NOTES for Joh 10:17-28

Unlike learned theological treatises, unlike dogmatic definitions directed against various errors, Holy Scripture speaks of the mysteries of God with extreme restraint and reverence. Much is passed over in reverent silence; much is indicated only by a brief hint or a parable. Christ's words in today's reading are a rare moment when the evangelist sparingly transmits the words of the Son of God Himself concerning things that cannot be spoken.

The Lord says: "For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it up again." Listening closely to these words, one should remember the limitation of human language, and yet it is important to try to grasp what the Lord is saying and, above all, why He says it. For since the Spirit of God inspired the evangelist to remember and write down these words, it means He wanted us to hear and understand them.

The Lord explains the love of the Heavenly Father (although from our point of view it is completely beyond explanation) by the fact that the Son lays down His life. And here two important things must be noted. The love of which Jesus speaks is not simply a relationship between Persons, just as the laying down of life is not simply a heroic act. Both speak of the very nature of the unchanging God, and therefore in his epistle the evangelist John writes of Him that He is Love. In addition, according to the principles of biblical language, we see that the Lord places the Father's love for Him alongside His laying down of His life. In essence, this is one and the same nature, manifested differently by the Father and the Son. Since the life of the Son of God is given for us, these words are a priceless hope for us.

And one more thing: in order for us to experience, feel, and as far as possible appreciate this love of God, it is necessary to hear Christ's words that He gives us His life in perfect freedom, without compulsion from external circumstances. Only because we are dear to Him.