John 7:1-31
So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but His who sent Me.” – John 7:16
We’ve reached the one-third mark of the Gospel of John, and if you’ve been journeying with the Daily Manna Together, great job! Let’s press on and continue to allow God’s word to nourish our souls and renew us from within every day.
In today’s passage we can see that already the numbers of both Jesus’ supporters and opposers are growing.
One skeptic group was Jesus’ own brothers. They challenged him to show himself to the world so that his disciples would see his works. Maybe this was the brothers’ way of asking for more signs to convince them, but Jesus knew that his time had not yet come.
The crowds were divided—some said that he was a good man, others said he was leading people astray. They dared not offend the Jews, for while they too marvelled at Jesus’ teachings, these leaders also were seeking to find grounds to arrest and kill him.
What struck me in this passage is Jesus’ assuredness in knowing when to do what and what to say to whom. He was crystal clear about God’s timing. He was confident in his words, because they were not his own but God’s words. He was bold to appear before his opposers, even facing the threat of death, because no one could lay a hand upon him until his time had fully come.
Jesus was so sure of everything he did because he knew where he came from and why he was there. He followed and obeyed God’s will exactly and completely.
Reflection:
Do we know where and from whom we come? Are we clear on why we are here on this earth? To be bold and assured as God’s children and witnesses, we must first answer these questions. Once we are sure of our identity and God’s purposes for our lives, we will be able to live with a certain courage because we are following his plans and will exactly. This may sound impossible, too good to be true. But God’s Spirit living within us and empowering us testifies to this wonderful possibility granted to us through Jesus. So today, let’s search our hearts and ask the Lord to speak to us.
Prayer:
Father, in your word it says that we are your handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do the good works you have prepared in advance for us to do (Eph 2:10). May this word become a guiding light as we seek to live according to your plans and purposes. Through your Holy Spirit empower us to follow and obey your will exactly. Grant us this boldness and assuredness that comes from being in step with you. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen!
We’ve reached the one-third mark of the Gospel of John, and if you’ve been journeying with the Daily Manna Together, great job! Let’s press on and continue to allow God’s word to nourish our souls and renew us from within every day.
In today’s passage we can see that already the numbers of both Jesus’ supporters and opposers are growing.
One skeptic group was Jesus’ own brothers. They challenged him to show himself to the world so that his disciples would see his works. Maybe this was the brothers’ way of asking for more signs to convince them, but Jesus knew that his time had not yet come.
The crowds were divided—some said that he was a good man, others said he was leading people astray. They dared not offend the Jews, for while they too marvelled at Jesus’ teachings, these leaders also were seeking to find grounds to arrest and kill him.
What struck me in this passage is Jesus’ assuredness in knowing when to do what and what to say to whom. He was crystal clear about God’s timing. He was confident in his words, because they were not his own but God’s words. He was bold to appear before his opposers, even facing the threat of death, because no one could lay a hand upon him until his time had fully come.
Jesus was so sure of everything he did because he knew where he came from and why he was there. He followed and obeyed God’s will exactly and completely.
Reflection:
Do we know where and from whom we come? Are we clear on why we are here on this earth? To be bold and assured as God’s children and witnesses, we must first answer these questions. Once we are sure of our identity and God’s purposes for our lives, we will be able to live with a certain courage because we are following his plans and will exactly. This may sound impossible, too good to be true. But God’s Spirit living within us and empowering us testifies to this wonderful possibility granted to us through Jesus. So today, let’s search our hearts and ask the Lord to speak to us.
Prayer:
Father, in your word it says that we are your handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do the good works you have prepared in advance for us to do (Eph 2:10). May this word become a guiding light as we seek to live according to your plans and purposes. Through your Holy Spirit empower us to follow and obey your will exactly. Grant us this boldness and assuredness that comes from being in step with you. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen!