A study of John 7:1-13 reveals how Jesus managed his public appearance in Judea, why the world hates him, and the division between who is for and against him.
A study of John 7:1-13 reveals how Jesus managed his public appearance in Judea.
After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. (ESV, John 7:1)
Jesus was raised in the city of Nazareth and established his ministry base in Capernaum. Both were located in the region of Galilee. Judea was about 70-100 miles away with Samaria sandwiched in between the two regions, Judea’s major cities included Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Bethany, and Jericho.
The Jewish temple was located in Jerusalem along with the religious establishment—known as the Sanhedrin and composed of Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes. They were also the ones who wanted to kill Jesus which is why he remained in Galilee. It was considered more rural and less sophisticated by the comsmopolitan Judeans. But this never bothered Jesus who regularly socialized with sinners and tax collectors.
Now the Jews’ Feast of Booths was at hand. So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. (ESV, John 7:2-4)
Remembering the wilderness journey
The Feast of the Booths or Tabernacles was a seven day event in late September and early October. It celebrated God’s provision and protection during Israel’s 40 year wilderness journey. As part of the feast, Jews built temporary shelters to stay in during the week to represent the temporary shelters they inhabited while in wilderness.
The Greek word for “brothers” is adelphós and indicates Jesus’ biological half-brothers. They encourage Jesus to make a public appearance in Judea during the feast. Sensible advice, right? If you aspire to make a name for yourself in religious circles, then Judea is where to showcase yourself. Especially when the cities like Jerusalem are crowded with out of town Jews observing the feast. Although you might wonder about his brothers’ motivation, since as John points out, they don’t believe in Jesus at this time.
A study of John 7:1-13 reveals why the world hates Jesus.
Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil. (ESV, John 7:6-7)
Jesus answers his brothers like he did his mother at the wedding in Cana when she told him they were out of wine. (John 2:4) And it demonstrates two things: First, his miracles and ministry were not about gaining attention and fame. Second, he carefully obeyed the father’s will throughout his life and ministry.
The Greek word for “time” is kairos, which means appointed time. Earlier Jesus says his words are given to him by the father.
For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. (ESV, John 3:34)
And timing matters too.
Jesus’ words and actions conformed to his father’s will. And included how, when, and where he spoke and acted. Although his brothers had no time restrictions and could go to the feast whenever they wanted.
But why does the world hate Jesus?
The Greek word for “testify” in V.7 is martyréō, which means to bear witness. Jesus called for repentance of sin without condemning individuals for their sinful acts. How does this work? Repentance recognizes your sinful condition, confesses it, and asks Jesus Christ for forgiveness. And then, rather than condemnation, God extends grace.
And yet, Jesus’ life of righteousness illuminated the sin of others. The one group Jesus regularly did confront was the religious establishment. He called out their pride, self-righteousness, and hypocrasy. But rather than repent and believe in Jesus, they plotted to kill him. We should keep in mind that followers of Jesus who pursue righteous and holiness also illuminate the darkness. And those hiding in it don’t want exposure and may seek to extinguish the light.
A study of John 7:1-13 reveals the division between who is for and against Jesus.
And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.”Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him. (ESV, John 7:12)
Jesus shows up at the feast later but he does so quietly. And John notes that people were watching for him. The religious leaders wanted to kill him, but the rest were divided on who Jesus was.
He publicly performed miracles that healed seriously ill people and were considered good. But he also claimed to be the Son of God in human flesh who came to sacrifice himself for the sin of the world. Was it true or not? And if someone makes false claims that lead people away from the truth, can that person be considered good?
Liar, lunatic, or Lord?
In his book, Mere Christianity, author C.S. Lewis says an emphatic “no.”
I am trying here to prevent anyone from saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: ‘I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God.’ That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic– on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg– or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse.
Is he or is he not the Son of God? We must individually decide. And to dismiss him with indifference is to choose.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a small group Bible Study?
