October 16, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 10

¹ Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

² But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

³ To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

⁴ And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

⁵ And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

⁶ This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

⁷ Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

⁸ All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.

⁹ I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

¹⁰ The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

¹¹ I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

¹² But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

¹³ The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

¹⁴ I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

¹⁵ As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

¹⁶ And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

¹⁷ Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

¹⁸ No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

¹⁹ There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

²⁰ And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?

²¹ Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

²² And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.

²³ And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.

²⁴ Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

²⁵ Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.

²⁶ But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

²⁷ My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

²⁸ And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

²⁹ My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

³⁰ I and my Father are one.

³¹ Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

³² Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

³³ The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

³⁴ Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

³⁵ If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

³⁶ Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

³⁷ If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

³⁸ But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

³⁹ Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,

⁴⁰ And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.

⁴¹ And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.

⁴² And many believed on him there.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

John Chapter 10 contains the well-known teaching of Jesus about the “Good Shepherd.” Jesus uses the image of the shepherd to explain His relationship with the believers. He portrays Himself as the good shepherd who is willing to lay down His life for the sheep. Throughout this chapter, Jesus’ care, guidance, and willingness to sacrifice are highlighted, while He simultaneously depicts the religious leaders of His time as “hired hands” who do not genuinely care for the well-being of the people.

Commentary

The Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18)

In this passage, Jesus uses the image of the shepherd and His sheep to explain His role as Savior and Protector. Jesus emphasizes that a true shepherd enters the sheepfold by the door and that the sheep listen to the shepherd’s voice. He explains that He is the “door” through which the sheep are saved, and that all who do not come through Him are like thieves and robbers. This refers to false teachers and religious leaders who lead God’s people astray.

Jesus calls Himself the “Good Shepherd” who is willing to lay down His life for the sheep. This act of dedication demonstrates His love and commitment to the believers. In contrast, the “hired hands” flee when danger threatens because they do not truly love the sheep. Jesus also reveals His divine authority by explaining that He willingly lays down His life and can take it up again. This allusion to His impending crucifixion and resurrection underscores the depth of His plan for the redemption of humanity.

Jesus and the Religious Leaders (John 10:19-30)

Jesus’ words lead to a renewed division among the listeners. Some accuse Him of being possessed by a demon, while others acknowledge His miracles and view His words in a different light. The discussion becomes even more intense when Jesus speaks in the temple during the Festival of Dedication. The Jews demand a clear statement from Jesus about whether He is the Messiah. Jesus responds that His works testify about Him and that those who believe in Him are His “sheep,” who hear His voice and follow Him.

Jesus promises eternal life to the believers and emphasizes that no one can snatch them out of His hand. This statement highlights the security and protection that Jesus offers to His followers. However, His words “I and the Father are one” (v.30) again enrages the listeners, as they understand this as blasphemy.

The Accusation of Blasphemy (John 10:31-42)

The Jews pick up stones to stone Jesus because they believe He has made Himself equal with God. Jesus defends Himself by referring to the Scriptures that call people “gods” and emphasizes that His works demonstrate that He was sent by the Father. Despite their attempts to arrest Him, Jesus escapes and withdraws beyond the Jordan, where many believe in Him.

Summary

John Chapter 10 emphasizes Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd who knows, protects, and lays down His life for His sheep. Jesus explains that only through Him can salvation and eternal life be attained. His statements about His unity with God the Father and His divine authority lead to sharp confrontations with the religious leaders. The passage highlights the division between those who believe in Jesus and those who reject Him. Ultimately, Jesus assures His followers that they are safe in His hand and that no one can separate them from Him.

 

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/16-10-2024-john-chapter-10-believe-his-prophets/

October 15, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 9

¹ And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.

² And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

³ Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

⁴ I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

⁵ As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

⁶ When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,

⁷ And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

⁸ The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?

⁹ Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.

¹⁰ Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?

