John 7
In John 7, the disciples encouraged Jesus to go to Judea for Sukkot or the Festival of Tabernacles (v1-9). Jesus went in secret and taught in the temple (v10, 14). The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?” (v15)
Jesus invites (and desires) us to have a personal relationship with Him so that He can teach us directly through daily study and time with Him. While it is often helpful to have others teach us God's word - there is no replacement for our own personal time with God. If we surrender to Jesus, He will transform our thoughts (Romans 12:2) and work through us.
On a related note, John Piper encourages us by sharing how God helps give us words to say in our defense of Jesus and other difficult circumstances.
Also in this story in John 7 where Jesus teaches us the Festival of Tabernacles, Jesus challenges the Jews to focus on people's heart condition and not on external behavior.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and and who saved me (while still sinning!) - thank You Jesus! I am undeserving of such love and salvation. I worry and I have much sin! Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. v16-18
In John 7, the disciples encouraged Jesus to go to Judea for Sukkot or the Festival of Tabernacles (v1-9). Jesus went in secret and taught in the temple (v10, 14). The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?” (v15)
Jesus invites (and desires) us to have a personal relationship with Him so that He can teach us directly through daily study and time with Him. While it is often helpful to have others teach us God's word - there is no replacement for our own personal time with God. If we surrender to Jesus, He will transform our thoughts (Romans 12:2) and work through us.
On a related note, John Piper encourages us by sharing how God helps give us words to say in our defense of Jesus and other difficult circumstances.
Also in this story in John 7 where Jesus teaches us the Festival of Tabernacles, Jesus challenges the Jews to focus on people's heart condition and not on external behavior.
Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly. v24
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and and who saved me (while still sinning!) - thank You Jesus! I am undeserving of such love and salvation. I worry and I have much sin! Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
