John 10: 22-30, Hanukkah and Blasphemy

The gospel writer once more reports on teachings of Jesus in Jerusalem.

John 10: 22-24, Hanukkah and blasphemy
Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 
23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 
24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

The Feast of Dedication is our modern Hannukah.  In this teaching in the temple courts, those who gather around Jesus ask him the main question on everyone's mind, "Are you the Messiah?"

John 10: 25-30, Hanukkah and blasphemy
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 
26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 
27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 
28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 
29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 
30 I and the Father are one.”

Knowing that a simple Yes will do no good, Jesus gives a more extended answer. In his answer he accuses the listeners of not paying attention. 

Jesus now raises the level of his claims about the Good Shepherd. He is more than the Good Shepherd -- he is the Creator of all sheep!  And those sheep that God has given him will not be "snatched away" by persecution, oppression, temptation....

The NIV footnotes says that in many early manuscripts of the Gospel of John, Jesus says, "What my father has given to me is greater than all."  This slightly different than the translated NIV text which says that "the Father... is greater than all."

To the Jews (and to modern Muslims), a mortal claiming himself equal to God is committing a sin of blasphemy.  Jesus's claim here is then either blasphemous or true.  In verse 30 Jesus identifies himself with God.  If it is not clear here, it should be in the next passage, when the Jews respond to his statement, accusing him of blasphemy.