This chapter continue from the previous chapters, still with regard to a healing on the Sabbath Day – see 5:16 and 7:21-23. The conflict between Jesus and the religious rulers over the Sabbath is growing (in fact, this is a minor theme in the Gospel of John).
Chapter 7 deals with differences in “doctrine”, verses 16,17. The doctrine of The aw, which the Pharisees hold to, was not the doctrine of the Lord Jesus, Who wrote the Law. The sharp divisions here present Jesus Christ, not the religious rulers, as JUDGE.
I. Context
Jesus’ family has rejected Him. He goes back to Galilee because those in Judea sought to kill Him. A “Feast of Tabernacles” was at hand, which was attended regularly and was a matter of obedience to the Law, Leviticus 23:34-ff. Jesus attends the Feast, but secretly.
II. Key Words, Phrases, Concepts
1. Feast of Tabernacles – A reminder of the wilderness wanderings.
2. Judge – The root Greek word is “krino”, meaning to make a decision based on knowledge of the truth, and to make a judicial decision.
3. Doctrine – the teachings of the Word, or beliefs held strongly to. In the new Testament, it is referred to as “the faith”, which is the academic facts regarding the person of Jesus and the Plan of Redemption.
4. Holy Spirit – here the person of the Holy Spirit is introduced, 7:37-39. Jesus will expand upon Him in subsequent teachings, particularly in the last week of His earthly life. (compare John 4:14 and Eternal Life which “springs up).
III. John 7:1-9
A. The world does not love Jesus
1. Taunted by His won family
2. “My time” vs. “your time”. A dividing line between values, priorities.
a. The world’s idea and vision of “glory” and “Success” is much different than that of the Lord Jesus,
b. Those living in the world are already in their element, they strive for those values. See 1 John 5:19.
Q – What does the Scripture say in Luke 23:34; Matthew 10:34-36?
B. Jesus testifies about the world
1. Its works are evil, a very velar statement. What if Jesus were to say this to people today? Therefore, Jesus is hated – John 15:18-23. “Evil” means “in a state of corruption, wickedness”. This is due to the failure to acknowledge the righteousness of Go and the sinfulness of each man and woman.
2. The construction of verse 7 is very important. The world cannot and can. The world continually hates the Lord Jesus, in fact, has always hated Him (even without knowing it, because the world hates the truth).
One of the main themes in John is Light versus Darkness. See the first two lessons.
3. As JUDGE, Jesus declares the world guilty, giving a judicial sentence against it. He does this by His teaching and by His very Presence.
Jesus is not saying that people cannot do anything good at all, He is saying that with regard to sin and salvation, people can do nothing to put themselves in a good position with God – sin prevents this from ever happening.
IV. 7:10-39
A. In verse 16, the word “doctrine” is used. Which is the Greek word “didache”. This means the content of what one teaches, and the teaching. Facts are the foundation.
Much of what Jesus teaches is in a judicial format. He is the JUDGE, people are guilty of sin which is the breaking of God’s Laws.
In the world there are many kinds of “law”: Social law, governing society; Relational law, governing interaction between people; Scientific law, governing the physical universe; Moral law, governing general conduct of people; Marital law, governing the state between a husband and wife (One man, One woman); Sports law, governing the rules of sporting events…. On and on it goes, laws that govern every aspect of living on earth.
Law governs conduct by setting standards according to rules, which are laid out by Judges. God’s law is perfect, laid out by God. The Commandments are perfect and righteous, yet do not make a person righteous – instead, God’s law exposes sin and condemns humanity – read Romans 7.
Look up the following “laws” in the Bible: Law of Liberty; Royal Law”. What do they mean?
1. “Doctrine”, then, is a type of “law”. It has rules, standards, and One who lays out the facts. If mankind were to do this, there would be chaos (as there is now); God’s doctrine does not create chaos, but it does create division. God’s doctrine, here more specifically Jesus’ doctrine (which comes from the Father) brings knowledge of the Truth and makes every person fully accountable.
2. The people live in disobedience to Moses” Law, by seeking to kill Jesus and abusing the Sabbath Day.
3. “Judge Righteous Judgment”
a.. Outward appearance can be deceiving
b. Not incorrect to make proper judgment, as long as it is the doctrine of God that is the standard. The religious rulers did not judge by God’s Word, they judged by tradition and opinion.
B. The people are divided, confused over the origin of Jesus.
1. He has made it clear, but they do not wish to consider His words
2. Consider how Jesus has spoken to the people, and then ask, “Why do they wish to do Him harm?”
C. Jesus’ Mission
1. Pharisees are hostile toward Him
2. Jesus refers to the Crucifixion and Resurrection in verses 33,34
3. Jesus makes know, loudly, the Father’s Doctrine
a. “Come to Me”
b. Rivers of Living Water (The Holy Spirit – He ahs not yet come to indwell people, but will at the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2. He only dwells within true Believers). Read John 17 and compare this with what jess said in John 5,6,7.
V. John 7:40-53, Disagreement about Christ
A. Old Testament promise
1. Messiah (Christ) is not from Galilee, but rather Nazareth
2. Events surrounding Jesus’ birth
a. Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:5,6)
b. Went into Egypt (Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:11-15)
c. Returned into Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23)
B. Jesus’ words are powerful
1. Speaks with authority (see Matthew 7:28,29)
2. Pharisees are the ones truly deceived
VI. Truths Presented
A. Sharp contrast between the world and Christ – doctrine and works
B. Jesus Christ is and will be the final JUDGE
C. The Holy Spirit will indwell true believers, will enliven them.
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