#23 - The Gospel of John

John 7:14-24 (NIV)
Read by: Jhamal Mathis

Remember when Jesus healed the invalid at the Pool of Bethesda back in chapter 5? It happened on the Sabbath, and many Jewish leaders marked that moment as evidence of Jesus attempting to trick God’s people into disobeying the law. In today’s passage, the public debate about Jesus’ identity and vocation is coming into focus. Jewish leaders are looking for opportunities to prove that Jesus is a false prophet, a deceiver, and thus a threat to the people. Jesus’ words in this passage carry with them a challenge for teachers of the law and for who might follow him. They did then and they do today.

----------REFLECT----------

1. What word or phrase stood out to you in the passage?

2. One of the reasons people are suspicious of Jesus in this passage is his lack of formal religious education. In our culture, we tend to trust folks with big degrees, from certain universities. Are you able, or willing, to hear truth from someone with less education? Do you need to repent of thinking knowledge and truth are exclusive to those who have the right training?

3. Sometimes spiritual leaders use their platform in order to build their own reputation. Perhaps this kind of leadership has burned you…. Perhaps you are this kind of leader. . . Other times we accuse leaders of pushing their own agendas because we don’t want to hear what God is saying through them.
No matter where you land, how might choosing God’s will show you the truth today?

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