John 7:15-53 - The Disbelief and Division of Christ
Introduction
Review of Last Week
A. The Response of Jesus’ Brothers: Mockery and Unbelief, 7:1-9
1. Jesus was forced to withdraw and minister in Galilee (v.1-2)
a) The reason: The Jews (the ruling authorities) sought to kill Him (v.1b)—v.19, 25, 30, 32, 44 confirms this
b) The Feast of Tabernacles was at hand (v.2)
2. His brothers were skeptical & did not believe in Him (v.3-5).
a) Their mockery: Show your works (v.3-4)
b) Their unbelief (v.5): Psalm 69:8; Mark 3:21; Matt.13:55
3. Jesus’ reply (v.6-9)
a) It’s not my time; My time has not yet come (v.6)—(vv.8, 30; 2:4; 8:20)
b) “His hour had come” (John 12:23-24; 13:1; 17:1-5; Luke 9:51; Acts 1:7).
c) But your time is always ready (v.6); John 5:19
d) Jesus Says That The World Hates Him For Exposing Its Sin (v.7).
e) It is not time for His full revelation, that is, the revelation of His death (v.8-10).
f) Jesus went up to the feast (v.10)—Deuteronomy 16:16
4. The Jews’ response: Sought and questioned and murmured about Him (v.11-15)
a) Some feel He is a good man (v.12a)
b) Some feel He is a deceiver (v.12b)
c) Some felt He was not significant enough to defend (v.13)
d) Some feel He is demon-possessed (7:20)
e) Some feel He is and ordinary man (7:25-27, 41b-42)
f) Some feel He is a prophet (7:40).
g) Some feel He is the Messiah (7:31, 41a).
h) A man unaccredited not having proper credentials—so capable, yet uneducated (v.14-15)
1) Psalm 119:97-104; 66:18.
2) The Jews Marveled At His Words & Questioned His Credentials (v.15)—They knew that Jesus never went through their school system.
(a) Jesus taught as one having authority, not as the Scribes (Matt.7:28-29)
(b) The Pharisee’s plotted to entangle Jesus in His words, but ended up marveling (Matt.22:15ff.).
(c) Jesus’ words marveled even those who heard Him at a young age (Luke 2:41-48)
(d) Jesus marveled because of their unbelief (Mark 6:1-6).
(e) Its not what you know, its who you’ve been with is what counts (Acts 4:13)
5. Jesus’ Reply: My Teaching Is God’s Teaching (v.16-19) Hanging out with the Father
a) Revelation is Directly Linked to Application (v.17). If you do what has already been given, more will be given to you:
1) Take head what you hear (Mark 4:24-25); & how you hear (Luke 8:18). They could not hear because their hearts wanted to kill Him (Matt.5:29).
(a) Obedience is the avenue in which revelation comes (John 14:21; 1Jn.2:3)
1. He did not claim to be the Source of His message.
2. He claimed to be “sent” by God, to be the Representative, the Ambassador of God.
For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me (John 6:38 )
But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me." (John 7:29 NKJV)
I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things (John 8:28)
Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me (John 8:42 )
The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life” (John 6:63). “For I did not speak on My own initiative”… therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me” (12:49–50; cf. 14:24).
(b) When we give out the gospel, some don’t like what we have to say, but it “is not our doctrine, but He who sent me” (Luke 24:46-47).
b) Proven by the objective test (the outward or observation test): Does man speak for his own glory or for God’s glory (v.18). Jesus did not seek to glorify Himself but God.
c) Proven by the personal test: Are you keeping the law? (v.19)—Jesus says that the people in His audience have the law of Moses, but do not keep the Law of Moses therefore they don’t understand the doctrine of God, and in fact they want to kill Him right now (7:19-24).
B. The Response of the People: A Charge of Insanity, Yet Still Questioning, 7:20-31
1. The Peoples’ Response (v.20-24)
a) Their response: Jesus was possessed by a demon, that is, insane (v.20)
1) They said the same thing in (John 10:19-20), also saying He was a drunkard (Matt.11:18ff)
b) Jesus’ reply: Doing good proves a man (v.21-24)
1) They all marveled at the healing of the lame man, that’s the one work (John 5:16-18).
