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Book of John - Chapter 10 - Verse 20

10:20
And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?

Meaning

When people heard Jesus speaking, some of them accused Him of being possessed by a devil and being insane. They questioned why others would listen to Him, believing His words to be the ramblings of a madman. This reaction reveals the skepticism and disbelief faced by Jesus during His ministry on earth. It also highlights the contrast between the spiritual discernment of those who recognized Jesus as the Son of God and the blindness of those who rejected Him. Despite the criticism and doubt from some, Jesus continued to preach the truth and reveal God's love to all who would listen. This verse serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by Jesus in His earthly ministry, as well as the importance of discerning the truth amidst skepticism and opposition.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of the verse "And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?" reveals a profound insight into the reactions of the people to Jesus' teachings. The term "devil" in this context refers to the accusation that Jesus was possessed by a demon or evil spirit, leading him to speak in a way that was considered irrational or insane. The word "mad" further emphasizes the belief that Jesus' words and actions were not in line with conventional wisdom or societal norms, causing confusion and disbelief among his listeners. This verse highlights the challenges and opposition that Jesus faced during his ministry, as he boldly proclaimed the truth despite facing rejection and ridicule from those who did not understand or accept his message. Through a closer examination of the language and cultural context, we gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual warfare and resistance that Jesus encountered as he demonstrated God's love and truth to a skeptical and skeptical world.

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