Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 

Trinity: Fellowship of love

Bible Reading: St John 10:22-30

Key verse: Jesus Answered ‘I have already told you but you would not believe me. The things I do by my Father’s authority speak on my behalf’. (St John 10:25)

DEVOTION

The passage unfolds against the backdrop of the Festival of Dedication, a celebration dating back to 165 BC, commemorating the rededication of the temple after its defilement by foreign powers. As Jesus walked in Solomon’s colonnade within the temple courts, He was confronted by a direct question from the Jews:
“Are you the Christ? Tell us plainly.” (John 10:24)
In response, Jesus reaffirms His identity by pointing to the testimony of His works and the recognition of His followers:
“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)
Here, "my sheep" refers to those who are born again (cf. John 3:3–8)—those who have:
A new spiritual nature, enabling them to hear Christ’s voice and respond to Him.
A call to follow Him, which implies a life of faith and obedience—the twin hallmarks of genuine discipleship.
The promise of eternal life, along with the assurance of divine security. Jesus declares that His sheep are safe in His hands, and their salvation is secure and everlasting.
Jesus likens believers to sheep—creatures known for their vulnerability and inability to protect themselves. This analogy magnifies the grace of the Good Shepherd, whose strength and faithfulness are the basis of our eternal security. Our salvation rests not on our ability but on His enduring care and divine promise.
The Unity of the Trinity
In verse 30, Jesus makes a profound declaration:
“I and the Father are one.”
This is a clear reference to the Trinitarian nature of God—one God in three co-eternal, co-equal, and distinct persons: God the Father – the Creator, God the Son – the Redeemer and God the Holy Spirit – the Sustainer
While each person of the Trinity is distinct in role and relationship, they are united in essence, equal in divinity, and perfect in love.
When Jesus says, “I and the Father are one,” He does not suggest they are the same person, but rather that they are united in purpose, essence, and nature. Throughout this passage, Jesus consistently points to His relationship with the Father: The Father knows and loves Him (v.15, v.17), His works are done in the Father’s name (v.25) and Their unity is rooted in love and obedience.
Jesus emphasizes not hierarchy, but harmony—a perfect unity of love and mission. It is a relationship defined not by superiority or subordination, but by oneness in nature and purpose.
The Christian’s Call
This unity serves as a model for Christian fellowship. Just as the Father and Son are united in love, believers are called to unity through love and obedience to Christ. The bond of love is the proof of true discipleship.
After Jesus’ ascension, the Holy Spirit was given to all believers. He empowers us, leads us into truth, and sustains us in righteousness. The Spirit is the very presence of God within us, sharing the same divine essence as the Father and the Son.
Thus, the Trinity is not a theological abstraction, but a living fellowship of love, calling us to: Hear His voice, Follow in obedience and Live securely in His eternal promise.

PRAYER

You are the eternal mystery that enables, enfolds and enlivens all things, even us, and even me.  Every name falls short of your Goodness and Greatness.  We can only see who you are in what is.  We ask for such perfect seeing.  As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. Amen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

 ‘For to have the fruition of God the trinity after whose image we are made, is indeed the fullness of our joy than which there is no greater.’ (St Augustine).

Rev Zachariah Alexander
Vicar, Thevalakara Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Kollam.

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more