¹¹ He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.

¹² Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.

¹³ They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.

¹⁴ And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.

¹⁵ Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.

¹⁶ Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.

¹⁷ They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.

¹⁸ But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.

¹⁹ And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?

²⁰ His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:

²¹ But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.

²² These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.

²³ Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.

²⁴ Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.

²⁵ He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.

²⁶ Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes?

²⁷ He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?

²⁸ Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses’ disciples.

²⁹ We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.

³⁰ The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes.

³¹ Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

³² Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.

³³ If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.

³⁴ They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.

³⁵ Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?

³⁶ He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?

³⁷ And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.

³⁸ And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.

³⁹ And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.

⁴⁰ And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?

⁴¹ Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

John Chapter 9 tells the story of a man who was born blind and is healed by Jesus. This healing, which takes place on the Sabbath, sparks a heated discussion between Jesus, the Pharisees, and the healed man. The chapter highlights themes such as faith, spiritual blindness, and Jesus’ work as the light of the world.

Commentary

Healing of the Man Born Blind (John 9:1-7)

As Jesus passes by a man who was born blind, His disciples ask whether the blindness was a punishment for the man’s sins or his parents’ sins. Jesus rejects this notion and explains that the blindness serves to reveal the works of God. He emphasizes that He is the “Light of the World” and takes the opportunity to heal the man using an unusual method: He makes a paste of saliva and dirt, applies it to the man’s eyes, and instructs him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. As a result, the man regains his sight.

Reaction of the Pharisees (John 9:8-34)

The healing on the Sabbath leads to controversy, especially among the Pharisees. While some Pharisees view Jesus’ work as sinful because it occurred on the Sabbath, others recognize the miraculous power behind the healing. The healed man repeatedly testifies that Jesus healed him and is interrogated by the religious leaders. His parents, fearing the Pharisees, only confirm that he was blind to avoid punishment.

The Pharisees attempt to portray Jesus as a sinner, but the healed man boldly contradicts them, stating that only someone sent by God could perform such a miracle. These statements ultimately lead to the man being expelled from the synagogue.

Faith and Spiritual Blindness (John 9:35-41)

Jesus finds the expelled man and reveals Himself as the “Son of God.” The man believes in Jesus and worships Him. Jesus explains that He has come to “judge” so that those who are blind will see, and those who think they see will remain in their spiritual blindness. This statement is a clear reference to the Pharisees, who, in their self-righteousness, refuse to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah.

Summary

John Chapter 9 illustrates the healing of a man who was blind from birth and addresses the spiritual blindness of those who refuse to believe in Jesus. While the healed man gradually comes to faith in Jesus, the Pharisees reject His divine authority despite the obvious miracles. Jesus makes it clear that true spiritual blindness lies not in the physical inability to see but in the refusal to recognize God’s truth.

 

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/15-10-2024-john-chapter-9-believe-his-prophets/

October 14, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 8

¹ Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

² And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

³ And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

⁴ They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

⁵ Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

⁶ This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

⁷ So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

⁸ And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

⁹ And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

¹⁰ When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

¹¹ She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

¹² Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

¹³ The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.

¹⁴ Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.

¹⁵ Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.

¹⁶ And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.

¹⁷ It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.

¹⁸ I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

¹⁹ Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.

²⁰ These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.

²¹ Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.

²² Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.

²³ And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

²⁴ I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

²⁵ Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.

²⁶ I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.

²⁷ They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.

²⁸ Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

²⁹ And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

³⁰ As he spake these words, many believed on him.

³¹ Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

³² And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

³³ They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?

³⁴ Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

³⁵ And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.

³⁶ If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

³⁷ I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.

³⁸ I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.

³⁹ They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.

⁴⁰ But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

⁴¹ Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.

⁴² Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

⁴³ Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

⁴⁴ Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

⁴⁵ And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

⁴⁶ Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?

⁴⁷ He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

⁴⁸ Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?

⁴⁹ Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.