2) Circumcision is doing good: Meets a religious and a ceremonial need of man (v.22)
(a) Genesis 17:10-14; John & Jesus were circumcised (Luke 1:59; 2:21)
3) Healing is doing good: Meets a personal and a bodily need of man (v.23)
(a) If the circumcision would fall on the Sabbath, they would still allow it (Mark 3:1-6; Matt. 12:9-13; Luke 14:1).
(b) Why is it O.K. to cause pain on the Sabbath, but not allow rejoicing for a healing!
4) A principle: Judge not superficially, think and consider (v.24) as in (v.51)
2. The Local Residents’ Response (v.25-31)
a) Their response was questioning: Is this not He? (v.25-27)
1) Their Reasoning: Could He be the Messiah? (v.26)
2) Their Conclusion: Unbelief—they knew His earthly origin (v.27)
It was commonly believed by the Jews of that day that when the Messiah came, He would come suddenly and mysteriously. They had no idea that He would be born as a Baby and grow up as a Man. They should have known from the OT that He would be born in Bethlehem, but ignorant.
b) Jesus’ reply: A critical claim (v.28-29)
1) He is a man (v.28a)
2) He also came from God (v.28b)
3) He knows God: Is from God—God sent Him (v.29)
c) The local people’s reaction (v.30-31)
1) Some disbelieve and reject (v.30)
2) Some believe (v.31)
C. The Response of the Rulers and Authorities 7:32-36
1. The Rulers’ Response (v.32)
a) They considered Him a threat, so they sent officers to arrest Him (v.32)
The rulers sent members of the temple guard to arrest Jesus, but it was Jesus who “arrested” them! He warned them that they had but “a little while” to hear the truth, believe, and be saved (see John 12:35ff). It was not Jesus who was in danger, but those who wanted to arrest Him!
1) They Reacted Out Of Fear (John 11:45-48). They feared that the Romans would come and take away all their rights and freedom & lose their position, authority & power.
(a) Do you sometimes react out of fear? Do you fear giving your life totally to Jesus because you will have to lose or give something up (Phil.3:7-11)?
2) They Reacted Out of Envy (Mark 15:6-15)
(a) Because Of Envy Joseph Was Sold Into Slavery By His Brothers (Gen.37:3-28).
(b) Bitter Envy Is Earthly, Sensual & Demonic (James 3:13-16)
(c) They were of the wicked one just as Cain was (1 John 3:10-12) the Pharisees works were evil and Jesus’ works were righteous they were just doing as their father has done from the beginning (John 8:37-44)
(d) Jesus tells a Parable of the landowner (Matt.21:33-46)
(e) They hated Him without a cause (John 15:22-25)
2. Jesus’ Reply & Reaction Of The Ruling Authorities (v.33-36)
a) Jesus tells them that He will soon leave but that they will be unable to find Him and where He is going, they cannot come (v.33-36).
1) Many Interpretations Have Been Given To This.
(a) They would have a hostile search for Jesus which would not be gratified but the whole story of the arrest which follows, as well as the quotation of these words in (John 13:33), prove that this was not his meaning.
(b) Penitential Seeking when it would be too late. We do not believe that a genuine search for the Lord will ever be disappointed (2Cor.3:16; Acts 3:19-21; Jer.29:12)
(c) A vicious and vain search may be possible when the opportunity for due approach has gone by forever.
1. The Unbelief of the People (John 3:18,19,36; 5:29; 6:70; 7:34; 8:23,24,44; 12:37-43).
2. The nation as a whole was blinded; they crucified their King, the Lord of glory; and they brought uttermost extinction on themselves as a nation (Romans 11:25-27).
b) They Failed To Recognized And Embrace Their Messiah When He Visited Them (Luke 19:41-44; John 1:10-11).
1) How Often God Visits Us In His Redeeming Love—Childhood, youth, manhood (womanhood).
2) How His Dealing With Us Culminate (End)—There comes a time in the history of souls — it may come in any period of life — when “the powers of the world to come” are most strongly felt, when God’s nearness is most vividly realized, when the claims of Christ most forcibly touch and move the soul, when the kingdom of God is very near, and its gates are seen to stand wide open. It is “this thy day,” it is the “time of visitation” to such a human heart.
3) How Wise Then Is It To Act Immediately?—How wise and well for us to know the time of our visitation, to recognize our great and priceless opportunity, to flee to the seeking Saviour “swift as the morning light,” lest the golden chance be gone, the gates of opportunity be closed!
c) As In The Days Of Noah
1) Genesis 6:5-8—God Sees The Wickedness Of Man & Is Going To Destroy Man. There is coming a day when Jesus will be “revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power (1Thess.1:8-9)
2) Genesis 7:1—God says to Noah, “Come into the ark, you and all your household”, Jesus says, come to Me all who are weary and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt.11:28); (Josh.2:18-19; 24:15)
3) Genesis 7:16—The Door Was Shut!
(a) Matthew 24:36-44; Luke 17:20-36
(b) Hebrews 11:7 God warned of things not yet seen—I’ve never seen hell but I believe it!
(c) Matthew 25:1-13
(d) Luke 13:22-27
(e) Revelation 3:20 Is the door of your heart shut?
D. The Great Claim of Jesus and Divided Opinions About Him, 7:37-53
1. The Feast Day & the Claims of Jesus (v.37-39)
a) The Feast Day
This Was Not Only A Commemoration but an Anticipation Of What Was To Come.
They Were Looking For Messiah To Come And Lead Them Spiritually Out Of The Wilderness And Lead Them Into The Promised Land Eternally.
§ On the last day of the feast, the Priest in their priestly garments would make a processional down from the temple mount winding down to the pool of Siloam which means, by interpretation “the one who is sent.”
§ Everyday previously when the priest made this processional down to the pool of Siloam they would dip their pitchers in the water and read Isaiah 12:3—Therefore with joy you will draw water From the wells of salvation, and they would then make their way back to the temple and ascend to the alter circling it one time and read Psalm 118:25ff—this would express the cause of their praise & to remind God of His promises. Then they would pour it out on the courtyard of the temple right around the altar. And this was done to remind the people and to celebrate the fact how the Lord provided water for them in the wilderness, “the rock smitten” which of course we know speaks of Jesus.
§ But on the last day, “the Great Day of the Feast”, the priest would make this processional down to the pool of Siloam but they would not bring back water, instead they would make their way back up to the temple mount where the people were congregating, but there was no water to pour out, signifying historically that there came a time when the supernatural flow of water from the rock when, when they got into the promised land. The manna no longer fell, the stream no longer flowed.
§ And so the great day of the feast was celebrating the fact they made it in and now there was no longer any water supernaturally provided. And so they would come back this time with empty jars pouring nothing showing that God had brought them into the promised land, and that wasn’t happening in the same way miraculously any longer, but with this twist, as they would pour out their empty jars when no water was being poured out, they would read from the Scripture that spoke of Messiah’s coming: Isaiah 44:3—For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring. This verse speaks of the Messiah.
§ So they would go to the pool of Siloam which means “the one who is sent” Messiah, so they would come back with empty vessels pouring out nothing around the altar, reminding them of what God had done in the past but also now showing symbolically “send Messiah” the one who is going to pour out water upon those that are thirsty, His Spirit upon the dry ground and then as they said this verse, they had the people bow in silent prayer, praying that Messiah would come that He might pour out His water upon us. At this moment when it is completely quiet this is when Jesus cried out and said (v.37-38).
2. The Claims of Jesus Christ
a) If anyone thirst’s (v.37a): Jesus wasn’t speaking of physical thirst or even man’s emotional need for love, security, or to be needed. He was talking about the human thirst for God.
1) EVERY HUMAN SOUL HAS AN UNQUECHIBLE THIRST FOR GOD
(a) Our sour longs for God (Ps. 42:1–2; 63:1-8; Rev. 21:6; 22:17; Matt. 5:6).
2) MAN TWISTS THE THIRST OF GOD FOR SOMETHING ELSE
(a) Broken cisterns our desires do not hold water (Jeremiah 2:13)
(b) Spending our wages on what does not satisfy (Isaiah 55:2)
(c) Are you looking for the right path, joy & pleasure (Psalm 16:11)?
(d) Do you want wealth (2Cor.8:9; Romans 8:17; Mark 8:36)
(e) Relationships the woman at the well (John 4:13-14).
(f) Some peoples god is their belly “appetite” (Phil.3:19; Rom.16:18)
(g) Commercial “JUST DO IT” “Obey Your Thirst” Wrong
3) IF CONTINUED THE CONSCIENSE WILL EVENTUALLY FAIL
(a) Through Repeated Abuse It Is Possible To Nullify The Conscience.
