Is Jesus the Messiah? Part 2

Intro

Who is Jesus?

You’ve probably heard me say that this is the most important question that you will ever be asked.

And it’s true.

The way you answer the question about who Jesus is will determine how you live your life and where you’re going after this life is over.

So who is Jesus?

What are the options?

Jesus was a good man.

Jesus was a good moral teacher.

Jesus was delusional.

Jesus never existed or was made up to control the masses.

Jesus is a prophet.

Jesus is Michael the Archangel.

These are all answers that people give when people are asked who is Jesus.

But all those answers fall short of who Jesus truly is.

And unfortunately there are those that come to church and sit in Sunday School classes who also answer these questions wrongly.

If we get Jesus Wrong, we get the gospel wrong.

If we get the gospel wrong we have no hope.

So how do we find out who Jesus is, well we read his word.

We study about him.

We go to the source of how God chose to reveal himself the Bible.

Jesus will tell us who he is.

And the Gospel of John is keen on showing us who Jesus is and what he came to do.

Last week we briefly looked at Jesus’ interactions with his brothers.

They didn’t believe he was the messiah.

And they challenged him by saying if he is who he claims to be then he should go to the Festival of Tabernacles and reveal himself to the people there.

But Jesus isn’t going to be coerced by his brothers into doing their will instead of his Father’s will.

He is on a divine time table and he reveals himself to the people as He and the Father see fit.

So even though Jesus’ brothers urge him to go to the festival, Jesus hangs back and doesn’t go.

Then we read in the next couple of verses.

John 7:10–13 CSB

10 After his brothers had gone up to the festival, then he also went up, not openly but secretly. 11 The Jews were looking for him at the festival and saying, “Where is he?” 12 And there was a lot of murmuring about him among the crowds. Some were saying, “He’s a good man.” Others were saying, “No, on the contrary, he’s deceiving the people.” 13 Still, nobody was talking publicly about him for fear of the Jews.

Jesus as the Festival

So this can cause and issue with some people.

Did Jesus lie about going up to the festival?

I know that we were studying this with a group of men one morning and that was a question that was asked.

Did Jesus intend on going to the festival or not?

We can definitively say that Jesus did not lie to his brothers?

He was waiting on confirmation from the Father that he could go to the festival.

He was not going to go to the festival in the same way that his brothers wanted him to go.

He wasn’t going to gain attention or to make a spectacle of himself.

Rather, John tells us that Jesus went “secretly”

This was probably so that he could have some private time of Worship and reflection.

But the Jews, or those that opposed Jesus were looking for him.

They expected that he would come to the Festival.

They were keeping an eye out for him.

Then in v. 12 we are introduced to another group of people that were curious about Jesus.

The crowd.

There was a lot of murmuring, whispering, and grumbling about Jesus at the Festival of Tabernacles.

Jesus’ works and teachings were creating quite a stir in Jerusalem.

And the people couldn’t come up with a consensus on how to think about Jesus.

Just look at the disperity between the people in the crowd.

Some said “He’s A good man.” others said “He is deceiving the people.”

Without even looking honestly at Jesus they are making assumptions about who he is and what he is doing.

When the ones in the crowd say that he is deceiving people this is a serious charge.

They are saying that he is a false teacher and a Messianic pretender.

You see before, during, and even after Jesus’ ministry there were charismatic men who claimed to be the promised Savior.

We read about some in the book of Acts.

And here’s the thing, if Jesus was a false prophet or teacher under the Law of Moses he had to be put to death.

Deut 13:1-11 explicitly states that is someone rises themselves up and claims to be sent by God and they prove to be false they must be put to death.

That’s exactly how some of the crowd viewed him as a false teacher.

But this murmuring about Jesus was private.

None of the crowd wanted to talk too publically about Jesus b/c they were afraid of the Jews.

So whether they thought he was good.

Or they thought he was bad, they hid their feelings about him b/c of pressure from those who out rightly opposed Jesus.

No one wanted to take a stand on what they believed about Jesus b/c they were afraid of the consequences.

Jesus begins this feast by worshipping in private, but he is about to open himself up to the people gathered at the festival by teaching.

