Jesus answered them, “Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me? The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.” (John 10:32-33)
1. The divine power and source of Jesus' works were indisputable. They were works from his Father, so far above the ordinary operations of nature as to demonstrate to His opponents that He had been sent of God and acting by His authorization. These works he showed them; he did them openly before the people, and not in a corner. He did not display them by candlelight but he showed them at noon-day before the world. They would bear the test to anyone who was impartial and open-minded that they pointed to His divine character.
2. The divine grace of his works convicted them of their most base ingratitude. The works he did among them were not only miracles, but mercies; not only works of wonder to amaze them but works of love and kindness to do them good and endear himself to them. He healed the sick, cleansed the lepers, cast out demons, which were favors, not only to the persons concerned, but to the public. These he had repeated and multiplied. In essence He said to them: "Now for which of these do you stone me? You cannot say that I have done you any harm or given you any just provocation; if therefore you will pick a quarrel with me, it must be for some good work, some good turn done you; tell me for which."
3. The horrible ingratitude of unredeemed humanity towards the loving mercy and kindness of God as displayed in His miracles exposes the depth of human depravity and rebellion. Ultimately, they say that it was not for His good works, but for his claims. But that was the entire point! His works proved His claims! It is one thing for someone to declare himself God. People do this every day, mostly in mental hospitals and among religious hucksters. But only One Person could back His claims with actual miracles that were indisputable, convincing, overpowering, and overwhelming. Only the most stubborn hearts would refuse to believe.
4. In our day and age, Christians can perform works of kindness but still receive condemnation. By their testimony Christians bring light into dark places and can face resentment and ingratitude even when their deeds of mercy and graciousness are without dispute. We need to remember that this was how our Savior was treated and not be discouraged or grow weary in well doing.