1. Both the mind and the conscience can become so defiled that they cease making distinctions between what is pure and what is impure (cf. Tit. 1:15).
2. After so much violation, the conscience finally falls silent. Morally, those with defiled consciences are left flying blind. The annoying warning signals may be gone, but the danger certainly is not; in fact, the danger is greater than ever.
b) He is the source of life: “If anyone thirst’s, let him come to me (v.37b)
By design God has created us so that we would reach out to Him, and find a meaningful relationship with Him. It is the only way to fulfillment.
1) THERE IS ROOM AT THE CROSS FOR YOU
Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. (Isaiah 55:7)
Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:14 NKJV)
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18 NKJV)
and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. (Colossians 1:20 NKJV)
And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17 NKJV)
c) He is the source of abundant life (v.38)
1) Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water—literally means, “there shall gush forth torrents of living water.” What scripture is He referring to?
The LORD will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. (Isaiah 58:11)
For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring; (Isaiah 44:3)
(a) There is one thing of man that never seems to be satisfied, and that is his belly. It seems that we are always hungry.
(b) This is the very area that Jesus said He would not only fill but it would be the area from which the living water would overflow.
(c) David said, "My cup runs over."
2) AT LARGE FOR SERVICE—Why is it so important for us to realize that the Spirit of God wants to flow forth from us as a mighty gushing torrent?
(a) He Wants Us To Be Instruments—God wants us to be instruments through which the Holy Spirit might flow forth to a needy world.
(b) To Become A Blessing To Others—The Water Of The Holy Spirit Not Only Goes In, It Also Comes Out. Not only does the believer receive blessing, but he becomes a blessing to others. This is the contrast between two contemporary religious movements of Jesus’ day. The ancient village of the Palestine sect had no outflow, becoming stagnant and dead. But Christianity emphasizes outflow, extending life and blessing to others.
3) FOUR PREPOSITIONS USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.
(a) These are within, upon, and filling – Read John 16:7-11.
1. What is the Holy Spirit trying to show people who have not accepted Christ?
2. In John 14:16,17, what two prepositions are used here? (para “with”) & (en “in”)
3. The disciples went from para to en in (John 20:22), when Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
4. The same thing characterizes our own experience prior to conversion.
(b) The next relationship centers around the preposition “en”.
1. According to Romans 8:9, where does the Spirit dwell? “en” in you
2. The moment you accepted Jesus as the Lord of your life, the Holy Spirit came into you and began to indwell you, you went from para to en.
3. Not every believer, however, has the baptism with the Holy Spirit.
(c) The next relationship relates to the word upon – “epi”.
1. This is the same as the baptism with the Holy Spirit.
2. Where does the Holy Spirit come in Acts 1:8 in relation to the person?
3. What about in Luke 24:49?
4. Acts 19:1-7? (esp. v. 6) “ upon them”—This epi empowers the believer for service—Ex. of “chain saw” & “cup of water”. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead & seated Him in heaven is present in you by God’s Spirit to:
q cause you to overflow with hope (Romans 15:13)
q help you bear up under and escape temptation (Matt.4:1; 1 Corinthians 10:13)
q equip you to be a servant (Ephesians 3:7)
q give you inner strength (Ephesians 3:16)
q allow God to do more than you can ask or imagine in and through your life (Eph.3:20)
q equip you to resist Satan (Ephesians 6:10-11)
q provide endurance and patience (Colossians 1:11)
q help you work hard for Him (Colossians 1:29)
q shield you (1 Peter 1:5)
q provide everything you need for life & godliness (2 Peter 1:3)
(d) The next relationship is the filling of the Holy Spirit.
1. This is an experience the believer needs on a daily basis (Eph.5:18).
2. This literally means keep being filled with the Holy Spirit.
3. What happened to the Apostles in Acts 4:31 and 4:8?
d) He is the source of the Holy Spirit (v.39) by believing in Him, you receive the Holy Spirit
The Father sent the Son, and the Son died on the cross and the Holy Spirit sealed the person. Who does John 1:33-34, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16 and Matthew 3:11 say will be the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit? Jesus
1) Jesus was not yet glorified (John 16:5-15; John 12:16; 13:31; 17:5)
2) The Empowering of the Spirit (baptism of the Spirit, overflowing, or coming upon)
(a) The purpose of the empowering of the Holy Spirit is that Jesus is glorified. Jesus said the Holy Spirit will not speak of Himself, but point to Him (John 6:12-15). A truly Spirit filled person or congregation will not be talking primarily about the Spirit but about the person of Jesus Christ.
