The book of John gives some insight as to the wonderful
teaching of Jesus and the reaction of those around Him. While He taught that His doctrine was from
the Father, and He spoke by His authority, notice that chapter records the
responses to that authority.
There were “his
brethren” that did not believe in Him (John 7:5).
Those who murmured “among
the people concerning Him” (7:12) and would not speak openly “of him” (7:13).
Those who marvelled (7:15) at His knowledge of Scripture.
Those who sought to kill Him (7:25).
Those who believed on Him (7:31).
Those who sent officers to capture Him (7:32).
Those who responded: “Of
a truth this is the Prophet” (7:40).
Those who responded: “This
is the Christ” (7:41).
Those who questioned: “Shall
Christ come out of Galilee?” (7:41).
Those who knew the Scripture concerning the Christ (7:42).
Verse 43 shows
that “there was a great division among
the people because of him.” Not much
has changed today. There are those who
perceive Jesus as a good man, but will not follow Him. There are those who say, “He was a prophet,” but will not listen to what He says. There are those who know the Scripture
concerning the Christ, and they logically can conclude that Jesus truly IS the
Son of God. Still there are those who
would attempt to kill Him again, because Jesus exposes their error, as He did
the Pharisees (7:33-34).
The truth is that there is much division, today.
In this world, we
need direction; Jesus is the Way (John 14:6).
In this world, we
need knowledge; Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6).
In this world, we
need salvation; Jesus is the Life (John 14:6).
What is our reaction to the Master Teacher?
May it be like the officers who
answered: “No one ever spoke like this
man!” (John 7:46, ESV). That should
ever draw us to the fact that His words are meaningful to our lives. May we ever respond properly to the Master
Teacher when He calls us to obey His Word.
“The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the
word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. 49 For I
have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself
given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know
that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the
Father has told me” (John 12:48-50, ESV).