John 7:14–18 CSB

14 When the festival was already half over, Jesus went up into the temple and began to teach. 15 Then the Jews were amazed and said, “How is this man so learned, since he hasn’t been trained?” 16 Jesus answered them, “My teaching isn’t mine but is from the one who sent me. 17 If anyone wants to do his will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own. 18 The one who speaks on his own seeks his own glory; but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is true, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

Jesus’ Divine Instruction

Halfway through the festival Jesus goes to the temple.

He begins to teach.

Think about the scene for a second.

Imagine we’re having a celebration here and then some random guy gets up and tries to teach you on the things of God.

Not only that, but there are rumors going around town that this man is either a good man or deceiving people.

He is opposed by the leadership in the community, but he’s also been seen doing some good things in the community.

And all of a sudden he gets up and starts teaching.

That would probably be a little shocking.

Well this is essentially what Jesus did.

He gets up and teaches and people are amazed by what he said.

They are even more amazed b/c Jesus hasn’t been trained in the ways they would have expected.

Jesus’ teaching was puzzling to those listening.

He had no formal training.

He didn’t have the degrees.

He hadn’t spent the time learning from the revered teachers of the day.

We read in Matt 7:28 “28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at his teaching,”

MK 1:22 “22 They were astonished at his teaching because he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not like the scribes.”

Luke 4:32 “32 They were astonished at his teaching because his message had authority.”

In First Century Judaism, anyone who wanted to teach the word of God had to have attached themselves to a Rabbi.

Rabbi’s are somewhat but not exactly equivalent to pastors today.

Disciples would attach themselves to these Rabbis and learn from them, but the mark of a true disciple would be that they would only reiterate and teach what they had learned from their Rabbi.

John 1–11 (2) The Middle of Tabernacles: A Three-Part Dialogue (7:14–36)

The rabbinic method of learning was by recitation of the opinions of the teachers of the law (their authorities). When one was sufficiently knowledgeable of past opinions (precedents), then one might dare to express one’s own opinions on issues.

But Jesus didn’t bring opinions he had learned.

He spoke with authority unmatched by the other rabbis and their disciples.

And Jesus reveals why his teaching carries authority.

It carries authority b/c it comes directly from God.

Rather than riffing on opinions when studying scripture.

He’s not citing Rabbinic opinions.

He is speaking truth. Truth from the Mouth of God

Jesus gives the crowd a test to see if what he teaches is true and right.

John 7:17 “17 If anyone wants to do his will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own.”

He speaks only what he is told to speak.

Remember Jesus’ will and the Father’s will is always in alignment.

So Jesus only ever speaks and teaches what the Father would have him speak.

And we can see that if we read and understand God’s Word today.

We can see the cohesiveness of the Scriptures.

We can read about the prophecies Jesus fulfilled.

We can know that Jesus is who he said he is b/c he aligned with what God had spoken.

Jesus wasn’t like other rabbis speaking one his own and saying what he wanted to say.

I’m harping on this point b/c it’s important for us to know.

Jesus only ever said or did anything that was in alignment with God the Father.

And too many of our churches and pastors preach on things that don’t matter.

They preach and teach on things that build a platform rather than build God’s Kingdom.

We should be imitating Jesus.

Preaching about things that God has revealed and not the things that make us feel better, more superior, or like there is some secret you are hiding from the world.

Jesus was selfless in his teaching.

His teaching always pointed to God’s plan of redemption.

His teaching always made much of who God is and what God has done.

But these rabbis were about appearing to be smarter and more equipped than the average person.

I heard one pastor put it this way.

Jesus’ teaching is selfless, true teaching that points to God,

while false teaching is self focused, self motivated, and self glorifying.

So when we listen to pastors and preachers we need to really listen to what they are saying rather than just listening for what we agree with.

There are pastors and preachers that are really, really good at creating an emotional connection with the audience by telling them what they want to hear rather than what God says.

And it flows from both sides of the theological spectrum.

The conservatives and the liberals.

But we don’t need to hang on what a pastor or preacher says, we need to hang onto what God says.

You see when someone speaks on his own authority and not on the authority of God he is blaspheming God’s holy name.

Not only that that person is trying to steal from God’s glory.

That’s what Jesus means when he says in

John 7:18 “18 The one who speaks on his own seeks his own glory; but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is true, and there is no unrighteousness in him.”

Seeking their own glory and renown, the rabbis were living in unrighteousness.

