Here we see it again—the unavoidable reaction to truth: division. Jesus had just spoken words that no ordinary man could say. He declared Himself the Good Shepherd, the One who lays down His life for the sheep. He spoke of knowing His own and being known. He spoke of power over death, of taking up His life again. And the people were torn.

John 10:19, 21 (BSB) records,
“Again there was division among the Jews because of Jesus’ message… But others replied, ‘These are not the words of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?’”

Some heard blasphemy. Others heard beauty. Some said, “He has a demon.” Others said, “No one like this could be demon-possessed.” One moment, evil report. The next, good. The very same Christ—spoken of in opposite tones.

And this has always been the way. By evil report and good, He is received. It was true in His earthly ministry. It is true today. To some, He is a stumbling block; to others, the cornerstone. To some, His words are madness; to others, the voice of life itself. The same Person—Jesus—divides not because He changes, but because hearts are revealed when He speaks.

Notice this: it was His words that caused the division. His miracles brought awe, but His teaching brought offense. Why? Because He laid claim not only to the power to heal, but to the authority to define truth, to judge hearts, to call Himself one with the Father. That demands a response. Neutrality becomes impossible.

And so the crowd splits. Some malign Him. Some defend Him. But none ignore Him.

How do you receive Him? Are you swayed by the reports of others—whether they come cloaked in criticism or praise? Or are you listening for the voice of the Shepherd Himself? He said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). The true test is not in public approval, but in personal response.

Even now, He is spoken of in conflicting tones. Some still slander. Some still glorify. And through it all, He continues to speak—inviting, calling, gathering His own.

The division will not end until He comes again. But in the meantime, the faithful must be willing to walk the same road He did—marked by evil report and good, misunderstood by many, but known by God.

Cross References:
Luke 2:34 – “This child is appointed to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against…”
2 Corinthians 6:8 – “through glory and dishonor, slander and praise…”
John 7:43 – “So there was division among the people because of Jesus.”