Divided by Jesus

Introduction

Text Intro

Please open your Bibles to John 7:25–44.

Jesus has always been a controversial figure with the religious leaders. Early in His ministry, He drove merchants out of the temple. And by the time we reach the end of John 6, we begin to see the crowds themselves turning away from Him as well.

Now, in John 7, Jesus is back in Jerusalem, teaching openly in the temple. Opposition has been growing, confusion has been spreading—and in this passage, that conflict comes to a head in open division.

Please read along with me in John chapter 7, beginning in verse 25.

Read John 7:25-44

John 7:25–44 NKJV

25 Now some of them from Jerusalem said, “Is this not He whom they seek to kill? 26 But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ? 27 However, we know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from.” 28 Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, saying, “You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. 29 But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me.” 30 Therefore they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come. 31 And many of the people believed in Him, and said, “When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?” 32 The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring these things concerning Him, and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Him. 33 Then Jesus said to them, “I shall be with you a little while longer, and then I go to Him who sent Me. 34 You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come.” 35 Then the Jews said among themselves, “Where does He intend to go that we shall not find Him? Does He intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 36 What is this thing that He said, ‘You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come’?” 37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. 40 Therefore many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, “Truly this is the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Will the Christ come out of Galilee? 42 Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?” 43 So there was a division among the people because of Him. 44 Now some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid hands on Him.

Prayer of Illumination

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your presence as we come to Your Word today.

By Your Spirit, lead us and guide us, that we might see Jesus more clearly and follow Him more faithfully.

We ask this in His name. Amen.

Sermon Intro- Pineapple Division

There are some things in life that will destroy a relationship. Some things that can divide even the closest people.

Like pineapple on pizza.

On one hand, you have pizza purists—people who have secretly plotted the burning down of their local Papa John’s to rid the world of this crime against all culinary rules and norms.

On the other hand, you have people who have—rightly, in my opinion—discovered the bliss of a fruity blast of flavor. Sweet and salty and tangy, all coming together like perfection.

And then, of course, you have a small minority of people who really don’t care either way.

But there’s no doubt: pineapple on pizza causes division deeper than a Chicago pan.

Now, that is not the kind of division Jesus caused.

There are divisions we don’t joke about—divisions where we aren’t pretending to be mad, but are genuinely hurt. Divisions where we grieve. Divisions where one path leads to destruction and the other leads to joy, and we look at each other and think, Why can’t they see it? Why won’t they choose life?

Real division—over things that actually matter.

John tells us in verse 43:

“So there was a division among the people because of Him.”

This is the most serious division of all.

It was division over authority—who would truly lead God’s people.

It was division over religion—what God expected and what He was doing.

And it was division over life and death—whether people would receive eternal life or face the judgment of a holy God.

This morning, we’re going to look at that division—and come face to face with the question that divided them then and still divides people today:

How will we respond to Jesus?

1. Will I Reject Jesus?

The Pharisees – plotting, hostile, and hardened (John 7; throughout Gospels)

Some in the crowd (for example the Pharisees) simply rejected Jesus. At the extreme, this included those in verse 25 who were seeking to kill Him.

In verse 30 we read that they sought to take Him—not friendly taking, but forceful seizure. This is similar to what would later happen with Stephen, who was killed for following Jesus.

Here, it didn’t happen fully—perhaps because the crowd was divided, and many weren’t ready to reject Jesus completely. But ultimately, because Jesus hour had not yet come. Jesus was planning on going to the cross on God’s timetable, not theirs.

But some hearts were hardened. They heard witnesses that Jesus was the Messiah; they were confronted with the reality of their sin—and rather than believing, they doubled down.

Anger is a common response when we are confronted with a truth we don’t want to hear.

The Mocking Thief – dies beside Jesus but rejects Him (Luke 23:39)

This response isn’t limited to religious leaders. Even the criminal on the cross beside Jesus lashed out.

