In a bustling atmosphere of the Feast of Booths, where celebrations and questions collide, Jesus steps into the spotlight, stirring both curiosity and controversy among the crowds. His presence evokes a mix of admiration and skepticism, setting the stage for profound revelations.
The Reading: John 7
World English Bible1 After these things, Jesus was walking in Galilee, for he wouldn’t walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill him.
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2 Now the feast of the Jews, the Feast of Booths, was at hand.
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3 His brothers therefore said to him, “Depart from here, and go into Judea, that your disciples also may see your works which you do.
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4 For no one does anything in secret, and himself seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, reveal yourself to the world.”
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5 For even his brothers didn’t believe in him.
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6 Jesus therefore said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready.
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7 The world can’t hate you, but it hates me, because I testify about it, that its works are evil.
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8 You go up to the feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, because my time is not yet fulfilled.”
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9 Having said these things to them, he stayed in Galilee.
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10 But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly, but as it were in secret.
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11 The Jews therefore sought him at the feast, and said, “Where is he?”
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12 There was much murmuring among the multitudes concerning him. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others said, “Not so, but he leads the multitude astray.”
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13 Yet no one spoke openly of him for fear of the Jews.
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14 But when it was now the middle of the feast, Jesus went up into the temple and taught.
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15 The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How does this man know letters, having never been educated?”
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16 Jesus therefore answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me.
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17 If anyone desires to do his will, he will know about the teaching, whether it is from God, or if I am speaking from myself.
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18 He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory, but he who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
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19 Didn’t Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill me?”
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20 The multitude answered, “You have a demon! Who seeks to kill you?”
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21 Jesus answered them, “I did one work, and you all marvel because of it.
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22 Moses has given you circumcision (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers), and on the Sabbath you circumcise a boy.
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23 If a boy receives circumcision on the Sabbath, that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me, because I made a man completely healthy on the Sabbath?
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24 Don’t judge according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”
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25 Therefore some of them of Jerusalem said, “Isn’t this he whom they seek to kill?
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26 Behold, he speaks openly, and they say nothing to him. Can it be that the rulers indeed know that this is truly the Christ?
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27 However we know where this man comes from, but when the Christ comes, no one will know where he comes from.”
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28 Jesus therefore cried out in the temple, teaching and saying, “You both know me, and know where I am from. I have not come of myself, but he who sent me is true, whom you don’t know.
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29 I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.”
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30 They sought therefore to take him; but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.
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31 But of the multitude, many believed in him. They said, “When the Christ comes, he won’t do more signs than those which this man has done, will he?”
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32 The Pharisees heard the multitude murmuring these things concerning him, and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent officers to arrest him.
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33 Then Jesus said, “I will be with you a little while longer, then I go to him who sent me.
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34 You will seek me, and won’t find me; and where I am, you can’t come.”
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35 The Jews therefore said among themselves, “Where will this man go that we won’t find him? Will he go to the Dispersion among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks?
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36 What is this word that he said, ‘You will seek me, and won’t find me; and where I am, you can’t come’?”
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37 Now on the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink!
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38 He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, from within him will flow rivers of living water.”
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39 But he said this about the Spirit, which those believing in him were to receive. For the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus wasn’t yet glorified.
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40 Many of the multitude therefore, when they heard these words, said, “This is truly the prophet.”
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41 Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “What, does the Christ come out of Galilee?
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42 Hasn’t the Scripture said that the Christ comes of the offspring of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was?”
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43 So there arose a division in the multitude because of him.
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44 Some of them would have arrested him, but no one laid hands on him.
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45 The officers therefore came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said to them, “Why didn’t you bring him?”
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46 The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this man!”
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47 The Pharisees therefore answered them, “You aren’t also led astray, are you?
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48 Have any of the rulers believed in him, or of the Pharisees?
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49 But this multitude that doesn’t know the law is accursed.”
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50 Nicodemus (he who came to him by night, being one of them) said to them,
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51 “Does our law judge a man, unless it first hears from him personally and knows what he does?”
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52 They answered him, “Are you also from Galilee? Search, and see that no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.”
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53 Everyone went to his own house,
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
Jesus in Galilee
After some tense moments in Judea, Jesus stays in Galilee, cautious because the Jewish leaders are seeking to kill him. As the Feast of Booths approaches, His brothers encourage him to go to Judea and show off his miraculous works. Ironically, they don't believe in him themselves.
Teaching at the Feast
Jesus initially declines to go, claiming his time hasn't come yet. However, after his brothers leave, he secretly heads to the feast. When he arrives, people are buzzing about him, with opinions ranging from calling him a good man to accusing him of misleading the crowd. Yet, no one speaks freely about him due to fear of the Jewish authorities.
In the midst of the feast, Jesus boldly enters the temple to teach. The crowd is astonished by his knowledge, questioning how someone without formal education could speak so authoritatively. Jesus explains that his teachings come from God, emphasizing that true understanding is connected to doing God's will.
Conflicts and Confusion
Confronting the crowd, he points out their hypocrisy regarding the law of Moses, especially about circumcision on the Sabbath. He challenges them to judge righteously instead of superficially. This leads to a division among the people: some wonder if he could be the Messiah, while others dismiss him based on where he's from.
Living Water
As the feast reaches its climax, Jesus makes an astonishing declaration, inviting anyone who is thirsty to come to him and receive living water. He speaks of the Holy Spirit, which would soon be given to those who believe in him. His words stir up excitement and confusion, with many recognizing him as a prophet while others doubt his origins.
Reactions from the Authorities
The Pharisees grow uneasy as they hear the murmurs of the crowd. They send officers to arrest him, but when they hear Jesus speak, they're captivated, exclaiming that no one has ever spoken like him. A debate ensues among the religious leaders about how to handle Jesus, with Nicodemus reminding them of the law's requirement for a fair hearing before judgment.
As the chapter closes, everyone heads home, leaving the tension unresolved, but curiosity about Jesus hangs in the air.
Why It Matters
The Challenge of Belief
John 7 reminds us that belief often comes with challenges and questions. Jesus faced skepticism from those closest to him, yet he remained resolute in his purpose. This serves as a reminder that our faith may encounter doubts, but it's essential to seek understanding and truth.
The Invitation to Encounter
Jesus' invitation to come and drink of the living water is relevant for all of us today. It suggests that true satisfaction and fulfillment come from a relationship with Him, offering hope to those searching for meaning in life.
Finding Community
As you navigate your own faith journey, connecting with a community that explores these questions can be invaluable. If you're looking for a church where you can grow and ask these tough questions, consider checking out find a church near you. Engaging with others can deepen your understanding and support your spiritual growth.
The Importance of Seeking Truth
Just as the people in this chapter struggled with who Jesus was, we also face choices about what we believe. Taking the time to seek the truth and understand different perspectives can lead to a more profound faith experience. Jesus calls us to judge rightly, not just by appearances but through genuine understanding.
Coming Up Next: John 8
In the next part of our journey through John, we encounter an astonishing moment where Jesus shows incredible compassion and wisdom. Don't miss the dramatic unfolding of events in John 8!