John 7:40-53
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
Today’s passage is the continuation of Jesus’ interactions with the crowds and the religious leaders at the Festival of Shelters in Jerusalem. If you haven’t already, read John 7:37-39 in which Jesus invites everyone who is spiritually thirsty to come and drink of him. Then read John 7:40-53.
It seems it is impossible to encounter Jesus and stay neutral about him. There is a polarizing nature about him that for some elicits hope and for others anger.
Stop to contemplate the reactions of the people in the crowd to Jesus (below). Read each reaction and then stop to recognize any thoughts or feelings that arise.
“Surely this man is the Prophet we’ve been expecting”
“He is the Messiah”
“But he can’t be! Will the Messiah come from Galilee?”
“Some even wanted him arrested…”
Now take a moment to be silent and imagine yourself in the presence of Jesus. What do you say about him?
Read John 7:40-53 again paying attention to the way the Temple guards and the Pharisees react to Jesus.
Because Rome was ruling over Israel, the Temple officials, including the guards, were either appointed or approved by the Romans. The Temple guards were overseen by the Captain of the Guard who was second in command to the High Priest. The Temple guards were a policing force tasked with keeping order and ensuring adherence to Jewish laws - and they were not easily swayed. But something about Jesus and the words he spoke causes these men to disobey orders.
Meditate on the reaction of the Temple guards for a moment: “We have never heard anyone speak like this”
How do the teachings and words of Jesus effect you? Are you sometimes moved by them? Challenged by them? Is there a specific area of your life into which Jesus is currently speaking? Take a moment to talk with Jesus about your answers to these questions.
The final reaction to Jesus is that of the Pharisees, and it is a tragic reaction. As you end this time of reflection, pause to talk with Jesus on behalf of anyone you know who is blatantly rejecting him. Pray for his love and mercy to break through to them.
If you sense Jesus calling you to some kind of action today, make sure to follow through.
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
