There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. (20) And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? (21) Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind? (22) And it was at Jerusalem, the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. (23) And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon's porch. (24) Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. (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. (26) But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
I beg the Reader to ponder what is here said. The observations made by the Jews concerning the person and office of Christ, is very striking. More than half convinced by reason and argument they frequently were, that Jesus was the Christ, but never brought into a belief of it by divine teaching. And so it is in the present hour. The carnal and the ungodly are not unfrequently alarmed in their consciences, but their apprehension of God's truths is only head knowledge; no heart-influence. Devils have this knowledge. So they said, Luke 4:41. But devils they remained, and will eternally remain. Reader! oh! see to it, that your knowledge of the Lord Jesus is of the Lord. It is God the Father makes known the Son. Matthew 11:27. God the Holy Ghost makes known the Son. 1 Corinthians 12:3. And the consequence of this divine teaching produceth those blessed effects which Christ describes, John 6:45. And the reverse of this Jesus teacheth in this chapter, and elsewhere. See John 10:26-27. See also John 8:42-43.