November 17th, 2024

Jesus Teaches Openly

Main Point: Our lives should openly reflect the lifestyle of the One we follow.

(John 7:10-24)

10 But after his brothers left for the festival, Jesus also went, though secretly, staying out of public view. 11 The Jewish leaders tried to find him at the festival and kept asking if anyone had seen him. 12 There was a lot of grumbling about him among the crowds. Some argued, “He’s a good man,” but others said, “He’s nothing but a fraud who deceives the people.” 13 But no one had the courage to speak favorably about him in public, for they were afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders.

Jesus teaches openly in…

1. Arenas of Fear (v.10-13)
   1. The Jews were trying to find Jesus. (v.10-11)
   2. The crowds were fighting over Jesus. (v.12)
      1. Some said He’s a friend. (v.12a)
      2. Some said He’s a fraud. (v.12b)
   3. The crowds were fearful to speak well of Jesus because of the Jews (v.13)

14 Then, midway through the festival, Jesus went up to the Temple and began to teach. 15 The people were surprised when they heard him. “How does he know so much when he hasn’t been trained?” they asked. 16 So Jesus told them, “My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me. 17 Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own. 18 Those who speak for themselves want glory only for themselves, but a person who seeks to honor the one who sent him speaks truth, not lies. 19 Moses gave you the law, but none of you obeys it! In fact, you are trying to kill me.” 20 The crowd replied, “You’re demon possessed! Who’s trying to kill you?”

Jesus teaches openly when His…

1. Authenticity is Challenged (v.14-20)
   1. His method of training was doubted. (v.14-15)
   2. His message was divine. (v.16)
      1. The follower of Christ knows God’s will and will speak truth to glorify the Son! (v.17; 18b)
      2. The fraudster will seek self-glory. Their lives are fruitless. (v.18a)
   3. His message was direct. (v.19a)
      1. Jesus to the crowd: You’re disobedient! (v.19b)
      2. The crowd to Jesus: You’re demon possessed! (v.20)

21 Jesus replied, “I did one miracle on the Sabbath, and you were amazed. 22 But you work on the Sabbath, too, when you obey Moses’ law of circumcision. (Actually, this tradition of circumcision began with the patriarchs, long before the law of Moses.) 23 For if the correct time for circumcising your son falls on the Sabbath, you go ahead and do it so as not to break the law of Moses. So why should you be angry with me for healing a man on the Sabbath? 24 Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.”

Jesus teaches openly so we know how to…

1. Apprentice His Way of Life (v.21-24)
   1. Does the fruit in your life reveal the rest of God? (v.21-22)
   2. Does the fruit in your life reflect your reliance on God? (v.23)
   3. Does the fruit in your life remain? (v.24)