He knew he was guilty. He saw Jesus’ innocence. He may have even recognized Jesus’ identity. And yet, in anger and despair, he mocked Him.

What they Got Right

Whether it’s the Pharisees, the thief on the cross, I’ll say this about those who rejected Jesus: They did understand what Jesus was claiming.

He was claiming to be God, and that God’s plan of salvation was through faith in him.

But they rejected Him.

Application

I’m confident that no one here is at the point of violent rejection of Jesus. But rejection isn’t only physical or loud—it can be quiet, internal, or stubborn.

We may be tempted to reject Christ when:

Seeing Him as Lord threatens our independence.

Repentance feels too difficult.

Facing our need for change feels overwhelming.

And yet, just as he did for these crowds Jesus divides us and demands an answer:

Will I reject Jesus? Or will I believe?

2. Will I Misunderstand Jesus?

Some in the crowd rejected Jesus. Yet some did not- they were somewhere between rejection and belief.

They didn’t reject him outright, but they didn’t understand him either. They remained unconvinced, hesitant, or confused — yet still lost

The People of Nazareth (Mark 6:1–6; John 7:25–28)

These were the people in the crowd asking questions like:

If Jesus is the one the Pharisees want to kill, why is Jesus so bold and they aren’t doing anything? (vs 26)

Do they know he’s really the Messiah? (vs 26)

Don’t we know where he’s from? So can’t be the Messiah, right? (vs 27)

He’s going somewhere we can’t go, is he going to leave Israel? (vs 35)

Maybe he’s really a prophet (vs 40)

There’s nothing wrong with questions. Good questions often lead to discovery. But here, these questions are a way of avoiding commitment.

Instead of rejection or belief, some in the crowd settles into uncertainty.

They misunderstand Jesus as a prophet, not the one prophet’s spoke of.

They misunderstand Jesus’ miracles- thinking they were important but not seeing what they were pointing to.

This is the “middle crowd” — not hostile, not convinced, comfortably unsure.

Application

I think for us today it is far easier to misunderstand Jesus and remain in this comfortably unsure middle than to outright reject him.

It’s easy to get caught up in questions:

What does the Bible really mean when it says...?

What do scholars think?

It’s easy base our beliefs on who Jesus is on our way of thinking rather than listening to what Jesus says about himself:

I think love means this, and Jesus is loving so he probably mean that too...

God wants me to be happy, right, and this makes me happy so it must be right..

I have these political views, so that’s probably what Jesus is teaching...

So we don’t reject Jesus — we simply reshape Him. We keep the parts we like and question the parts we don’t.

And in the end, we are left with a Jesus who looks a lot like us. Or maybe just looks vague and unclear and doesn’t demand much of us.

We may call it belief, but if He is remade in our image, we have still refused the real Christ.

Just as he did for these crowds Jesus divides us and demands an answer:

Will I misunderstand Jesus or will I truly believe?

3. Will I Believe in Jesus?

Some rejected, some misunderstood, but some believed in Jesus.

Surrounded by doubt and opposition — they believed.

Even though Jesus wasn’t what they expected — they believed.

Even though they didn’t have all the answers — they saw that Jesus was the answer — and they believed.

Even though faith required humility — they believed.

Not because of the miracles themselves, but because of what the miracles pointed to. They revealed the story of Scripture: a loving God who promised to rescue humanity from sin. And here in Jesus — the Messiah — that promise was fulfilled.

Sure, He didn’t match up to what the religious or political leaders promised. But He matched exactly what God promised in His Word.

And they believed.

Conclusion

The Repentant Thief – sees the kingdom and asks for mercy (Luke 23:40–43)

On that cross with Jesus, there were not just two criminals. The first rejected and mocked Him. But the second spoke up.

He shows us exactly what belief in Jesus looks like:

I’m guilty – he admitted the sin that brought him to the cross.

Jesus is innocent – he recognized the truth of Jesus’ character.

Jesus is Savior – “Remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).

