John 7, Part 5

Scripture: John 7:40-52

Observation: There are mixed reactions from the crowd in regards to who Jesus is. Some see Jesus as a prophet because of the words He has spoken; others believe He is the Messiah. Yet there are those who reject Him entirely on the basis of His origin - Jesus is from Galilee, and the Messiah was to come from Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Ironic, since many rejected Jesus earlier on the pretense that the Messiah's origin would be unknown (7:27). Had these doubters bothered to know Jesus better, they would have realized their argument had no basis, since Jesus had indeed been born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:4-7). The crowd is divided; some want Jesus arrested, but none lay a hand on Him (v. 43-44). The temple police do not arrest Him because they are in awe of His teachings. The Pharisees are infuriated, and accuse the temple police of being deceived. They pridefully point out their superiority in knowledge of Scripture and law over the ignorant crowd. Nicodemus, who believes in Jesus, points out that the Pharisees are not following the law themselves, since they are judging Jesus without a fair hearing. Again in their pride, rather than offer Jesus the chance to explain Himself, the Pharisees mock Nicodemus as being from Galilee, and claim no prophet was to come from there.

Application: Many times we hear people speak out against God, against Jesus, and against the Scriptures. Yet those who would charge all kinds of falsehoods don't know anything about the Lord or His Word beyond their own opinion. We cannot judge what we don't know; that is stupid ignorance. We need to know God, know His Word, so that 1) we can come to a clearer understanding of who He is and what is His will, and 2) so that we may defend Him against His opponents.

Prayer: That is my desire, Father, to know You better each day so that I may give testimony of Your true nature to those who don't know You. The enemy will seek to oppose You, but many are just ignorant. Help me to reach out to those who want to know You and worship You, that I may share what You have done in my life and in the lives of many, and show through Your Word what an awesome, loving, amazing God You are. For it is in Jesus' name I pray, Amen.