The Passion and Peril of a Faithful Witness (John 7)

Scripture reading – John 7

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* Please note that words and phrases in brackets are the author’s amplification.

Today’s reading from the Gospel of John brings us to a pivotal moment in Jesus’s life and ministry. John 7 marks a crucial shift in Christ’s relationship with the religious rulers of His day. We read, “Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him” (John 7:1). He was mindful that His “time [was] not yet come” (John 7:6). Knowing His appointment with the Cross would fall on the Passover, Jesus took care not to fall prematurely into the hands of His enemies.

The Disbelief of Jesus’ Brethren (John 7:2-9)

The time was the fall of the year before Jesus’ final Passover. “The Jews’ feast of tabernacles was at hand” (John 7:2), one of three feasts the Lord set aside for His people to observe each year (Deuteronomy 16:16; Nehemiah 8:18). It commemorated Israel’s wanderings in the wilderness (Leviticus 23:42-43).

Jesus’ “brethren” (His half-brothers, the sons of Joseph and Mary) urged Him to go up to the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:2-3). They challenged Him, saying, “There is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly” (John 7:4a). You can draw your own conclusion about the half-brothers’ motivation at that time. But the apostle John later reflected on this occasion and wrote, “For neither did his brethren believe in him” (John 7:5).

Jesus refused His brethren’s invitation and said, “Go ye up unto this feast [Feast of the Tabernacles]: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come” (John 7:8). Be assured that Jesus would obey the Law and observe the Feast; however, not on His brethren’s timetable. Christ’s timetable was in His Father’s hands.

An Inquiry by Jesus’ Enemies and Friends (John 7:8-13)

After exhorting His unbelieving brethren to go to Jerusalem without Him, Jesus followed, “not openly, but as it were in secret” (John 7:10). The “Jews” (meaning the religious rulers and leaders) were awaiting His attendance at the Feast of the Tabernacles. Not seeing Him, they began to ask, “Where is he?” (John 7:9-11).

Anticipating that Jesus would be at the feast, the people engaged in a contentious debate among themselves about Him, saying, “He is a good man [i.e., loving; caring; compassionate]; others said, Nay; but he deceiveth [i.e., leads astray] the people [i.e., with His doctrine]” (John 7:12). Still, no one dared speak “openly of him for fear of the Jews” (John 7:13).

An Unexpected Appearance (John 7:14-15)

Jesus covertly followed His brethren to Jerusalem, and His enemies were unprepared when He suddenly appeared in the Temple and began to teach (John 7:14). The religious leaders despised Jesus, knowing He lacked formal rabbinic education, yet were stunned by His insight into the Scriptures. They “marveled [at His teachings], saying, How knoweth this man letters [meaning an understanding of the Law and Commandments], having never learned [lacking academic credentials]?” (John 7:15).

A Stunning Revelation (John 7:16-18)

Though Jesus lacked formal training in the higher rabbinical schools, He was taught from his early years in the local synagogue school. This surely did not mean He was ignorant or unlearned. Nor were His teachings His own invention, for He declared, “My doctrine [teaching; instruction] is not mine, but his [God the Father] that sent me” (John 7:16).

Two guiding principles in Jesus’ response to His enemies: (John 7:17-18)

First, a humble, teachable spirit is essential for knowing and understanding God’s Word and will. Jesus instructed His followers, “If any man will do his will [the will of God], he shall know of the doctrine [i.e., teaching; instruction], whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:17). Put another way, God gives wisdom and understanding to those who “will” to do His “will.”

Secondly, one can judge a man’s heart and motives by the glory he seeks. Christ taught, “He that speaketh [i.e., reasons] of himself [speaks of himself] seeketh his own glory [fame or others’ favor]: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him [i.e., giving glory, honor, and praise to God], the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him” (John 7:18).

Closing thoughts –

Viewing our day through the lens of Scripture, we can attest that humanity’s nature remains unchanged. Our day, marked by political and religious charlatans, reminds us that many are “glory-seekers.” They are interested in self-promotion and advancing themselves, even at others’ expense. Few seek the glory of God.

Whose glory are you seeking?