Where Will the Christ Come From? Summary John 7:32-52

by Teresa^(1,657) Bronze Star

Read John 7:32-52

When the Pharisees heard that many people were believing, and others were beginning to wonder if Jesus was the coming Christ, their anger stirred and they wanted to arrest him.

After approaching him, Jesus made a statement that confused them. From that point on, Jesus made reference to his death and resurrection, though not plainly. His comments caused an even bigger division between the religious leaders and the common people.

Again, he offered a solution to their spiritual condition; "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." This he said referring to Isaiah 55:1 and Psalm 63:1, regarding the Holy Spirit. He would continue to teach the people about the Holy Spirit and its (His) purpose - the first hint that the Spirit of God worked differently before and after Jesus' death and resurrection. (This will be addressed in the discussion part of this summary.)

His teaching brought on a stronger belief for many because he spoke with such authority and knowledge, though he never had official training as a priest. The people questioned how, or if he fit in with prophecy concerning the coming Christ.

The Pharisees were worried that some of the leaders had fallen for what they believed to be lies that Jesus told. Here we see how Nicodemus had defended Jesus and in doing so, their suspicions were amplified. To the point that they challenged Nicodemus by mocking him - knowing that he was not from Galilee - and asking him to search the Scriptures regarding prophets and the Christ himself.

The Pharisees' statement to Nicodemus leaves us with one of two assumptions - or both. They did not know the Scriptures themselves, or they assumed because they were feared leaders that those present would not take the challenge to search the Scriptures, but instead would conclude that neither prophets or the Christ would come out of Galilee.

In this section of Scripture, we see three specific personal applications:

1) What will we do with the information given to us by others and by what we read in the Scriptures?

2) Will we stand up to the opposition even though we are a new believer - expressing our growth and confidence in Christ?

3) Will we search the Scriptures when challenged through mockery that what we are believing is not true?

Some knew at least one of the prophecies about Jesus was that he would be born in Bethlehem. Their question shows us that they did not know where Jesus had been born - making their question sincere.

It is good that we question what we don't know out of sincerity; it's when we question with haughtiness, having some knowledge, but with the intent to lead others astray that it is sinful. Will we be a modern day Pharisee, or a sincere seeker of truth through the Scriptures? The choice is ours.

Please join us for the discussion questions that will follow shortly. Until then, share your thoughts with us.

Discussion Questions

Article submitted Saturday, September 10, 2011 & read 328 times.

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