Today’s Bible Reading: Lamentations 4-5, Song of Solomon 8:8-14, John 7:25-36, 1 Peter 5:8-14 John 7:25-36: Jesus’ teaching is not being accepted during this great feast, and indeed seems to be confusing those who listen to him. They are asking lots of questions, wondering if this is the man that the authorities are looking to kill, why it is they have not killed him—and if that means that Jesus really and truly is the Messiah. And yet, they are reasoning, if he is really and truly the Messiah, why is it that they do not know where he has come from, for they will know where the Messiah has come from. Strangely, this is an encouraging thought for all teachers of God’s Word, at home, in small groups, and Sunday School: if people did not grasp what Jesus was saying (the King of preachers), then assuredly they will not always grasp what we are saying. But in this instance their ignorance is willful—in fact, they do know where Jesus has come from. The real problem is that they do not know the One who sent Jesus, God himself. Oftentimes people are unable to grasp or believe the gospel message, not for any lack in the faith once delivered to the saints, but for lack of foundational acceptance of the God of whom the gospel speaks. This apparently incensed them enough to attempt to seize Jesus and arrest him, but they were unable to do so because “his hour had not yet come.” Jesus’ death (his “hour”) is under the control of none other than Jesus himself. All the events of our life are under his control, and that can comfort us in both our joys and sorrows, both our life and death. By now some seem to be believing in Jesus. When the Messiah comes, will he do more miracles than Jesus? A wise question: what could a man do more than Jesus did in order to demonstrate that he is the Messiah? Now the Pharisees send temple guards to arrest him, hearing the growing whispering in the crowds that perhaps after all he is the Messiah. And in that context Jesus teaches them of his coming departure, meaning his death, resurrection, and ascension. Even under such pressure, Jesus uses the situation for a teaching moment. Let us look in every circumstance for the opportunity to point to Christ, to teach about the true meaning of life and life to the full. But once more they do not understand. To receive God Centered Bible devotionals directly in your inbox, sign up here.]]>