I took Jeremy’s emailed words (and much needed) help to
heart when he emphasized the importance of seeing the discussions in the book
of John in light of the miracles, the Jew’s failure to provide an explanation
of the miracles and their subsequent repeated rejection of the Christ. Jeremy
called this an “inference to the best explanation” if not a very good deductive
argument.
Priori accepted by the Jews: The Father is Good
The claim: "I am the Good Shepherd" (10:11)
Result of the claim: "The Father loves me because I lay
down my life for the sheep" (10:17)
Evidence of the claim: "The works that I do I do in my
Father's name" (10:25)
Problem with the claim: "You don't believe me because
you're not my sheep" (10:26)
Partial Agreement with the evidence: They agree that his
works are good (10:33)
Acceptance of Partial Evidential Agreement: Don't believe me
but believe my works (10:37)
Partial Evidential Agreement bears examination of the Entire
Claim to have full acceptance: "If you believe the works to be good then
you'll know that the Father is in me and I am in the Father" (10:38)
Conclusion: A sheep may not believe the Shepherd he doesn't
know, but if the sheep believes the works to be good he can follow the works to
trust the Shepherd.
-r-
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