(b) Peter spoke of repenting and being baptized (Acts 2:38) the Spirit came upon them.
(c) This also happened to Jesus (Matt.3:11-17) the Holy Spirit came upon Him and empowered Him for service (Acts 1:8; Judges 14:6,19; 15:14; Luke 4:14; 24:49; Act 10:38; Rom. 15:19; Eph. 3:16; 1Thess 1:5. 2Tim.1:7)
e) Does this describe what is going on in your life?
Are you overflowing and touching the lives of others around you? Paul’s prayer for the Corinthians was that they did not come short of any spiritual gift, and that is my prayer for you! Do not choose to come short of anything God wants to do in your life.
3. The People’s Divided Response (v.40-44)
a) Many: The prophet (v.40) see Deut.18:15,18
b) Others: The Christ (v.41a)
c) Some: Questioned His birthplace and misinterpreted Scripture (v.41b-43)
1) There was division among them (Matthew 10:34-36; Luke 12:49-53). Their judgment was based on incomplete information. Jesus was of the seed of David. Both Mary and Joseph were descendants of David. He was of the seed of David and He was born in Bethlehem
d) Some: Would take and do away with Him (v.44). There are those today who want to just do away with Jesus by just not thinking about Him or making a real decision.
4. The Rulers’ Response (v.45-53)
a) They are frustrated by the military (7:45-49)
1) The Officers were sent to arrest Jesus, (v.32) but came back empty-handed, saying, “We have never heard anyone talk like this (v.46)!”
2) You nerds! Were the ones with the education scholarship degrees and were not believing in Him. You don’t know, you don’t have the knowledge that we have this is why you are being deceived (1 Corinthians 8:1-knowledge puffs up)
b) They are frustrated by a member (7:50-53)
1) One Of Their Own Members, Nicodemus, Now Stands Up For Jesus (50-51)
(a) Nic came first at midnight, now at twilight, then in John 19:38ff at daylight. He finally sees and understands, when? At the cross of Jesus Christ.
(b) We Must Have Proper Judgment (Exodus 23:1; Deut.1:16-17; 1Tim.5:19)
1. He’s Bringing Up A Point Of Law Here. They were guilty of violating the law. You could not judge a man until he had first had his say. They have made judgments of Him. They had not given Him an opportunity to answer their issues or their questions.
2. Revelation 12:10 Satan is the accuser of the brethren
a. Revelation 20:2 - - Devil and Satan. “Devil” comes from a Gr. verb meaning “to slander” or “to falsely accuse.” He is a malignant liar (John 8:44; 1 John 3:8).
b. James 3:13-18 - - When we are slandering we are a tool of Satan.
c. Love believes & hopes all things (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
2) THEY REJECTED NICODEMUS’ QUESTIONS, MISINTERPRETING SCRIPTURE (V.52)
(a) Jesus was not birthed in Galilee, but in Bethlehem and moved to Galilee as a young child
(b) They forgot about Jonah the prophet from Galilee (2 Kings 14:25; Jonah 1:1)
In fact, a prophet had risen from Galilee. Jonah, who was a type of Jesus Christ came from Gath Hepher, which was three miles north of Nazareth in Lower Galilee (2 Kings 14:25).
(f) Don’t let anyone try and “snow you” Be a Bearean check things out (Acts 17:1)
c) Went to their own houses: Lived as always (v.53)
d) But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives (8:1)
1) They all had houses, beds, families to go to, but not Jesus (Matt.8:20; Is.53:2-3; 2Cor.8:9; John 1:11)
2) Jesus did go home, home to Him was spending time with the Father!
1. Water. Joh 3:5; 7:38,39.
a. Cleansing. Eze 16:9; 36:25; Eph 5:26; Heb 10:22.
b. Fertilising. Ps 1:3; Isa 27:3,6; 44:3,4; 58:11.
c. Refreshing. Ps 46:4; Isa 41:17,18.
d. Abundant. Joh 7:37,38.
e. Freely given. Isa 55:1; Joh 4:14; Re 22:17.