⁵⁰ And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.

⁵¹ Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.

⁵² Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.

⁵³ Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?

⁵⁴ Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:

⁵⁵ Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.

⁵⁶ Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

⁵⁷ Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?

⁵⁸ Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

⁵⁹ Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

John Chapter 8 is a powerful chapter that encompasses important events and teachings of Jesus. It begins with the story of the woman caught in adultery, showcasing Jesus’ mercy and justice. As the chapter progresses, Jesus reveals Himself as the “Light of the World” and emphasizes the true freedom that comes through faith in Him. The confrontations between Jesus and the religious leaders become more intense, particularly in the discussion about His divine origin and His unity with God the Father.

Commentary

The Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:1-11)

The story of the adulterous woman is often viewed as an example of Jesus’ mercy and the necessity of inner cleansing. The Pharisees and scribes brought the woman to Jesus to trap Him. If He had agreed to the stoning, He would have appeared unmerciful; if not, He would have broken Moses’ law. However, Jesus responded with profound wisdom: “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone” (v.7). This statement caused the accusers to depart in shame, and Jesus forgave the woman and instructed her not to sin anymore. This demonstrates the balance between grace and justice that is evident in Jesus’ actions.

Jesus as the Light of the World (John 8:12-20)

In this passage, Jesus declares Himself to be “the light of the world,” guiding the way to salvation and true knowledge. The Pharisees doubted Jesus’ statement because He spoke of Himself. However, Jesus referred to His unity with the Father, who also testifies about Him. This revelation of Jesus as the light points to His role as the one who shows people the way to God and to the truth.

True Freedom (John 8:31-36)

Jesus teaches that true freedom can only be attained through the recognition of the truth He proclaims. When the Jews argue that they have never been slaves, Jesus explains that everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Only the Son, Jesus, can truly set people free. This passage shows that freedom is not achieved through external circumstances but through liberation from sin and the acceptance of Jesus as Savior.

Conflict Over Jesus’ Descent and Unity with God (John 8:37-59)

In this section, the controversy over Jesus’ true origin and identity intensifies. The religious leaders reject Jesus’ teaching and claim that they are children of Abraham. However, Jesus explains that true descendants of Abraham would do Abraham’s works, namely to love God and His truth. He points out that their rejection and hatred toward Him indicate that their father is the devil, who from the beginning was the father of lies and murder. The climax of this section is Jesus’ statement: “Before Abraham was, I am” (v.58), which is a clear revelation of His divine pre-existence. This leads to an attempt to stone Him, but Jesus escapes unharmed.

Summary

John Chapter 8 emphasizes several central teachings of Jesus. The encounter with the adulterous woman demonstrates His mercy and the principle of forgiveness. As the “Light of the World,” Jesus reveals that He brings truth and life. True freedom lies in liberation from sin, which is only possible through Him. In the intense confrontation with the religious leaders, Jesus declares His divine unity with the Father, which angers the religious elites and leads to an attempted attack on Him. This chapter highlights Jesus’ central role as Redeemer and divine Son of God, who brings grace, truth, and liberation.

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/14-10-2024-john-chapter-8-believe-his-prophets/

October 13, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 7

¹ After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.

² Now the Jew’s feast of tabernacles was at hand.

³ His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.

⁴ For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.

⁵ For neither did his brethren believe in him.

⁶ Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.

⁷ The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

⁸ Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast: for my time is not yet full come.

⁹ When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.

¹⁰ But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.

¹¹ Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?

¹² And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.

¹³ Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.

¹⁴ Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.

¹⁵ And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?

¹⁶ Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.

¹⁷ If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

¹⁸ He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

¹⁹ Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?

²⁰ The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?

²¹ Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel.

²² Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.

²³ If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?

²⁴ Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

²⁵ Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?

²⁶ But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?

²⁷ Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.

²⁸ Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.

²⁹ But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.

³⁰ Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.

³¹ And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?

³² The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.

