John (15)

Introduction: The last few weeks we have discovered from John 6 how a person can have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus is more than a theory about life. He is more than a religious ideology. He is more than a self help cure for your best life now. He’s more than a prayer to fix my life. He is more than a social phenomena or charismatic historical leader that happens to still be talked about today. No, He is the Holy One of God. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He is the Bread of Life. He is living water. It is He, the Savior through whom we have the forgiveness of our sins and the hope of eternal life.

Today, we are focusing on John chapter 7. We know from the previous chapters of John that opposition against Jesus has been building. For example we read in John 5:18. Now, in chapter 7 we see the hostility rising. We see Christ facing Controversy. We observe several different types of clamoring confusion. What is it that was causing their confusion about Jesus? Read as we go starting with John 7:1-9

Clamoring Confusion

Notice how the hostility is building throughout this passage…

Faithless Family (7:1-9)

Jesus’ answer: Not yet time.

Have you ever consider to be impatient is a showing of unbelief? To say to God you must do show your your greatness right now… is the same as saying I do not trust you. God will save.. in His timing. (2 Peter 3:9)

Muttering Mayhem (7:10-13)

Fear continues to be a great problem for speaking openly about Jesus. Which again, reveals a faith problem.

Marveling Jews (7:14-19)

Jesus’ answer: I am from God and so is my teaching. My teaching is for God’s glory. Your breaking the law by seeking to kill me.

Crowd Comeback (7:20-24)

Jesus’ answer: uses circumcision as example of them being guilty of the very crime they are accusing him of. Verse 24 is key verse. “Your only seeing what you want to see.. and making your judgment accordingly, You need to know what is right before you make a final verdict . Jesus doesn’t have a problem with judgment, however, he does have a problem with judgment that is based on appearances.

Jesus’ answer here would be helpful advice to all of us as we engage in relationships.. social media.. and etc.

Conspiracy Qualms (7:25-29)

Jesus’ answer: You know me but you don’t know the One who sent me. I am sent from God.

Clamoring Confusion (7:30-36)

Quick explanation of Jesus’ “hour had not yet come.” He will not be pushed into something that is not right on time. He marches to the will and work of His father. APPLICATION: Those who profess to follow Christ must trust God’s timing. Do the right thing right now and leave all the unknown details up to God who is alway s working to fulfill His providential plans!

Jesus Answer: A little while longer. I’ll be gone. And you cannot come.

Why? Because they are not receiving their Messiah. (John 1:11)

Christ’s Clarity

7:37-39

1. Similar conversation with woman in chapter 4

2. Jesus is fulfilling the ceremony of pouring out water to pray for the provision of fall rain for crops. Come to me and I’ll give you more than rain. Ill give you salvation. So that from your heart will flow rivers of living water.

3. We know that Jesus said this in reference to the Holy Spirit indwelling those who believe after His glorification. Acts chapter 2 records this moment. But what does this have to do with you and I?

4. In the days ahead as we continue through John’s gospel the realities of the Holy Spirit will become more clear… but at this point consider this.

5. Last week, we focused on this reality of Jesus being the “real person” to whom we follow. As Christians we need Him. We desire His presence. We pray for His coming. However, even while He sits at the right hand of the Father , He has not abandoned us, or left us alone. God the Holy Spirit lives in those who belong to Christ. he is not just a thought, or conscience.. but God the Holy Spirit who we receive when we are born again. He is how we enjoy the presence of Jesus now. He empowers us to obey Jesus now. He equips us to love one another, now. He convicts us when we sin. He comforts us when we grieve. He prays for us in our ignorance. God the Holy Spirit is how we understand Scripture. Point: The Holy Spirit is the living water that flows form our hearts! How is the river flowing? Rapidly or plugged up? Are you thirsty? Are You Hungry?

Divided Response

Jesus has come to His own and they do not receive Him. Some obviously remain in unbelief. Some seem to recognize Him as the true Messiah. Some are still in a quandary about Him. I really appreciate the responses of the officers.

No one ever spoke like this man… with Authority. The facts are in...No one was ever born like this man, lived like this man, healed like this man, taught like this man, died like this man, raised from the dead like this man, ascended like this man, and will return like this man.

Everyone in the crowd that day either received Christ or remained in their unbelief. The question remains… do you belong to this this man? Are you His disciple? Are you believing Him and having life in His name? Are you thirsty for the river of water that will never perish. Or are you hungry for filling up your life with the temporary trappings of the flesh?