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JOHN - The Light Shines in the Darkness
A Bible Study Course on the Gospel of Christ according to John
PART 2 - Light Shines in the Darkness (John 5:1 - 11:54)
C - Jesus' Last Journey to Jerusalem (John 7:1 - 11:54) The Parting of Darkness and Light
1. The words of Jesus at the feast of tabernacles (John 7:1 – 8:59)

b) Disparate views on Jesus among the people and the high council (John 7:14-63)


JOHN 7:31-32
31 But of the multitude, many believed in him. They said, “When the Christ comes, he won’t do more signs than those which this man has done, will he?” 32 The Pharisees heard the multitude murmuring these things concerning him, and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent officers to arrest him.

Despite the strained conditions in Jerusalem, many began to believe in the power working in Jesus. They said, "Perhaps he is the Messiah; for he has performed mighty signs, so that the less extreme were made to think and trust in him. We see that Jesus had his followers even in the Capital."

When the Pharisees realized, thanks to their spies, that revival had begun among the people, and his movement was taking root in Jerusalem, they were vexed and strove to co-operate with their opposing party, the priests and Sadducees. This was to prod those responsible for the temple into banning Jesus. The high priests agreed in this and condescended to work with the Pharisees in arresting Jesus.

The Lord’s angels were around the divine teacher in the temple court and prevented the servants from carrying out the orders of their superiors. Jesus saw these servants approaching but did not run away, rather he revealed his glory, which the evangelist recorded for us as a prediction of God’s saving plan.

JOHN 7:33-36
33 Then Jesus said, “I will be with you a little while longer, then I go to him who sent me. 34 You will seek me, and won’t find me; and where I am, you can’t come.” 35 The Jews therefore said among themselves, “Where will this man go that we won’t find him? Will he go to the Dispersion among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks? 36 What is this word that he said, ‘You will seek me, and won’t find me; and where I am, you can’t come’?”

Jesus announced to his foes that he would abide briefly among his fellowmen. He already knew that he would die as the Lamb of God. At the same time he knew the timing of his resurrection, his ascension and return to the Father. Jesus longed for his Father who had sent him to redeem us. For love of us he remained in the world away from his heavenly home.

Jesus foresaw how his followers would be amazed at his resurrection and ascension. They would return sad since they lacked the spiritual bodies that would rise with him to heaven. He also knew that his foes would search for his ‘lost’ body that would vanish from the sealed tomb. Woe to them who do not love the Savior! They are unable to share in his glory or enter heaven. Their sins will separate them from God. Unbelief keeps them out of the realm of grace.

The Jews failed to grasp the words of Jesus, as they thought in human ways that he wanted to flee to Jewish synagogues in Greek cities round the Mediterranean. His purpose would have been to catch followers from among those unfamiliar with the Hebrew Scriptures. Some mocked and said, "He may be keen on becoming a learned orator and present his views to Greek philosophers and lead them to the living God.

When John recorded the discourses of Jesus and these events, he was living in Ephesus among Greeks. The good tidings of salvation had reached the Jewish dispersion there and also many Greeks believed in Christ. The evangelist saw in Jesus’ words and the mockery of the Jews a proclamation that Jesus is the great teacher among the Greeks. He did not offer empty philosophies that lead to pessimism. He is the life-giver; from him springs power that never fails.

QUESTION:

  1. What did Jesus predict regarding his future?

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