But Jesus b/c he was aligned with what God was speaking was unstained.

He was and is completely righteous.

Jesus is all about the glory of the father.

Likewise, we should always be about the glory of the father.

Because if we start treating our opinions, preferences, or personal convictions as the truth from God then we are practicing unrighteousness.

But not only do we need to be careful what we say, we also need to be sure we don’t fall into the trap of having our words and our actions run counter to one another.

That’s called being a hypocrite.

And it is what Jesus runs into here too.

John 7:19–24 CSB

19 Didn’t Moses give you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?” 20 “You have a demon!” the crowd responded. “Who is trying to kill you?” 21 “I performed one work, and you are all amazed,” Jesus answered. 22 “This is why Moses has given you circumcision—not that it comes from Moses but from the fathers—and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. 23 If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses won’t be broken, are you angry at me because I made a man entirely well on the Sabbath? 24 Stop judging according to outward appearances; rather judge according to righteous judgment.”

Jesus’ and Moses

Jesus is holding those that oppose him accountable.

They say they love God.

They claim to uphold the law.

But they are trying to Kill Jesus.

Killing Jesus runs opposed to the Law Moses gave.

But here’s the thing, they don’t care.

They would rather be about their own comfort, beliefs, and interpretations rather than about God’s Divine Truth.

Jesus then builds upon this example.

When God gives Abraham the command to circumcise each boy he commands that it is done on the 8th day after birth.

Now remember, circumcision is a big deal for the Jewish people, it is an identification marker.

Circumcision proclaims that you are in covenant with Almighty God.

But there is an issue, b/c performing the act of circumcision is work.

Work is prohibited from happening on the Sabbath day.

So what are the Jewish Leaders to do?

How are they to reconcile these two commandments if the 8th day happens to fall on the Sabbath?

Well they allow a male child to be circumcised on Sabbath.

They recognize that circumcision is more important in some aspects than the sabbath.

And Jesus here is arguing with the Jewish leaders this same point.

Healing a man on the sabbath is better than the man being disabled.

They will remove some skin from a baby boy in order to make him whole and Jesus healed a man to make him whole.

Yet they can’t stand the fact that Jesus healed him.

They are irrationally angry at Jesus b/c he is challenging all that they believed.

Even though they are ready to push past the sabbath rules to follow the greater commandment of circumcision.

Jesus here is showing them that there is something greater than the sabbath that happened when he healed that man.

The healing of that man on the sabbath was pointing to a greater reality.

The greater reality is that sabbath isn’t found in a day its found in a person.

Jesus is the great Sabbath. He is where we rest, relax, and are restored.

Jesus’ healing of the lame man was a preview to the day when all will be made new.

When there will be no more brokenness, no more pain, no more sorrow.

Jesus tells them that they should stop judging him based on what they think and start judging him based on what God has said.

You see they are judging Jesus b/c he doesn’t fit the mold they believe he should.

He’s not teaching the way they want him to teach.

He isn’t healing the way they think he should heal.

He isn’t falling in line with their traditions.

And so they are judging him based on the things that make them uncomfortable about him rather than measuring him up to what God declares.

And this statement by Jesus to John 7:24 “24 Stop judging according to outward appearances; rather judge according to righteous judgment.”” is going to lead right into people’s perception of Jesus moving forward.

And Jesus is going to answer their challenges with the same authority and power he’s demonstrated previously.

John 7:25–29 CSB

25 Some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, “Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill? 26 Yet, look, he’s speaking publicly and they’re saying nothing to him. Can it be true that the authorities know he is the Messiah? 27 But we know where this man is from. When the Messiah comes, nobody will know where he is from.” 28 As he was teaching in the temple, Jesus cried out, “You know me and you know where I am from. Yet I have not come on my own, but the one who sent me is true. You don’t know him; 29 I know him because I am from him, and he sent me.”

Jesus’ Heritage

So we are introduced to another grouping of people in Jerusalem during this feast of the tabernacles.

First, we met the Jews. Those opposed to Jesus.

Then, we met the crowd. Most likely those who have traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast.

Here, we met the people of Jerusalem. Those who reside in Jerusalem.

They are in as much shock and awe as the crowds and the Jewish leaders.

They know that the Leaders are trying to Kill Jesus.

