The Gospel of John The Life of Jesus as recorded by John The Life of Jesus as recorded by John Jesus, at a feast Jesus, at a feast Week 9, October 1, 2014 Week 9, October 1, 2014

Last week - Feeding of the 5000 and walking on the water Last week - Feeding of the 5000 and walking on the water John does not record Peter walking out on the water to go to Jesus, but Matthew does. John does not record Peter walking out on the water to go to Jesus, but Matthew does. I ran across something that to me illustrates the way I’m afraid some of us would have tried that. I ran across something that to me illustrates the way I’m afraid some of us would have tried that. The Gospel of John

How much do we really believe things Jesus tells us? How much do we really believe things Jesus tells us? He says “Come to me on the water” He says “Come to me on the water” Do we reach for our float? Do we reach for our float? The Gospel of John

John 7:1-9 “After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him. Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles was at hand. His brothers therefore said to Him, “Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” For even His brothers did not believe in Him. John 7:1-9 “After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him. Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles was at hand. His brothers therefore said to Him, “Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” For even His brothers did not believe in Him. Jesus’ brothers taunted Him. Jesus’ brothers taunted Him. No doubt they really regretted these words later. No doubt they really regretted these words later. James, the Lord’s brother, was one of them. James, the Lord’s brother, was one of them. The Gospel of John

Last week - To whom shall we go? Last week - To whom shall we go? John 7:1-9 “…Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles…” John 7:1-9 “…Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles…” Tabernacles or booths Tabernacles or booths Third of “big” feasts - Passover and Pentecost Third of “big” feasts - Passover and Pentecost All Jewish males within 20 miles required to go All Jewish males within 20 miles required to go Many others went too Many others went too About October 15th - it had a harvest flair About October 15th - it had a harvest flair People left their houses and lived in “huts” - but these could not block out the sun or stars People left their houses and lived in “huts” - but these could not block out the sun or stars The Gospel of John

John 7:1-9 “…Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles…” John 7:1-9 “…Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles…” Leviticus 23:33-43: “The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days to the LORD. On the first day there shall be a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it. For seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation, and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. It is a sacred assembly, and you shall do no customary work on it…Also on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the fruit of the land, you shall keep the feast of the LORD for seven days; on the first day there shall be a sabbath-rest, and on the eighth day a sabbath-rest…” Leviticus 23:33-43: “The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days to the LORD. On the first day there shall be a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it. For seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation, and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. It is a sacred assembly, and you shall do no customary work on it…Also on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the fruit of the land, you shall keep the feast of the LORD for seven days; on the first day there shall be a sabbath-rest, and on the eighth day a sabbath-rest…” The Gospel of John

John 7:1-9 “…Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles…” John 7:1-9 “…Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles…” Leviticus 23:33-43: “… And you shall take for yourselves on the first day the fruit of beautiful trees, branches of palm trees, the boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days. You shall keep it as a feast to the LORD for seven days in the year. It shall be a statute forever in your generations. You shall celebrate it in the seventh month. You shall dwell in booths for seven days. All who are native Israelites shall dwell in booths, that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt” Leviticus 23:33-43: “… And you shall take for yourselves on the first day the fruit of beautiful trees, branches of palm trees, the boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days. You shall keep it as a feast to the LORD for seven days in the year. It shall be a statute forever in your generations. You shall celebrate it in the seventh month. You shall dwell in booths for seven days. All who are native Israelites shall dwell in booths, that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt” This is the feast in John 7 This is the feast in John 7 The Gospel of John

John 7:1-9 “… For even His brothers did not believe in Him. Then Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil. You go up to this feast. I am not going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come.” When He had said these things to them, He remained in Galilee.” John 7:1-9 “… For even His brothers did not believe in Him. Then Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil. You go up to this feast. I am not going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come.” When He had said these things to them, He remained in Galilee.” This has seemed odd to some people. Jesus says He isn’t going, but in the next verse, He goes anyway. Key is the word “time”. This has seemed odd to some people. Jesus says He isn’t going, but in the next verse, He goes anyway. Key is the word “time”. “My time” or “My hour” - usually the Greek “hora” - the destined hour of God. Not movable or changeable. “My time” or “My hour” - usually the Greek “hora” - the destined hour of God. Not movable or changeable. But, here the word is “kairos,” which means opportunity. But, here the word is “kairos,” which means opportunity. Jesus is telling His brothers that it is not the right time for Him to go. But, any time is good for them. Jesus is telling His brothers that it is not the right time for Him to go. But, any time is good for them. No problem. No problem. The Gospel of John

John 7:10-14: “But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. Then the Jews sought Him at the feast, and said, “Where is He?” And there was much complaining among the people concerning Him. Some said, “He is good”; others said, “No, on the contrary, He deceives the people.” However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews.” John 7:10-14: “But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. Then the Jews sought Him at the feast, and said, “Where is He?” And there was much complaining among the people concerning Him. Some said, “He is good”; others said, “No, on the contrary, He deceives the people.” However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews.” Chapter is full of reactions to Jesus. Chapter is full of reactions to Jesus. Good Good Deceiver Deceiver “Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught.” “Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught.” The Gospel of John