This four week study dives directly into God’s word. It includes an individual study with an exegetical approach that examines word meaning, provides background information, and thought provoking questions for reflection and journaling, And a weekly, group study guide that promotes a lively group discussion around other scripture references, personal stories, and life experiences that help apply scriptural truth to life.
A study of John 6:60-71 reveals a hard teaching, Jesus’ response to the spiritually offended, and the twelve disciples’ belief in Jesus as the Holy One of God.
A study of John 6:60-71 reveals a hard teaching
When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” (ESV, John 6:60)
Jesus uses the recent miracle of feeding 5,000 people in John 6:1-14 to teach on the topic of bread in V.26-58. Several times he calls himself the bread of life. And goes on to say that believing in him requires “eating his flesh” and “drinking his blood.”
We should note that “disciples” in this context appears to extend to a wider group than just the twelve Jesus called. And while Jesus is clearly speaking symbolically, many of the disciples called it a “hard saying.” The Greek word for “hard” is skleros, which means harsh or offensive. In other words, Jesus’ teaching was not hard to understand but hard for them to accept. Was the level of commitment too much or were they repulsed by the literal idea of cannibalism?
Regardless, It illustrates a reality still true today. People will enthusiastically follow Jesus when he satisifies their fleshly appetites, but bail when things get personally challenging or difficult. However, Jesus warns us this is part of discipleship.
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (ESV, Matthew 16:24)
Jesus carried the cross he was crucified on for our sins. Therefore, as his disciples, we should accept suffering in his name too. Yes, he is the bread of life. And following him leads us to an abundant and eternal life. But it may also include difficulties, persecutions, and sacrifices along the way. So we should count the cost.
A study of John 6:60-71 reveals Jesus’ response to the spiritually offended.
Do you take offense at this? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? (ESV, John 6:61-62)
Jesus responds to their objection about his hard teaching. And there are several ways to interpret it. First, what if in a similar manner that the father sent Jesus from heaven they saw him ascend back to heaven? Would that be easier or even harder to accept than a discussion about bread? Second, in keeping with a more consistent context in the Gospel of John, Jesus means his ascension to the cross. Mentioned in other passages as “lifted up” on the cross. A third interpretation presents another twist. His ascension to the cross and sacrificial death is the path to his ascension back to heaven.
Of course, it’s easier for us to study the scripture and consider its meaning thoughtfully today. This was all new teaching to those Jesus addressed. Especially considering he was a different Messiah than what they expected. Jesus came as a suffering servant to sacrifice his life for our sins. The Jews expected a victorious king to rule over an earthly kingdom. To think God would come to earth as a human and suffer a disgraceful death like crucifixion was hard for them to accept.
And yet, here’s the irony. That moment of complete humiliation. When Jesus accepted the derision, mocking, and tortue beyond physical recognition as God in human flesh. It was his finest moment of complete submission. To the glory of God and for the redemption of humanity.
Today, many scriptural teachings are offensive to our culture. And our job as disciples is not to make the message more culturally palatable. But to proclaim and teach it faithfully. The greater offense is to let people die in their sins because we failed to speak Biblical truth.
A study of John 6:60-71 reveals the twelve disciples’ belief in Jesus as the Holy One of God.
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” (ESV, John 6:68-69)
Then Jesus explains why his teaching is so hard for them. And it’s because they refused to move from the physical to the spiritual. Similar to his conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus distinguishes between the physical and spiritual life. Spiritual truth can not be understood through intellectual reasoning but only by the illumination of the Holy Spirit within the arena of faith.
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. (ESV, John 6:63)
Furthermore, since Jesus was without sin, he possessed the Spirit without limit. So his words were the words of God and represented spirit and life. Therefore, believing in and following Jesus begins with believing his words as God’s truth. Furthermore, this spiritual transaction is initiated by God’s Spirit calling us to him.
Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. (ESV, Ephesians 1:18)
At this teaching, many of the disciples turned away from following Jesus. And it was probably disheartening for Jesus to watch. To know that rejecting him meant eternal separation from God. So he asked the twelve disciples if they wanted to leave too. Peter answers with a question and a confession.
