“Divided Opinions”

The Lexham English Bible Chapter 7

Then, when they* heard these words, some from the crowd began to say,* “This man is truly the Prophet!” Others were saying, “This man is the Christ!” But others were saying, “No, for the Christ does not come from Galilee, does he?* Has not the scripture said that the Christ comes from the descendants of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” So there was a division in the crowd because of him. And some of them were wanting to seize him, but no one laid hands on him.

“Divided Opinions”

Text: John:7:40-44

Introduction: The design of John in writing this Gospel is stated by himself (John 20:31).John wrote his gospel to convince people that Jesus is the Messiah, but his gospel also strengthens the faith of those who already know that Jesus is the Messiah. We read and study John—and the rest of the Bible—and yet there are still divided opinions. This is not a good position to take because our faith in Christ hinges on believing the He is the Messiah and salvation is only through Him. We are living in a crucial period where divided opinions dominate all walks of life. When it comes to the Church and the mandates for her mission, divided opinions have sent us spiraling in a direction that far away from God’s intended path.

What makes the divide? (John 7:40-41)

The text says there is a continued debate on who Jesus was. Prophet or Messiah. This should not be a debate in the Church where believers exist! Jesus fulfills the role of prophet in that He alone is the ultimate teacher, who has the words of eternal life, as John 6:68 says. But Jesus is unique in the role of prophet because He doesn't just communicate God's will. Jesus is the very Word of God, and God's ultimate revelation of Himself. Our churches struggle because the ultimate teacher is not fully accepted among the ranks of the believers. We are quick to say we believe, but when talk has to match up with faith and works therein lies the divide. Jesus said; why cal me Lord, and do not these sayings of mine. The first problem we have is we do not believe that He is Savior, If He’s Savior, we must lift Him up for men to see. Debating on whether He is the Messiah or Prophet has already been settled. According to the Bible, He is both Messiah and Prophet.

Don’t become distracted by the crowd (John 7:42)

Micah the prophet predicted that He would be born into the Davidic family. He would be born in Bethlehem which was David’s hometown. The crowd ignorantly ignored the Biblical record. The Church cannot continue to ignore the message of the Bible. If we are going to be the Church that God has called out, He called us out to be a light to the world. Didn’t call us to be imitators of no one else but Christ. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children, and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Eph. 5:1-2)

Consider committing ourselves and our work to Him. (John 7:43-44)

When we commit ourselves and our work to Him, we will be able to continue this great work even when the enemy is raging. David said “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: The crowd’s divided opinion about Jesus enabled Him to continue His ministry without immediate arrest. ” Stop allowing divide opinions cause you to draw back on your commitment to God. You say you love God and His Church, well don’t let opinionated folk distract you. Everybody has an opinion whether its active or passive. An active one based on Biblical truths is the right opinion to have.

Closure: When we are focused and steadfast in our doctrinal beliefs. When we are working out the Masters plan, folks will rise up opinionated but when God has given you a work to do. They may send the guards and the hell hounds after you, but when they’re asked why they didn’t hinder you. The text says that the guards that they sent to arrest Jesus came back without Him and told them “Never spoke thus a man.” Even the guards sense than Jesus was more that a man. He was Prophet and Messiah and He came to save you and me. Thats all that matters. There is no divide in my mind. He is the authoritative Word of God, who came down int the flesh to save sinners like you and me. Yes! it was on a hill far away!