What does John 10:22 mean?

This verse comes after a leap in time. Everything from chapters 7, 8, 9, and so far in chapter 10 occurred in a single sequence at the Feast of Booths. That festival is held in the fall. That narrative ended with the crowd's divided reaction to Jesus' teachings (John 10:19–21). This verse moves John's gospel ahead several months, to the Feast of Dedication, which occurs in early winter. The Feast of Dedication is not one of Israel's mandatory celebrations, but it has become one of its most symbolic. Today, it is more commonly referred to as the Festival of Lights, or Hanukkah.

The general topic of this upcoming passage is much the same as what Jesus has discussed earlier in chapter 10. The conflict Jesus created by healing a man born blind (John 9) probably directly inspired the conversation here. The hostility of Jesus' religious critics is becoming more overt and more aggressive. In the following verses, they will corner Jesus in a blatantly threatening way, once again attempting to stone Him. This naked violence is one reason Jesus, prior to His arrest, ceased His public preaching and began to focus on preparing the Twelve for what was to come. This encounter marks the last time Jesus will debate these religious leaders prior to His crucifixion.