Having kept company with Jesus, observed his actions, witnessed his miracles, and absorbed his teaching they knew that Jesus alone spoke the words of eternal life. He was the holy one of God. And the same is true today for all who choose to believe and follow Jesus.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a small group Bible Study?
This four week study leads you directly into God’s word. It includes an individual study with an exegetical approach that examines word meaning, provides background information, and thought provoking questions for reflection and journaling, And a weekly, group study guide that promotes a lively group discussion around other scripture references, personal stories, and life experiences that help apply scriptural truth to life.
A study of John 6:48-59 reveals the difference between physical and spiritual life, that the bread Jesus gives is his flesh, and those who consume his flesh and blood abide in him.
A study of John 6:48-59 reveals the difference between physical and spiritual life.
I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. (ESV, John 6:48-50)
After his miraculous feeding of 5000 people with two loaves of bread and one fish, Jesus uses bread as the topic for a spiritual discussion with a crowd of people. He begins this passage with a statement that continues the conversation he began in V.32-35.
The Greek word that is normally used to mean physical life is bios. But the word Jesus uses for “life” here is zōē. It has a richer, fuller meaning that refers to life in fellowship with God and almost always includes eternal life.
Jesus then compares the manna God provided in the wilderness to the bread he offers. The manna sustained physical life on earth. But the people that ate it eventually died. However, the bread Jesus provides is spiritual. And it offers a higher quality of life on earth along with life in heaven. In other words, Jesus is the giver and sustainer of eternal life.
However, his audience struggled to take their eyes off the things of this world and see God’s spiritual truth. And what was hard for people then is the same today. So it’s an appropriate question: What things of this world keep you from seeing and responding to the truth of God’s word?
A study of John 6:48-59 reveals that the bread Jesus gives is his flesh.
I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. (ESV, John 6:51)
Jesus identifies himself again as the living bread from heaven. Whoever eats this bread gains eternal life. And that bread is his flesh. So what do we make of this?
Many suggest Jesus is referring to the symbolism of the last supper. The bread represents his body and the cup his blood. And the idea can’t be dismissed. But an important distinction is the Greek word Jesus used at the last supper was soma which is “body” and here he uses the Greek word sarx, which is “flesh.” It is the same word used in John 1:14. And the word became flesh and dwelt among us.
Therefore, we may also consider consider that Jesus is speaking of himself as the incarnate son. The divine God as a human. Who sacrificed himself on the cross for our sins. Unfortunately, the people hear only what they want to hear. And respond on a physical level.
A study of John 6:48-59 reveals that those who consume Jesus’ flesh and blood abide in him.
Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. (ESV, John 6:56)
“The bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” The people struggled to digest this statement by Jesus. (pun intended) And it causes a dispute among them. Is he literally suggesting cannibalism? Of course not! He’s speaking symbolically. In both V.35 and V.40, Jesus delivers his key message. Those who seek eternal life must believe in him.
Rather than explain his meaning, Jesus leans into the symbolic discussion and adds drinking his blood to eating his flesh. And he repeats it twice. First, in a negative voice: If you don’t eat his flesh and drink his blood you have no life. And second, in a positive voice. if you do eat his flesh and drink his blood you gain eternal life and he will raise you up on the last day.
Furthermore, if you eat his flesh and drink his blood, he will abide in you and you in him. The Greek word for “abide” is mĕnō, which means to stay in relation, continue, dwell, endure, be present, and remain. It affirms that belief Jesus goes beyond an intellectual acknowledgement. But involves a personal relationship with Jesus as Savior and Lord.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a small group Bible Study?
This four week study dives directly into God’s word. It includes an individual study with an exegetical approach that examines word meaning, provides background information, and thought provoking questions for reflection and journaling, And a weekly, group study guide that promotes a lively group discussion around other scripture references, personal stories, and life experiences that help apply scriptural truth to life.
A study of John 6:35-47 reveals the call of God and security of believers, Jesus’ obedience to God’s will, and a consistent message of belief in Jesus for eternal life.
