John 10:38 – “But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus continues responding to the religious leaders who were accusing Him of blasphemy for claiming to be one with the Father (John 10:30). Even though they refused to believe His words, He urged them to look at the works He was doing—His miracles, healings, and acts of compassion—as evidence of His divine identity.

Jesus makes a powerful statement: “The Father is in me, and I in the Father.” This means that His works are not just displays of supernatural power—they are proof of His unique relationship with God. He is not just a messenger from God; He is one with God. His miracles confirm that He is doing the Father’s work, not acting on His own.

By calling them to believe based on the evidence, Jesus is showing patience and grace. Even though His opponents were rejecting Him, He still gave them an opportunity to recognize the truth. If they would just open their hearts to what they were seeing, they would understand that He was truly sent by the Father.

Historical Context

Jesus was speaking during the Festival of Dedication (Hanukkah) in the temple courts. Many Jewish people at the time were looking for a political Messiah—someone who would free them from Roman rule. But Jesus was revealing something far greater: a spiritual kingdom where people would be set free from sin and death.

By this point, the religious leaders were already trying to get rid of Jesus. They had accused Him of blasphemy (claiming to be God), which was punishable by death (Leviticus 24:16). Their minds were made up, but Jesus still gave them one more chance to believe by pointing to His works.

This moment was part of a pattern. Throughout His ministry, Jesus performed miracles that fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. Yet, despite seeing undeniable evidence, many refused to accept Him. Their rejection was not due to a lack of proof, but a hardened heart.

Theological Implications

1. Faith is based on evidence, not blind belief. Jesus does not ask for faith without proof—He tells people to believe based on what they see. His miracles confirm His identity.
2. Jesus and the Father are one. His works demonstrate that He is not separate from God but fully united with Him in mission and purpose.
3. Miracles alone do not guarantee belief. Even when people saw Jesus perform incredible signs, some still rejected Him. This shows that unbelief is often a matter of the heart, not the mind.
4. God is patient with doubters. Even though Jesus knew many of these leaders would not believe, He still invited them to consider the truth one more time.

Literary Analysis

This verse is structured as a plea for belief. Jesus does not just declare who He is—He invites people to see for themselves.

1. “But if I do them” – Jesus acknowledges that they do not believe His words, so He directs them to His actions.
2. “Believe the works” – He points to the undeniable evidence of His miracles.
3. “That you may know and understand” – His goal is for them to see the truth about His relationship with the Father.
4. “The Father is in me, and I in the Father” – This is one of Jesus’ clearest statements of His unity with God.

John’s Gospel often highlights the tension between seeing and believing. Many people saw Jesus’ works, but not all believed. This verse is a call for people to go beyond seeing miracles and recognize what they truly mean.

Biblical Cross-References

1. John 14:11 – “Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.”
   • Jesus makes a similar statement, again urging people to believe based on His works.
2. John 5:36 – “For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me.”
   • Jesus’ miracles were not just acts of power; they were direct proof that He was sent by God.
3. Matthew 11:4-5 – “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.”
   • Jesus’ works fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.
4. Isaiah 35:5-6 – “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.”
   • The miracles Jesus performed were foretold in Scripture.
5. Hebrews 2:3-4 – “This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit.”
   • Miracles are God’s way of confirming His message.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Faith is based on truth. Christianity is not about blind belief—Jesus invites us to examine the evidence. His life, death, and resurrection are historical realities.
2. God still reveals Himself through His works. Even though Jesus is no longer walking the earth, we still see God’s power in changed lives, answered prayers, and the truth of Scripture.
3. Doubt should lead us to seek truth, not reject it. Jesus welcomed honest questions. If we struggle with doubt, we should examine the evidence rather than walk away.
4. Jesus is still calling people to believe. Just as He gave the religious leaders a chance to recognize the truth, He gives every person today the opportunity to come to faith.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

1. God does not give up on people easily. Even when people reject Him, He continues to show patience and grace, giving them opportunities to believe.
2. God provides evidence of His existence and love. Jesus did not just claim to be the Son of God—He proved it. God has always given people reasons to trust Him.
3. God wants us to know Him personally. Jesus’ works were meant to reveal the heart of the Father. He did not perform miracles for show—He did them so people could understand God’s love.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus confirms His divine authority. His works prove that He is not just another prophet or teacher but God in the flesh.
2. Jesus shows that faith and reason go together. He does not expect blind belief—He calls people to examine the evidence.
3. Jesus is patient with those who doubt. Even when people struggle to believe, He meets them where they are and invites them to consider the truth.
4. Jesus’ miracles were a preview of His greatest work—His resurrection. The ultimate proof of His identity was His victory over death.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Jesus pointed to His works as proof of His identity?
2. How does this verse challenge the idea that faith is blind?
3. What are some ways we see God’s works in our lives today?
4. Why did some people reject Jesus even after seeing His miracles?
5. How can we help others see the truth about Jesus today?