Jesus Speaks at the Temple- John 7:1-53

Today, we find Jesus debating the Pharisees in the temple.

About six months later, it’s time for another feast, the Feast of the Tabernacles. Jesus’ brothers tell him he should leave Galilee and go to Judea so everyone can see all of the miracles that he performs. They tell him to get out and show the world his stuff. No one who wants to become famous acts in secret.

First of all, Jesus had brothers. Joseph and Mary had children after Jesus was born. We have no idea how many, but in this conversation, they don’t believe he’s the Messiah. They think he wants to be famous. Here again, we see humans focusing on worldly issues. Jesus was not of this world. His focus was not worldly, but heavenly.

He tells them that they should go, but he will not go because his time has not yet come. He goes on to say that the world hates him because he testifies that what it does is evil. The world here, means people opposed to God or the human system opposed to God’s purposes. Notice here, that Jesus doesn’t say that people are evil; he says what they do, their actions, are evil.

I think this is a super important point about how Jesus views humanity. People are not evil; their actions are. He’s not judging people; he’s judging their actions. He then encourages his brothers to attend the feast.

Everyone at the feast is looking for Jesus and whispering about him.

When the temple was completely full, Jesus shows up and begins teaching. The Jewish leaders are amazed at his knowledge because he never studied under a rabbi. He tells them that God is his rabbi. They again debate about him healing the man at the pool on the Sabbath. He points out that they allow circumcision on the Sabbath because that coincides with Jewish law. Why is healing someone any different? Why would an act of mercy ever be considered wrong?

At this point, some of the people in the crowd wonder if Jesus is really the Christ because the religious leaders are unable to counter his teachings. Some of the Jews believed that the Old Testament gave the origin of the Messiah and some did not. They knew where Jesus was from, so this was a problem for some.

Still, many in the crowd believe, which had to have been the reason Jesus continued to teach in the temple and argue with religious leaders. He knew he wouldn’t reach them all or maybe even most of them, but he wanted to reach some of them. Every soul counts. Jesus’ actions show that clearly. Believe it.

The Jews in charge kept trying to seize him, but couldn’t get their hands on him, because it wasn’t his time yet. They send the temple guards to seize Jesus, but they are in awe of his teaching and basically refuse to follow orders. Then the Pharisees say that the crowd is ignorant of Jewish scripture. That’s the only reason they would believe Jesus is who he says he is.

Then Nicodemus steps forward. Remember him? He was meeting with Jesus earlier. He defends Jesus. The Pharisees accuse him of being ignorant too, because no prophets come from Galilee. They were wrong on two counts. First of all, Jonah came from Galilee and secondly, God could send a prophet from wherever He chooses.

Once more, the religious leaders attempt to put God in a neat little box with a bow and God simply doesn’t work that way. That’s where we end today. What did you think about today’s reading? I’d love to hear from you.

Have an awesome day!

Wendy 🙂