Do You Believe Jesus?

The Divided Response to Jesus

Bible Passage: John 7:40–52

Summary: In this passage, the people are conflicted in their opinions about Jesus, with some recognizing Him as a prophet while others question His background and authenticity as the Messiah.

Application: When faced with differing opinions and uncertainties about Jesus, we are encouraged to seek clarity and understanding through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and guidance from the Holy Spirit. It is essential to remain rooted in faith and discern the truth about Jesus amidst conflicting perspectives.

Teaching: This passage teaches us about the importance of discernment in recognizing Jesus as the promised Messiah and Son of Man. It emphasizes the need for believers to deepen their knowledge of Jesus' identity and mission to navigate through doubt and division in the world.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout the Bible, Jesus is revealed as the cornerstone of the Christian faith, the Suffering Servant who redeems humanity, and the King of Kings who will ultimately reign in glory. His identity and mission are central to the message of salvation and reconciliation with God.

Big Idea: The response to Jesus is often divided and conflicted, but believers are called to seek clarity, discernment, and deep understanding of His identity as the promised Messiah. In a world of uncertainty and skepticism, faith in Jesus as the Son of Man is the anchor that keeps us steady and rooted in the truth of God's Word.

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Good morning,

Today we conclude our journey through the seventh chapter of John, where we have asked 6 very important questions. My prayer is that, as we have gone through this, it has given you ways to answers these questions as you may encounter them while sharing the Gospel.

It is the final day of the festival and Jesus is calling people tp drink from Him, that He is the living water, and that those who come to Him, and drink, will have springs of water flow forth from them.

Last week, I explained that you can only give from your overflow, that the water here, is the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, our Helper sent from God.

We talked about our cups being fully used, and it being time to step out of our nests and fly.

I am so proud of how so many of you responded this past week. We were able to serve over 100 people in our community through food and showers. We took, what the Lord has blessed us with, and put it into action.

When we started I was asked by some, “how many do you think we will serve.” And i responded, “You are asking the wrong question, the question is are we willing to serve.” I was so excited to see our answer was yes.

Now we turn our eyes to the end of this encounter. And we ask the question, “Do You Believe Jesus?” Not just some of what He says, not just parts, but all of Him?

John 7:40–52 NIV

On hearing his words, some of the people said, “Surely this man is the Prophet.” Others said, “He is the Messiah.” Still others asked, “How can the Messiah come from Galilee? Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David’s descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?” Thus the people were divided because of Jesus. Some wanted to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him. Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests and the Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring him in?” “No one ever spoke the way this man does,” the guards replied. “You mean he has deceived you also?” the Pharisees retorted. “Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law—there is a curse on them.” Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, “Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?” They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee.”

1. Truth over Opinions

John 7:40–44 NIV

On hearing his words, some of the people said, “Surely this man is the Prophet.” Others said, “He is the Messiah.” Still others asked, “How can the Messiah come from Galilee? Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David’s descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?” Thus the people were divided because of Jesus. Some wanted to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him.

Perhaps begin by exploring the diversity of opinions about Jesus' identity as the Christ within this passage. You could discuss how this mirrors today's varied perceptions of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of seeking truth through Scripture, much like the Bereans in Acts 17:11. This point could underscore the big idea by highlighting the necessity of discernment and prayer in understanding Jesus' true nature.

Facts dont care about your feelings

Divided crowd

We see this today in our society

We make our own Jesus

Many want to condemn Christ, and us as followers, but they do it from a far, or wait until they get enough people around them.

We learn who He is through His Word, not our own thoughts and feelings

If what we say is against scripture, it is us who are wrong not Christ

Our opinions do not matter

At school, two friends had heated discussions over which superhero was the best. One friend passionately declared it was Batman because he was rich and clever, while the other insisted it was Superman due to his powers. After a lengthy debate, a teacher intervened and reminded them that personal preferences are just opinions. In the world of superheroes, the truth is none can exist without their creators! This playful exchange illustrates how we often confuse strong opinions for undeniable truths.

Our answer should always be, “What does the Bible say?”

2. Humility over Pride

John 7:45–49 NIV

Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests and the Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring him in?” “No one ever spoke the way this man does,” the guards replied. “You mean he has deceived you also?” the Pharisees retorted. “Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law—there is a curse on them.”

The Pharisees' dismissal of the people's beliefs about Jesus, compares their pride and misunderstanding to modern challenges by recognizing Jesus amidst societal or peer pressure. This illustrates the sermon's application by encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith and convictions, rooted in a Christological understanding of Scripture.

The Pharisees did not care about the peoples belief

Another arrest attempt thwarted

Religious leaders were upset because Jesus was captivating

They believed they knew better

They say the people have been decieved

They are blinded by their own pride

We are to come humbly to the throne

We do not have all the answers, especially when we place ourselves in it

Stay quiet and be thought a fool or open your mouth and remove all doubt

Harsh but true

3. Courage over Conflict

John 7:50–52 NIV

Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, “Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?” They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee.”

Nicodemus' cautious defense of Jesus encourages us to be brave in our witness, taking a stand for what we believe about Jesus, even in the face of opposition. This section ties back to the big idea and Christocentric focus by reflecting on Jesus as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, as Nicodemus hints, underscoring the call to discernment and deep faith.

Nicodemus makes another appearance, fair and searching

John 3 was our introduction to him as he met with Jesus at night. Famously John 3:16 was told to him.

We have seen examples of Christ standing firm, and being courageous, but here stands a man with a lot to lose.

He is a bit timid, but he ensures that Jesus has his say, He is protecting Christ, wanting His message to continue and defending Him in his own way.

Closed minds, however, are not usually interested in fairness, as in this case. As a result Nicodemus was taunted by being identified with Jesus and by being labeled as a “Galilean” himself (John 7:52). The Judean contempt for Galileans obviously was reflected in this threat, a view one can almost sense in Matthew’s citation of the text from Isaiah in fulfillment of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee (Matt 4:15–16; cf. Isa 9:1–2). In support of their judgment, the Pharisees called on Nicodemus to remember his role as an interpreter of Scripture. If he would fulfill his task (scrutinize the Scripture, eraunān), they argued, he would quickly discover that no prophet was to come from Galilee. Technically on this reading the council members were incorrect because Jonah came from Gath-hepher in Galilee (2 Kgs 14:25; cf. the Son of Amittai, Jonah 1:1). But whatever the technicalities, the self-righteous attitude was destined to be condemned by Jesus.

Gerald L. Borchert, John 1–11, vol. 25A, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1996), 294.

Are we willing to speak up, even if it means we are taunted and even slightly ridiculed.

Do we instruct people to simply go to the Word and allow Jesus to defend himself?

Do we feel we have to do it for him and forget to bring him into the situation

As followers of Christ, we belong to him, “Remember who you are”

Conclusion

If we truly believe all He says, we will share it as He says it. Are we like Nicodemus, where we are willing to step up and say something. This was not a profound defense of Christ, but he was willing to say something. He was willing to do that, because he believed Jesus.

In Matthew 16, Jesus asks His disciples, 'Who do you say I am?' Peter confidently declares, 'You are the Messiah.' This key moment in scripture illustrates the importance of belief in Jesus’ identity. A senior pastor shares that his faith deepened dramatically when he studied this verse. He realized that acknowledging Christ as the Savior not only confirms His identity but also transforms our lives. Just like Peter, we must confront this essential question, understanding that our belief shapes our relationship with Jesus.

Do you believe Jesus?

Call to Salvation