John 10:19 “There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.”
There is a stark and basic “division” between all people on this earth. The most fundamental reason for this “division” is that some believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and truly God; while others believe that “He hath a devil, and is mad” (John 19:20); that is, He is an insane imposter. Even the most extraordinary miracles could not convince these unbelievers, and the Lord explains why: “ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you” (John 10:26). On another occasion the Lord explained it this way: “Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. 44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.” (John 8:43-44). This “division” divides even the closest human relationships; the Lord explains, “Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. 53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.” (Luke 12:51-53). This “division” produces antagonistic behavior and often vicious wars. Those who are “not of” the Lord’s “sheep” cannot understand how, otherwise rational, people could believe such a thing. On the other hand, the Lord’s “sheep” are amazed that the unbelievers will not “believe” the obvious truth. Even in our present day, the Children of God, who are motivated and guided by their love for our Savior and desire Biblically moral lives are contrasted with and divided against those who are solely guided by human lusts and greed. As in the Lord’s day, some co-op religion to further their vain causes. But, the Lord’s “sheep” entirely love the Lord’s Church, His people, and His Word. Its true that all the Children of God do not agree on the meaning of some teachings in the Word of God; but, this most basic truth, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16), is solidly believed and heralded among the Lord’s “sheep”. At the very instant that Spiritual Birth occurs, this basic truth is enduringly planted in the heart and mind of the Lord’s “sheep”. In some cases, this blessed truth might be clouded over by false teachings and confusion and even persecution; yet if a person is “of” the Lord’s “sheep” it will be the motivating and guiding force for their lives. The struggle between believers and unbelievers continues even in our day; this is why we are Commanded to “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11) and to “be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58)!