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John 7:14-31
When the feast was already half over, Jesus went up into the temple area and began to teach. The Jews were amazed and said, “How does he know scripture without having studied?” Jesus answered them and said, “My teaching is not my own but is from the one who sent me. Whoever chooses to do his will shall know whether my teaching is from God or whether I speak on my own. Whoever speaks on his own seeks his own glory, but whoever seeks the glory of the one who sent him is truthful, and there is no wrong in him. Did not Moses give you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?” The crowd answered, “You are possessed! Who is trying to kill you?” Jesus answered and said to them, “I performed one work and all of you are amazed because of it. Moses gave you circumcision—not that it came from Moses but rather from the patriarchs—and you circumcise a man on the sabbath. If a man can receive circumcision on a sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because I made a whole person well on a sabbath? Stop judging by appearances, but judge justly.” So some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem said, “Is he not the one they are trying to kill? And look, he is speaking openly and they say nothing to him. Could the authorities have realized that he is the Messiah? But we know where he is from. When the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.” So Jesus cried out in the temple area as he was teaching and said, “You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.” So they tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand upon him, because his hour had not yet come. But many of the crowd began to believe in him, and said, “When the Messiah comes, will he perform more signs than this man has done?”
Grace Prayed For
The Grace of Openness: To be receptive to the unexpected ways in which God reveals Himself, even if it challenges our preconceived notions or cultural expectations.
Embracing Divine Wisdom and Deepening Intimacy with Jesus
In this passage from the Gospel of John, we witness Jesus amidst a bustling feast, boldly teaching in the temple area. His wisdom and authority astound the Jewish people, who question his knowledge of Scripture despite his lack of formal training. Jesus responds by emphasizing the divine origin of his teachings, a truth that can only be discerned by those who sincerely seek God’s will.
This passage invites us to reflect on several key themes:
The Source of True Wisdom: Jesus makes it clear that his wisdom comes not from human study, but from his intimate connection with the Father who sent him. This challenges us to consider where we seek wisdom in our own lives. Do we rely on our own understanding, or do we humbly turn to God as the ultimate source of truth?
The Importance of Discernment: Jesus highlights the need for discernment in evaluating spiritual claims. He urges his listeners to judge his teachings not by appearances or personal bias, but by their alignment with God’s will. This calls us to examine our own hearts and motives, to ensure that we are seeking truth rather than self-interest.
The Centrality of Obedience: Jesus emphasizes that understanding his teachings requires a willingness to obey God’s will. True knowledge is not merely intellectual assent, but a transformative experience that leads to action. This challenges us to move beyond passive belief and embrace a life of active discipleship.
The Mystery of the Messiah: The passage concludes with a growing division among the crowd. Some recognize Jesus as the Messiah, while others dismiss him due to their preconceived notions about the Messiah’s origins. This reminds us that faith often requires a willingness to let go of our expectations and embrace the unexpected ways in which God reveals himself.
As we reflect on this passage, let us be inspired to seek wisdom from God, to discern truth with open hearts, and to embrace a life of obedience to his will. May we recognize the signs of God’s presence in our lives and respond with faith, even when it challenges our preconceived notions.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Focusing on the Heart, Not Appearances: Jesus’ rebuke of judging by appearances encourages us to look beyond external factors and focus on the heart of the matter. This can help you develop a more intimate relationship with Jesus by focusing on his character, his love, and his sacrifice for you, rather than being distracted by superficial concerns or doubts.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post