Yet he is here preaching and teaching and the authorities are rebutting what he is saying.

They are opposing him publically.

Jesus stands against them and they do nothing.

So the people of Jerusalem start to wonder is Jesus the Messiah.

Is he the promised savior?

Is he the one they had been waiting for?

But there’s one problem with assuming that Jesus is the Messiah.

There is a hurdle that they can’t quite get over.

They know where Jesus is from.

And the teaching prevalent at the time was that the Messiah would show up.

He would show up mysteriously and suddenly to lead the Jewish people back to their former glory.

This is even the teaching of the Jewish people today.

The Messiah hasn’t shown up mysteriously and suddenly so they don’t believe he’s arrived.

The people knew Jesus’ mother.

They knew his siblings.

They knew his family.

So he couldn’t possibly be the Savior.

So Jesus doubles down.

He tells them that they may know where he was born, where he grew up, and who his family is.

But they don’t truly know where he is from.

He was sent by God the Creator to come to this place.

And they would realize where Jesus was from if they actually knew God the Father.

They think that they know God, but their hearts are far away from him.

The crowds, Jews, and people of Jerusalem, think that they can seek and find God on their own terms, in their own ways, and by their own wills.

But Jesus denies that thinking by telling them that its not about what they do or how they think that will bring them to God but on Jesus will lead them to where he is.

B/c Jesus is the one who was sent by the Father to do his will and point people to the truth.

This enrages them, and it upsets people today too.

People don’t like the exclusivity of Jesus.

They don’t want him to be the only way.

They don’t want him to be the only son of God.

They don’t want Jesus to be the king, they want to be the kings.

They want to dictate how they can worship and serve God.

But Jesus says if you don’t trust him.

If you don’t follow him.

If you don’t believe him.

You don’t know God.

And for a group of religious people that is very upsetting.

So at that they try to arrest Jesus.

John 7:30–36 CSB

30 Then they tried to seize him. Yet no one laid a hand on him because his hour had not yet come. 31 However, many from the crowd believed in him and said, “When the Messiah comes, he won’t perform more signs than this man has done, will he?” 32 The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring these things about him, and so the chief priests and the Pharisees sent servants to arrest him. 33 Then Jesus said, “I am only with you for a short time. Then I’m going to the one who sent me. 34 You will look for me, but you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come.” 35 Then the Jews said to one another, “Where does he intend to go that we won’t find him? He doesn’t intend to go to the Jewish people dispersed among the Greeks and teach the Greeks, does he? 36 What is this remark he made: ‘You will look for me, and you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come’?”

Where is Jesus Going?

Here’s the amazing thing about Jesus. He isn’t going to be caught until it’s his time to be caught.

Those in the temple try to seize Jesus.

Try as they might they cannot catch Jesus until the time is right.

It’s not that they are incompetent, unwilling, or unable.

It’s that Jesus is sovereign and in control of when his time comes.

The crowd still doesn’t get who Jesus is.

They want more from him.

He needs to perform more signs to prove himself to them.

The Pharisees hear the commotion surrounding Jesus and try to have him arrested.

The crowd tried to seize him the Pharisees tried to arrest him, but again he is escaping b/c his time has not come.

Jesus then tells them that he is going to go back to the one who sent him.

Who is the one who sent him?

God the Father.

And they will look for him when he goes, but they won’t be able to find him.

This is a subtle shot at them saying that they aren’t going to be with God the Father b/c they didn’t trust in God the Son.

He even tells them that where he is going they cannot come.

But the Jews didn’t get it.

They ask where he is going that they won’t be able to find him.

Is he going to the Greeks.

Is he going to live a life of an unclean pagan.

No he is going to go back to the God of the Universe.

We can’t get to God without going through Jesus.

Jesus is the only way to be in favor with God.

That is why we study his word so that we can know him.

We can seek him.

And when we seek him we can find him if we are truly seeking him.

We have to seek him with all our heart.

But too often we let things get in the way.

So what barriers are there in your life, mind, or beliefs that keep you from acknowledging Jesus as the only way to God.

Many people want God.

Not everyone wants Jesus.

But the News for you is that you can’t have God if you don’t have Jesus.

Jesus wants to be in relationship with you today.

Are you going to respond to him?

Are you going to listen to him?

Or are you going to ignore him?

Let’s Pray.