What does John 10:20 mean?

Explanation

John 10:20 captures a moment of significant division and controversy surrounding Jesus' identity and the nature of his ministry.

Many among the Jews were reacting to Jesus' words, particularly his discourse concerning his relationship with the Father and his figurative language about being the Good Shepherd (earlier in the chapter).

Some accused Jesus of being possessed by a demon ("He hath a devil") and suggested that he was insane ("is mad"), questioning the rationale of those who were listening to him ("why hear ye him?").

This verse reflects a profound misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and teachings by some of his contemporaries and an outright dismissal of his claims to divine authority.

Historical Context

John 10:20 comes from a part of the Gospel of John where Jesus is in Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah).

This is a time of heightened religious sensitivity.

The Gospel of John is also known for its high Christology, and the dialogues often serve to highlight the unique and divine identity of Jesus.

The strong reactions to Jesus' teachings can be understood against the backdrop of first-century Jewish expectations of the Messiah, who was expected to be a political liberator rather than a spiritual savior.

Furthermore, claims of unity with God would be seen as blasphemy, justifying the accusations of madness or demonic influence.

Theological Insights

Theologically, the accusation that Jesus has a demon and is mad is telling.

From one Christian viewpoint, it indicates the inability of some people to discern spiritual truths about Jesus' identity as the Son of God.

Theological interpretations often see this division as a fulfillment of Old Testament predictions about the Messiah being a stumbling block for many (Isaiah 8:14).

From a non-Christian perspective, the verse is sometimes cited as evidence of the controversy and skepticism that Jesus' claims elicited.

The reference to madness could be seen as a secular way to try to explain the radical and counter-cultural teachings of Jesus, without attributing them to a divine source.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, John 10:20 can address the reality of division and conflict that arises when confronting challenging or counter-cultural ideas.

It can be applied to encourage individuals to seek understanding and discernment before jumping to conclusions about someone's mental state or moral character.

It also serves as a reminder for believers to be steadfast when faced with misunderstanding or opposition because of their faith.

This verse can promote patience, empathy, and the importance of dialogue in the context of religious disagreement.

Cross-References

• John 8:48 - "Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?"
• John 10:33 - "The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God."
• Mark 3:21 - "And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself."
• 1 Corinthians 1:23 - "But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the term "demon-possessed" is literally "daimonion echei" (δαιμόνιον ἔχει), where "daimonion" was commonly associated with evil spirits and "echei" is the third person singular present active indicative of "echo," meaning "to have." The term "mad" is translated from "mainetai" (μαίνεται), which is the middle/passive-present of "mainomai," meaning "to be mad" or "rave." These terms are strong and indicate that those who used them saw Jesus as entirely under the control of forces they deemed negative and heretical.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader cultural and religious context of the time, accusations of demon possession were not uncommon and could be used to discredit individuals or explain away behavior that deviated from societal norms.

Comparatively, in other religious traditions, prophets or holy figures are often met with skepticism or hostility.

For example, in Greek mythology, figures like Cassandra were granted the gift of prophecy but cursed to never be believed, paralleling the experience of being rejected or labeled as mad.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science tends to view claims of demon possession and insanity very differently, largely considering them within the realms of psychology and neurology.

Where first-century observers might have seen demonic influence, contemporary understanding would look for explanations in mental illness or other psychological conditions.

However, it is worth noting that scientific perspectives do not typically address the theological claims about Jesus' divinity directly.

Commentaries

Commentary on this verse varies:

• Traditional Christian commentaries often focus on the spiritual blindness of Jesus' accusers, emphasizing that their lack of faith prevented them from recognizing the messianic identity and divine mission of Jesus.
• Some modern scholars, informed by historical-critical methods, might approach this verse as evidence of the controversy inherent in the early Christian movement and the divisiveness of Jesus' claims.
• Skeptical commentators may see in this verse a reflection of the human tendency to reject what is not understood or to label it as madness instead of seeking a deeper understanding.