He believed that Jesus, the man on the cross next to him, was the sinless Son of God. Even on the cross, he trusted Jesus as Savior and rightful King. He knew he was powerless to save himself, so he placed his faith entirely in Jesus.

And Jesus answered him with grace:

“Today you will be with me in paradise.”

Closing Exhortation

The question before us is the same:

Who am I? And who is Jesus?

Belief begins where the thief began:

“I am guilty.”

“Jesus is righteous.”

“He alone can save.”

Belief is not rejecting Him.

Belief is not reshaping Him.

Belief is receiving Him as He truly is.

In John 7 the crowds were divided. What were they to make of Jesus? Reject Him? Remain uncertain? Or believe?

And today, Jesus still divides.

Not because He is unclear or insufficient, but because He demands a response.

What will your answer be?

Will you believe in Jesus?

Invitation

Hymn: I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

John Reading Plan

John 8:21–9:41 – Jesus confronts His opponents with bold claims about His identity, declaring “before Abraham was, I AM.” In chapter 9, He heals a man born blind, revealing Himself as the light of the world while exposing the blindness of the Pharisees. This week reveals the growing conflict around Jesus’ identity and the life-transforming power of seeing Him rightly.

☐ Day 1 – John 8:21–30 + Exodus 3:13–15

☐ Day 2 – John 8:31–47 + Malachi 1:6

☐ Day 3 – John 8:48–59 + Exodus 6:1–8

☐ Day 4 – John 9:1–23 + Isaiah 42:6–9

☐ Day 5 – John 9:24–41 + Psalm 146:5–10

Sermon Notes & Further Study

1. Quotes & Illustrations

Pineapple on Pizza: https://jiminifoodsgroup.com/blog/pineapple-on-pizza-debate/

Life Application Commentary

The people thought they knew where Jesus came from—Nazareth of Galilee. They saw him as a man, a neighbor, a carpenter, but they did not have a close relationship with him. They did not know that he had come from God and had been born of a virgin, heralded by angels, recognized as divine by shepherds and then by wise men from the East, and greeted joyfully as the Messiah by two aged prophets (Luke 2). Anyone who tries to dismiss Jesus as just a human being misses the point of his coming to earth and loses the forgiveness, peace, and eternal life Jesus offers.

Instead, the people were convinced that no one was supposed to know where the Messiah came from. There was a popular tradition that the Messiah would simply appear. It was just as mistaken as the belief that the Christ would be a military/political leader who would restore Israel’s greatness. Those who believed this tradition were ignoring the Scriptures that clearly predicted the Messiah’s birthplace (Micah 5:2). The popular tradition about the origin and appearance of the Messiah probably came from what is recorded in 1 Enoch 48:6; 4 Ezra 13:1ff., books that were not included in our Bibles because they were not considered authoritative (however, they were valued for personal study).

Bruce B. Barton, John, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1993), 158.

IN THE MIDDLE

Many consider neutrality to be a sign of maturity and objectivity. Maintaining a neutral position toward Christ may be popular, but it is dangerous. People stay undecided about Jesus under the pretense of not wanting to make a hasty or wrong judgment. But Jesus never allowed indecision. He confronted men and women with the unavoidable choice of belief or unbelief. Today those who remain undecided must understand that they remain, by that choice, in opposition to Christ.

Bruce B. Barton, John, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1993), 159.

