What Kind of Works?

Gospel: John 10: 22-30

Jesus tells his opponents that his works are the evidence and testimony that he comes from God.  The works of Jesus are works of love and mercy extended to all people regardless of background or status - works of healing, works of feeding others, works of mercy and forgiveness.  At no point does Jesus ever use violence or coercion in his ministry.  

This point is essential, for in the Old Testament we find troubling things that are called the works of God - acts of horrid violence and coercion that lead one not closer to God but further away.  The ministry of Jesus is the definitive lesson that the works of God are not works of violence and force but works of love and mercy that are provided for all people of all time.  God does not conquer through violence but through love alone.  

To his disciples who wanted to cast fire on a Samaritan town Jesus offered rebuke; to those who employed the sword at his arrest he chastised, then healed the stricken man.  To those who wanted to stone an adulterous woman he sent them away disappointed, and to those who killed him he offered forgiveness.  Those who would defend crusades, inquisitions, and the death penalty take heed: God's works are not these.