A study of John 6:35-47 reveals the call of God and security of believers
But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. (ESV, John 6:36-37)
A crowd of people had been following Jesus, mostly to watch him perform miracles. But he offered much more than that. And reminds them in V.35 that those who believe in him will have their spiritual hunger and thirst satisfied. Then he acknowledges in V.36 that many who saw his miraculous works, still didn’t believe in him. And it raises the question: why do some people believe in Jesus and others don’t? Especially, when everyone has the same opportunity to listen, observe, and respond to him. Jesus answers the question in V.37. People who believe are the ones the Father gives me. And he clarifies it further in V.44. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.
The Greek word for “draw” is helkysē, which means to drag, draw, and pull. It presents the idea of moving against resistance. God’s Spirit doesn’t just invite us to believe in Jesus. But moves us toward him.
When you hear God’s voice
This means the decision to follow Jesus is not solely on human volition. Where we intellectually consider the facts and decide on our own. It is a faith decision that extends beyond the physical realm to the spiritual realm. And involves spiritual intervention. God himself draws us to Jesus through the work of his Spirit. The Apostle Paul put it this way.
And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (ESV, Romans 8:30)
Some people mistakenly think they can believe in Jesus at any time. Enjoy life on their own terms and decide to follow Jesus near the end of life so they can enter heaven. But scripture suggests otherwise. Therefore, if you sense the Spirit of God calling you to believe in Jesus, make an immediate decision. Don’t assume it’s an open invitation to accept at your convenience. However, when you turn to him, Jesus welcomes you with open arms.
And whoever comes to me I will never cast out. (ESV, John 6:37b)
A study of John 6:35-47 reveals Jesus’ obedience to God’s will
For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. (ESV, John 6:40)
Jesus explains the reason he came from heaven. Not to do his will, but the will of the father. And it is the father’s will that everyone who believes in Jesus receives eternal life and is resurrected on the last day.
Ironically, no one in the crowd argued against the divine source of power in Jesus’ miracles. But they suddenly questioned his claim of coming from heaven. Because they all knew he was the son of Joseph and Mary. And watched him grow up with all the other children in town. Perhaps, there were also lingering rumors and questions around the betrothed pregnancy of his mother. But conception of a virgin by the Holy Spirit was not one of them.
Did the unbelievers reject him because he didn’t offer enough miraculous proof? Maybe he was too human for them to believe he was God? Or was it simply an excuse? And what reasons do people give for rejecting Jesus today? Fortunately, God’s will does not change. He wills that we all believe in Jesus and receive eternal life. And when we follow him, Jesus secures us until the day of resurrection.
A study of John 6:35-47 reveals a consistent message of belief in Jesus for eternal life.
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. (ESV, John 6:47)
Jesus ends the passage where he began. Telling the crowd to believe in him for eternal life. And his consistent message is proclaimed throughout the New Testament. The Greek word for “believes” is pisteuō, which means to believe, to entrust oneself, rely upon, and have faith in. It’s more than intellectual assent. But means personally trusting and relying on the one you believe in. And it is not one and done but ongoing belief.
However, the repetition didn’t drive home the message. Instead, it made the people grumble. Why? Because they didn’t believe he came down from heaven or they finally realized all his talk about bread was symbolic. It represented spiritual belief in him rather than actual bread. And meant they weren’t getting a lifelong food supply.
In V.45 Jesus’ words “And they will all be taught by God” refers to Isaiah 54:13. All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. It supports and further elaborates on V.44. God draws people to believe in Jesus, not just through the voice of his Spirit. But also, the illuminated truth of God’s word.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a small group Bible Study?
This four week study dives directly into God’s word. It includes an individual study with an exegetical approach that examines word meaning, provides background information, and thought provoking questions for reflection and journaling, And a weekly, group study guide that promotes a lively group discussion around other scripture references, personal stories, and life experiences that help apply scriptural truth to life.
A study of John 6:16-34 covers Jesus walking on the water, the bread that satisfies spiritual hunger, and the bread of God who gives eternal life.
