrifice, a commitment to His service, and a participation in the communion of saints.
Discourse of God's Being the Author of Reconciliation
By Stephen Charnock0JHN 10:18ROM 5:62CO 5:18EPH 1:6EPH 1:10Stephen Charnock preaches about the importance of reconciliation by Jesus Christ, highlighting the mystery and greatness of this act. The reconciliation through Christ comprehends the counsels of eternity and the transactions of time, shining forth the wisdom and grace of God. The double reconciliation expressed in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 involves a fundamental reconciliation obtained at the death of Christ and an actual reconciliation complied with by faith. The proclamation and acceptance of reconciliation are essential parts, with God being the principal person wronged and reconciled to through Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I have power - Or, authority, εξουσιαν. Our Lord speaks of himself here as man, or the Messiah, as being God's messenger, and sent upon earth to fulfill the Divine will, in dying and rising again for the salvation of men. This commandment have I received - That is, I act according to the Divine commandment in executing these things, and giving you this information.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down myself: I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again--It is impossible for language more plainly and emphatically to express the absolute voluntariness of Christ's death, such a voluntariness as it would be manifest presumption in any mere creature to affirm of his own death. It is beyond all doubt the language of One who was conscious that His life was His own (which no creature's is), and therefore His to surrender or retain at will. Here lay the glory of His sacrifice, that it was purely voluntary. The claim of "power to take it again" is no less important, as showing that His resurrection, though ascribed to the Father, in the sense we shall presently see, was nevertheless His own assertion of His own right to life as soon as the purposes of His voluntary death were accomplished. This commandment--to "lay down His--life, that He might take it again." have I received of my Father--So that Christ died at once by "command" of His Father, and by such a voluntary obedience to that command as has made Him (so to speak) infinitely dear to the Father. The necessity of Christ's death, in the light of these profound sayings, must be manifest to all but the superficial student.
John Gill Bible Commentary
No man taketh it from me,.... It was indeed taken away at the instigation of the Jews, and by the order of Pilate, and by means of the Roman soldiers, who crucified him; and the former of these are often charged with slaying him, and killing him, the Prince of life; and it is expressly said, "his life is taken from the earth", Act 8:33; and yet no man could, nor did take it away, without his Father's will, and determinate counsel and knowledge, by which he was delivered up into the hands of the above persons, and by which they did to him what they did, or otherwise they could have had no power over him; nor could any man, nor did any man, take away his life from him, without his own consent; he voluntarily surrendered himself, or he could never have been taken; he went freely to the cross, or he could never have been led there; he suffered himself to be nailed to the accursed tree, and when he hung on it, he could easily have disengaged himself, and come down; and when they had him there, they could not have taken away his life, had he not of himself given up the ghost, and breathed out his life and soul: but I lay it down of myself; of my own will, or of my own accord, as the Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions render it; which was done with the greatest patience and meekness, resolution, courage and magnanimity; and with a full will, and with the greatest cheerfulness and alacrity; and that as a ransom for his people, and that they might live through him: I have power to lay it down; this was not his life as God, but as man; and was so his own, as it was not his Father's, and was entirely at his own dispose; for it was the life of that individual human nature, which was united to his divine person; and so in a sense his, as it was not either the Father's or the Spirit's; and was so his own, as ours are not, which are from God, and dependent on him, and entirely to be disposed of by him, and not by ourselves: but Christ, the Prince of life, had a power of laying down his life of his own accord, as a ransom price for his sheep: and I have power to take it again; as he was the Son of God, and truly God, and as the surety of his people; having satisfied law and justice, by his obedience, sufferings, and death, and for the ends mentioned in note; see Gill on Joh 10:17, this commandment have I received of my Father; which may respect both branches of his power, but is not the foundation of it, but the reason of is exercising it; because it was so agreeable to his Father's will, which is the same with his own, as he is the Son of God, and one with his Father, and equal to him; and what he delights in as Mediator, in which capacity he is considered as a servant; and in which he cheerfully became obedient, even unto death, to his Father's command, or in compliance with his will: the Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions read, "because this commandment have I received of my Father": this is a reason why he so readily exerted his power, both in laying down his life, and taking it again, because it was his Father's command and will, and which he received from him, with the utmost pleasure; his and his Father's love, good will, gracious ends and views towards the elect, herein being the same.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:18 No one can take my life from me: The Son’s death was voluntary. Jesus was not a martyr or a victim. His decision to die was freely given in obedience and intimate relationship with his Father (see Acts 2:23-24). • Jesus’ resurrection was not an afterthought in which God rescued his Son from tragedy. God could not be contained by a tomb, and since Jesus and the Father are one, Jesus possessed the authority to rise from death.