The officers answered, “No one ever spoke like this man!”....Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does? John 7:46,51
I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 7:40-52, where we see the reactions of people, including from Jewish leadership, to Jesus' teaching on the last day (the great day) of the Feast of Booths. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: Nothing can stop God's plan - although the Jewish leadership sent temple guards/officers to arrest Jesus, "no one laid hands on him" (v44). Once again, although Jesus did go to Judea from Galilee after initially indicating He would not, His statement that His time had not yet come (for His arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection) remains true (as all of His statements are true as He is Truth) - see also vv6,8. There are no contradictions here just God accomplishing His same plan in a different way.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: There will always be people that do not believe that Jesus is who He says He is. Here, it is the Jewish leadership and some in the crowd that heard Jesus speak - see vv40-43,47-49,52. The temple guard/officers clearly see that Jesus is different than other man - see v46. So does Nicodemus (vv50-51)- see John 3:1-15 where Jesus clearly left a mark.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid seeking your own glory as the Jewish leadership does when they sought to arrest Jesus. Follow the example of the temple guards/officers and Nicodemus to truly examine and learn about Jesus (and ultimately believe). Claim the promise that Jesus is the Bread of Life, Living Water and that if we believe in Him that Living Water will flow from our heart.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an incredible God who loves and saves! You are the Bread of Life, the Living Water and You give the Holy Spirit to live in our hearts so that this Living Water flows from our hearts....incredible! Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such blessings. My sin is great and it continues...daily. 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 continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to Your 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.