2. Additional Scriptures

Do you want to get a bigger picture of how people responded to Jesus? Here’ a much longer list of examples to explore:

Rejection

People of Nazareth—were astonished at Jesus’s wisdom and mighty works, but were offended at him (Matt 13:54–57)

Synagogue crowd in Nazareth—filled with wrath, rose up and thrust him out of the city, leading him to the brow of a hill to throw him down (Luke 4:28–29)

Many disciples—went back and walked with him no more (John 6:66)

Residents of Gergesenes—came out to meet Jesus and begged him to depart from their region (Matt 8:34)

Samaritans—did not receive him because his face was set for the journey to Jerusalem (Luke 9:52–53)

Jewish leaders—persecuted Jesus and sought to kill him because he worked on the Sabbath and claimed God was his Father (John 5:16–18)

Jews—accused him of being a Samaritan with a demon, and said he had a demon when he claimed those keeping his word would never see death (John 8:48–52)

Jews—took up stones to stone him, accusing him of blasphemy for making himself God (John 10:31–33)

Judas Iscariot—agreed to betray Jesus to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver (Matt 26:14–16)

Chief priests, elders, and multitudes—persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and demanded Jesus be crucified (Matt 27:20–23)

Chief priests and crowd—stirred up to demand Jesus’s crucifixion rather than his release (Mark 15:11–13)

Rich young ruler—went away sorrowful when Jesus told him to sell his possessions and follow him (Matt 19:22)

Misunderstanding

Nicodemus—asked how a man could be born when old, not understanding Jesus’s teaching about spiritual rebirth (John 3:3–4)

Samaritan woman at the well—asked where Jesus would get living water, not understanding his spiritual meaning (John 4:10–11)

Jews—quarreled among themselves asking how Jesus could give them his flesh to eat (John 6:52)

Jews—thought Jesus meant the physical temple when he said he would raise it up in three days (John 2:19–20)

Disciples—reasoned among themselves that Jesus was warning them about bread, when he was actually warning them about the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matt 16:6–12)

Disciples—thought Jesus meant Lazarus was sleeping naturally, when he was speaking of his death (John 11:11–13)

The twelve—understood none of Jesus’s things about his coming suffering and resurrection (Luke 18:34)

Disciples—did not understand Jesus’s saying that he would be betrayed and killed, and were afraid to ask him (Mark 9:32)

Mother of Zebedee’s sons and her sons—asked for positions at Jesus’s right and left hand in his kingdom, not understanding what they were asking (Matt 20:21–23)

Jews—misunderstood Jesus’s statement about going where they could not come, wondering if he intended to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks (John 7:33–36)

Jews—misinterpreted Jesus’s statement about where he was going, asking if he would kill himself (John 8:21–22)

Disciples—urged Jesus to eat, not understanding when he said he had food they did not know about (John 4:31–34)

Disciples—were indignant when a woman anointed Jesus with costly oil, questioning why it was not sold and given to the poor (Matt 26:8–9)

Belief

Disciples—believed in Jesus after he manifested his glory through his first sign at Cana (John 2:11)

Samaritans—believed in Jesus because of the woman’s testimony and then because of his own word, confessing him as the Savior of the world (John 4:39–42)

Official and his household—believed in Jesus when his son was healed (John 4:53)

Blind man—believed in the Son of God and worshiped Jesus after receiving his sight (John 9:35–38)

Many Jews—believed in Jesus after seeing what he did when he raised Lazarus (John 11:45)

Many Jews—believed in Jesus on account of Lazarus (John 12:11)

Centurion—demonstrated great faith that Jesus marveled at, finding it exceptional even in Israel (Matt 8:10)

Canaanite woman—Jesus commended her great faith and healed her daughter (Matt 15:28)

Nathanael—confessed Jesus as the Son of God and King of Israel (John 1:49)

Simon Peter—declared that Jesus had the words of eternal life and affirmed belief that he is the Christ, the Son of the living God (John 6:68–69)

Simon Peter—confessed Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matt 16:16)

Martha—believed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world (John 11:27)

Simon Peter—fell at Jesus’s knees, acknowledging him as Lord (Luke 5:8)

Thomas—addressed Jesus as “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28)

Woman with the issue of blood—her faith made her well, and Jesus sent her in peace (Mark 5:34)

Woman healed of illness—Jesus affirmed her faith had made her well (Matt 9:22)

One of ten lepers—Jesus told him his faith had made him well (Luke 17:19)

Blind Bartimaeus—Jesus said his faith made him well, and he followed Jesus (Mark 10:52)

Many of the people—believed in Jesus, saying when the Christ comes he will do more signs than Jesus had done (John 7:31)

Many—believed in Jesus as he spoke (John 8:30)

Many—believed in Jesus in a certain place (John 10:42)

Rulers—many believed in Jesus, but did not confess him because of fear of the Pharisees (John 12:42)

3. Additional Questions (Using Logos Study Assistant✨)

In John 7:25-44 were the people's expectations about the Messiah biblical?

