The Bible Project
Jesus Brings Division. (John 7: 1-53)
Jul 08, 2024
Season 13
Episode 15
Pastor Jeremy R McCandless
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Study and Notes Page.
Introduction
- Main Question: What does it take for a human being to be satisfied?
- Common Answers: Possessions, power, pleasure.
- Jesus’ Answer: Found in John 7.
1. Before the Feast (John 7:1-13)
- Location: Jesus in Galilee, avoiding Judea due to threats from Jewish leaders.
- Feast of Tabernacles: One of the most joyous and popular Jewish feasts.
- Jesus’ Brothers: Sceptical, urging Him to show His works in Judea.
- Jesus’ Response: His time has not yet come; He stays in Galilee, then goes to the feast secretly.
- Public Opinion: Mixed—some call Him good, others a deceiver. Fear of Jewish leaders silences open discussion.
2. During the Feast (John 7:14-36)
- Jesus’ Teaching: Begins halfway through the feast, causing amazement due to His untrained background.
- Key Teachings:
- His teaching is from God.
- True understanding comes from doing God's will.
- A true teacher seeks God's glory, not personal honour.
- Accusations and Défense:
- Jesus accuses the leaders of hypocrisy regarding the law and His Sabbath healing.
- He defends His actions by comparing them to the practice of circumcision on the Sabbath.
- Reaction: Division among people—some believe, others doubt or reject Him.
3. On the Last Day of the Feast (John 7:37-53)
- Significance of the Last Day: Ceremonial water pouring symbolizes God's provision.
- Jesus’ Proclamation:
- Offers "living water" to those who believe, signifying the Holy Spirit.
- True satisfaction comes from within, through Him.
- Public Response:
- Mixed reactions: Some recognize Him as the Prophet or Messiah, others doubt due to His Galilean origin.
- Division intensifies: Some want to seize Him, but no one does.
- Pharisees’ Reaction: Disdain and rejection of Jesus' teachings and the people’s belief in Him.
- Nicodemus’ Defense: Calls for a fair hearing, but is scorned by other leaders.
- Conclusion: Ongoing division and isolation.
Key Takeaways
- True Satisfaction:
- External possessions, power, and pleasure are temporary and insufficient.
- True satisfaction comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ and receiving the Holy Spirit.
- Jesus offers an eternal, overflowing source of life and fulfilment.
- Division:
- Jesus' presence and claims cause division among people.
- Some believe and find fulfilment, others reject and remain spiritually empty.
- This division persists today, reflecting the choice each person must make about Jesus.
Reflection Questions
- What do you currently seek for satisfaction in your life?
- How does Jesus’ offer of "living water" challenge your current pursuits of fulfillment?
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