Charles Spurgeon Commentary John 10:18-21

"No one taketh it away from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment received I from my Father. There arose a division again among the Jews because of these words. And many of them said, He hath a demon, and is mad; why hear ye him? Others said, These are not the sayings of one possessed with a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?" — John 10:18-21 (ASV)

I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. And many of them said, He has a devil, and is mad; why hear you him?

Others said, These are not the words of him that has a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

Christ's sayings always cause a division between those who hear them. There must always be two opinions, just as there are some who are his sheep and some who are not. When you go and try to speak for Christ, do not be at all astonished if people ridicule you.

What did they say of the Master himself? He has a devil, and is mad. They will not say anything worse than that of you. And when they have said it, what does it matter? Hard words break no bones.

So have courage enough to bear opposition, and you may, like your Master, yet find some who will defend you, for there may be those who will say, These are not the words of him that has a devil.