A study of John 6:16-34 covers Jesus walking on the water.
They saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. (ESV, John 6:
You’re in a boat at night. In a raging storm. Wind howling. Flashes of lightning. Cracks of thunder. Massive waves tipping you side to side. And you’re rowing mightily, but going nowhere. Suddenly, a shadowy figure appears on the surface of the water. Looks human, but obscure. You’re shaking in fright. Expecting the worst and no idea what that is. Like the surrealistic scene from a sci-fi novel. Except it’s a real life event from the Bible. When Jesus appears walking on the water.
It’s also described in the gospels of Matthew and Mark. And in all three it occurs immediately after the feeding of the 5,000. But there are variations among the stories. Matthew and Mark explain that after feeding the 5,000, Jesus sends the disciples to cross over the Sea of Galilee without him while he dismissed the crowd. And then he goes alone into the hills to pray.
Mark and John say that Jesus saw the disciples struggling on the sea against the storm in the boat. Perhaps, because of a higher vantage point since the Sea of Galilee is 600 feet below sea level and Jesus was up in the hills. Matthew is the only one who tells of Peter getting out of the boat to walk on the water with Jesus. And John points out that when Jesus gets in the boat it immediately reaches land.
Three accounts with different details, but one truth. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, commands all creation.
A study of John 6:16-34 covers the bread that satisfies spiritual hunger.
Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. (ESV, John 6:26)
It frustrated Jesus. Curious people who followed him, but wouldn’t believe. Looking for another free meal. Attracted to the physical satisfactions he offered without making a comittment of faith. A god formed in their own image who conveniently fit their worldview and lifestyle. Eventually the crowd caught up with him. And in a similar manner that Jesus used a conversation around water with the Samaritan woman at the well, he now uses the recent miraculous meal to drive a spiritual discussion around bread.
Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. (ESV, John 6:27)
In other words, think beyond your physical needs to your spiritual needs. Like physical hunger, there is spiritual hunger that is only satisfied by spiritual bread. However, the people tried to divert the spiritual discussion.
What must we do, to be doing the works of God? (ESV, John 6:28)
“The works of God” is more clearly translated “works God requires.” It was then, as today, a works based belief about eternal life. If I can just do enough good things, God will deem me worthy, and I will earn my way into heaven. But it is an idea that scripture does not teach. And Jesus returned them to the spiritual truth.
Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” (ESV, John 6:29)
Good works will not save you. It is belief in Jesus that gains salvation. A commitment of faith and discipleship. And you strive for good works because you are now saved and follow Jesus. And seek to please him through righteous living,
A study of John 6:16-34 covers the bread of God who gives eternal life.
Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ (ESV, John 6:31)
Forced back into a spiritual discussion, the people recall an event from their religious history. The story in Exodus 16:1-31 where God provided manna to eat during their wilderness journey as they were led by Moses. They expected the coming of another great prophet like Moses and if Jesus was the one, they wanted further proof.
Jesus responded with two reminders. First, it was not Moses that provided the manna from heaven, but God. And second, he is much more than Moses.
My father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. (ESV, John 6:32b-33)
Jesus moved the topic from food to a person. The Son of God who comes from heaven in human flesh and gives life to the world.
The Greek word for “life” is zoe, which literally means life. But it means more than existence. It’s used in the New Testament to indicate the essence and quality of life. Specifically, the life that comes from God. And it’s available through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Vibrant, abundant, and everlasting.
Finally, Jesus had their spiritual attention. Something they could really sink their teeth into. They asked Jesus to give them this bread “always.” The Greek word for “always” is pantote, which means always, at all times, and on every occasion. Finally, Jesus has their attention. Does he have ours?
Right Now Media is a good tool for group Bible studies. But sometimes, your small group should dive directly into God’s word. That’s what this four-week study does. It includes an individual study with an exegetical approach that examines word meaning, provides background information, and thought provoking questions for reflection and journaling, And a weekly, group study guide that promotes a lively group discussion around other scripture references, personal stories, and life experiences that help apply scriptural truth to life.
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