The people in John 7:25-44 held expectations about the Messiah that were rooted in biblical prophecy, yet they failed to recognize how those very expectations were being fulfilled. They correctly cited Scripture indicating the Messiah would descend from David’s line and emerge from Bethlehem—claims grounded in the Davidic covenant promising an eternal kingdom (2 Sam 7:12–13) and Micah’s prophecy of a ruler arising from Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Some also identified Jesus as “the Prophet,” referencing the messianic expectation (John 7:40–42) established by Deuteronomy’s promise of a prophet like Moses who would speak God’s words (Deut 18:15–18).

However, their understanding contained a critical flaw: they assumed Jesus originated in Nazareth, thereby rejecting the virgin birth, while simultaneously claiming no one could know the Messiah’s origins—despite prophetic specificity about Bethlehem[1]. They asserted, “We know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from” (John 7:27)—a statement contradicting the very Scripture they invoked. Additionally, some questioned whether the Messiah would perform more miraculous signs than Jesus had demonstrated (John 7:31), suggesting they expected a figure of even greater power.

The people were confused about the Messiah’s identity, yet Jesus fulfilled all scriptural expectations in his messianic identity and mission—the problem lay not with Scripture or with Jesus, but with their ignorance and lack of understanding[2]. John exposes this irony: what appeared to them as an obstacle—Jesus being from Galilee—actually confirmed his messianic credentials, as he had been born in Bethlehem according to Micah’s prophecy[2]. Their expectations were biblically informed but spiritually blind to their fulfillment.

[1] Kenneth O. Gangel, John, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 4:146. [2] Andreas J. Köstenberger, Signs of the Messiah: An Introduction to John’s Gospel (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2021), 105.

4. Bible Translation

I’m choosing the NKJV for preaching because I believe it offers the strongest balance of faithfulness to the historic text of Scripture, clarity for modern readers, and continuity with the church’s worshiping tradition.

At the same time, I deeply value other faithful translations—such as the NASB, ESV, CSB, and NIV—which also serve the church well and can enrich our understanding of God’s Word.

5. Commentary Recommendation's

I have found the following commentaries helpful in my study of John.

Introductory

Explore the book in greater depth. Ideal for curious church members, Bible study leaders, and Sunday School teachers who want a clearer understanding of the text without being overwhelmed by technical detail.

1. Holman New Testament Commentary: John by Kenneth O. Gangel

2. Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in John by Matt Chandler and Josh Wredberg

3. Be Alive (John 1-12) and Be Transformed (John 13-21) by Warren Wiresbe

4. The Life Application Bible Commentary: John Editor: Grant Osborne

Intermediate

More advanced, with increased attention to historical context, theological nuances, and interpretive questions. Best for teachers or small group leaders seeking a scholarly yet accessible examination of passages.

1. Signs of the Messiah: An Introduction to John’s Gospel by Andreas J. Köstenberger

2. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: The Gospel of John by Grant Osborne

3. ESV Expository Commentary: John by James M. Hamilton Jr.

In-Depth Study

These are a bit more advanced than the previous recommendations and go into more depth. These resources are ideal for those preparing lessons or sermons and looking to engage more deeply with the biblical text.

1. New American Commentary: John 1-11 and John 12-21 by Gerald L. Borchert

2. Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel According to John by D.A. Carson

3. New International Commentary on the New Testament: The Gospel According to John by Leon Morris