³³ Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.

³⁴ Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.

³⁵ Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?

³⁶ What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?

³⁷ In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

³⁸ He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

³⁹ (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

⁴⁰ Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.

⁴¹ Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?

⁴² Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?

⁴³ So there was a division among the people because of him.

⁴⁴ And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.

⁴⁵ Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?

⁴⁶ The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.

⁴⁷ Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?

⁴⁸ Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?

⁴⁹ But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.

⁵⁰ Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)

⁵¹ Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?

⁵² They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.

⁵³ And every man went unto his own house.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

John Chapter 7 describes Jesus’ journey to the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, one of the most important Jewish celebrations. The tension between Jesus and the Jewish leaders continues to grow as the people are divided over His identity. During the festival, Jesus reveals significant teachings, particularly His invitation to the thirsty to come to Him and drink, which is an allusion to the Holy Spirit. This scene highlights the increasing conflict between those who believe in Him and those who reject Him.

Commentary

The Journey to the Feast of Tabernacles and the Skepticism of His Brothers (John 7:1-10)

At the beginning of the chapter, it is mentioned that the Jewish leaders in Judea want to kill Jesus, which is why He stays in Galilee for the time being. His own brothers, who do not believe in Him, challenge Jesus to publicly display His miracles to gain glory. They do not understand His mission and view it more through worldly eyes. Jesus responds that His “time” (Greek: kairos) has not yet come, referring to the divine timing of His revelation and suffering. Eventually, Jesus goes to the festival secretly.

Jesus Teaches in the Temple (John 7:14-24)

In the middle of the festival, Jesus publicly appears in the temple and begins to teach, which astonishes the people because He has not received formal training as a scholar of the law. Jesus explains that His teaching does not come from Himself but from God the Father. He emphasizes that the truth of His teaching is recognized when someone does the will of God (verse 17). Jesus also points out the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders who want to kill Him because of the healing on the Sabbath, even though they themselves practice circumcision on the Sabbath.

Controversy Over Jesus’ Origin (John 7:25-31)

Jesus’ identity remains a central theme. Some residents of Jerusalem recognize Him as the one the leaders intend to kill and question whether He is truly the Messiah. Jesus’ origin is questioned because some believe that the Messiah is supposed to come in a more mysterious manner. Jesus responds that while He is recognizable as a human, His true origin is divine, as He was sent by God (verses 28-29). Despite attempts to arrest Him, no one can lay a hand on Him because His hour has not yet come.

The Invitation to Living Water (John 7:37-39)

On the last day of the festival, Jesus makes a significant invitation: “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink” (verse 37). This is a symbolic invitation that foretells the Holy Spirit, whom believers would receive after His glorification. Jesus offers not just physical water but the “living water” that quenches eternally and becomes a source of life within the believer.

The Division Among the People (John 7:40-52)

Jesus’ speech leads to a clear division among the people. Some believe that He is the Prophet or the Messiah, while others criticize His origin from Galilee, seeing it as evidence that He cannot be the Messiah, who should come from Bethlehem. The Pharisees are frustrated that Jesus was not arrested and mock the temple guards who were impressed by His words. Nicodemus, who had already come to Jesus in John 3, partially defends Jesus and reminds them that the law requires a fair hearing. However, his objections are dismissed by the Pharisees, who remain entrenched in their prejudice.

Summary

John Chapter 7 illustrates the growing tensions and controversies surrounding Jesus’ person. At the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus openly preaches in the temple and invites people to receive the “living water,” a reference to the Holy Spirit. The chapter reveals the deep division among the people regarding His identity: some believe He is the Messiah, while others reject Him because of His origin from Galilee. Despite the hostility of the leaders, it is not yet time for Jesus to be captured. However, His words and miracles begin to provoke a deeper spiritual discernment among the people.

 

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/13-10-2024-john-chapter-7-believe-his-prophets/