John 7
October Memory Verse: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5 (NIV)
Read: John 7
Life is filled with important questions that we must ask, and that we must answer. I remember the day I proposed to my now wife Shelbie. I was so nervous the entire day, most notably observed in the fact that I hardly touched my food at dinner (which if you know me know how rare that is). I wasn’t really worried about her saying no; I just knew how big of a question I was asking.
The most important question that everyone must answer is assumed in John 7: Who do you say that Jesus is? That is the question that is really being addressed in this chapter:
One of the most extensive inquiries into who Jesus is is found in verses 25-31:
The good news is that Jesus is clear as to what the answer to these questions should be. In versus 16-24, Jesus distinguishes himself as one who has authority. He’s essentially distinguishing himself from the traditions of the Pharisees.
Who is Jesus to you? Is he the Jesus of the Bible or the Jesus of your own imagination? Is he your savior or a ticket out of hell? Is he a genie in a bottle or the sovereign God of the universe? Does he fit into your box of expectations of him or do you submit to his Word and will?
These are hard truths to swallow but they must be dealt with. The question of who Jesus is is the most important question you will ever wrestle with. In what areas of your life do you need to reflect on who truly rules?
By: Graham Withers
Read: John 7
Life is filled with important questions that we must ask, and that we must answer. I remember the day I proposed to my now wife Shelbie. I was so nervous the entire day, most notably observed in the fact that I hardly touched my food at dinner (which if you know me know how rare that is). I wasn’t really worried about her saying no; I just knew how big of a question I was asking.
The most important question that everyone must answer is assumed in John 7: Who do you say that Jesus is? That is the question that is really being addressed in this chapter:
- His own brothers did not even believe in who Jesus really was at this point (5).
- The crowds were discussing this very topic at the Feast of Booths (12-13).
- People aren’t sure if Jesus is a prophet or the Christ (40).
One of the most extensive inquiries into who Jesus is is found in verses 25-31:
25 Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, “Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? 26 And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ? 27 But we know where this man comes from, and when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from.” 28 So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. 29 I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.” 30 So they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. 31 Yet many of the people believed in him. They said, “When the Christ appears, will he do more signs than this man has done?”
The good news is that Jesus is clear as to what the answer to these questions should be. In versus 16-24, Jesus distinguishes himself as one who has authority. He’s essentially distinguishing himself from the traditions of the Pharisees.
Who is Jesus to you? Is he the Jesus of the Bible or the Jesus of your own imagination? Is he your savior or a ticket out of hell? Is he a genie in a bottle or the sovereign God of the universe? Does he fit into your box of expectations of him or do you submit to his Word and will?
These are hard truths to swallow but they must be dealt with. The question of who Jesus is is the most important question you will ever wrestle with. In what areas of your life do you need to reflect on who truly rules?
By: Graham Withers
1 Comment
Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ?
This question in verse 26 is really interesting to me. The Jewish leaders established their own rules which gave them power & authority over the people. Jesus was saying things that shattered their agenda. They knew if they accepted Jesus everything would change. Ultimately the Jewish leaders chose their rules and agenda over the Messiah who was challenging their authority.
The questions I'm confronted with today are this:
Am I reading the word of God free of my own agenda? Am I fully submitting to Christ and His word or clinging to my own desires? I'm reminded of the question Pilate asked in Matthew 27:22. "What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?"
Thanks for the commentary today Graham.