John 7, Part 3

Scripture: John 7:25-36

Observation: The crowd begins to question whether Jesus could possibly be the Messiah, and if that is the reason why the authorities want to arrest Him. He teaches openly and without interference from temple officials, giving the impression they either know Him to be the Messiah or believe His teachings are irrelevant. They decide that Jesus can't be the Messiah because the origin of the Messiah should be unknown, yet they know where Jesus is from (v.27). The problem, Jesus tells them, is that they think they know Him but they don't because they don't know the One who sent Him. This angers the Pharisees and chief priests, and they send the temple police to arrest Jesus. However, this isn't possible: Jesus' ministry is not complete, it is not His time. Jesus tells them He will be with them a short time, then return to the One who sent Him, where they cannot go or find Him. Again the Pharisees show they don't understand Jesus' words. They think He's going to the Greeks, to a place on earth, when Jesus is speaking of returning to the Father.

Application: It's difficult to speak God's truth to people and see the glazed disbelief in their eyes. It's painful to hear ourselves be mocked because we live by God's standards. Yet Jesus lived this also, and told us the reason why this happens: they don't know the Father (v.28). Without knowledge of truth, which is Jesus (John 14:6), they can't understand our life. But we must continue in our efforts to spread the Gospel, because even among these doubters many believed (v.31).

Prayer: Father, it's so disheartening to see disbelief, especially in those we love most, our family. How I'd like to make them see Your truth! I wish I could shake it into them. But that's not for me to do. I am to live my life for You, present the Gospel at every opportunity, and leave the rest in Your hands. Help me to be patient and wise, and to live a life that glorifies You, that those who observe me will not question who I serve. In Your Name I pray, Amen.