John 7:15-18: “And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?” John 7:15-18: “And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?” Another reaction - “Ignorant troublemaker” Another reaction - “Ignorant troublemaker” “Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.” “Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.” Only the one who DOES God’s will can really understand God’s teaching or doctrine. Only the one who DOES God’s will can really understand God’s teaching or doctrine. Christianity must be put into action or it means nothing Christianity must be put into action or it means nothing The Gospel of John

John 7:19-24: “Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill Me?” John 7:19-24: “Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill Me?” Remember, the Jewish leaders are out for Jesus as a Sabbath-breaker - the man who could not walk? Remember, the Jewish leaders are out for Jesus as a Sabbath-breaker - the man who could not walk? “The people answered and said, “You have a demon. Who is seeking to kill You?” “The people answered and said, “You have a demon. Who is seeking to kill You?” The crowd doesn’t understand - it is the leaders who want Him dead. The crowd doesn’t understand - it is the leaders who want Him dead. “Jesus answered and said to them, “I did one work, and you all marvel.” “Jesus answered and said to them, “I did one work, and you all marvel.” One work in Jerusalem - more in Galilee. Are they seeking God’s will or just another wonder? One work in Jerusalem - more in Galilee. Are they seeking God’s will or just another wonder? The Gospel of John

John 7:22-24: “…Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath.” John 7:22-24: “…Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath.” Important. Important. Do no work on the Sabbath Do no work on the Sabbath Circumcise on the 8th day Circumcise on the 8th day If the Sabbath falls on that 8th day, they went ahead and did the circumcision. If the Sabbath falls on that 8th day, they went ahead and did the circumcision. They did not view that as breaking the Sabbath They did not view that as breaking the Sabbath Circumcision is an act that removes a part of a man. It is somewhat violent, but the sign of the covenant. Circumcision is an act that removes a part of a man. It is somewhat violent, but the sign of the covenant. The Gospel of John

John 7:22-24: “… If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath?” John 7:22-24: “… If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath?” Straight to the heart! Straight to the heart! You do a violent act on the Sabbath to fulfill God’s law, and that’s ok You do a violent act on the Sabbath to fulfill God’s law, and that’s ok But I do something to make someone whole and well again on the Sabbath and you call me a law breaker? But I do something to make someone whole and well again on the Sabbath and you call me a law breaker? Hypocrites Hypocrites “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” The equivalent of “Wake up, people!” The equivalent of “Wake up, people!” The Gospel of John

John 7:25-31: “Now some of them from Jerusalem said, “Is this not He whom they seek to kill? But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ? However, we know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from.” John 7:25-31: “Now some of them from Jerusalem said, “Is this not He whom they seek to kill? But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ? However, we know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from.” Still many thoughts about Jesus. Rules caught between rock and hard place Still many thoughts about Jesus. Rules caught between rock and hard place “Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, saying, “You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me.” “Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, saying, “You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me.” Jesus says “You really do not know God, but I do!” Jesus says “You really do not know God, but I do!” “Therefore they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come. And many of the people believed in Him, and said, “When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?” “Therefore they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come. And many of the people believed in Him, and said, “When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?” The Gospel of John

John 7:32-36: “The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring these things concerning Him, and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Him…” John 7:32-36: “The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring these things concerning Him, and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Him…” But they don’t take Him But they don’t take Him “Then Jesus said to them, “I shall be with you a little while longer, and then I go to Him who sent Me. You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come.” “Then Jesus said to them, “I shall be with you a little while longer, and then I go to Him who sent Me. You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come.” “Then the Jews said among themselves, “Where does He intend to go that we shall not find Him? Does He intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? What is this thing that He said, ‘You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come’?” “Then the Jews said among themselves, “Where does He intend to go that we shall not find Him? Does He intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? What is this thing that He said, ‘You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come’?” Still missing what Jesus says. Still missing what Jesus says. The Gospel of John

John 7:37-39: “On the last day, that great day of the feast…” John 7:37-39: “On the last day, that great day of the feast…” More tie-in to the Feast of Tabernacles More tie-in to the Feast of Tabernacles Each day, people took palm branches, roof around altar Each day, people took palm branches, roof around altar Priest took pitcher, went to pool of Siloam, water brought back to altar while people recited Isaiah 12:3 “With joy you shall draw water out of the wells of salvation” Priest took pitcher, went to pool of Siloam, water brought back to altar while people recited Isaiah 12:3 “With joy you shall draw water out of the wells of salvation” Priest poured water on altar. Priest poured water on altar. One hundred years earlier, King and High Priest Alexander Jannaeus had poured this water on his own feet. When the crowd erupted into an uproar, Jannaeus called the temple guards out who killed thousands. One hundred years earlier, King and High Priest Alexander Jannaeus had poured this water on his own feet. When the crowd erupted into an uproar, Jannaeus called the temple guards out who killed thousands. While this was being done, Psalms were sung by all. While this was being done, Psalms were sung by all. When “O give thanks to the Lord” (shows up more than once), people all waved their palm branches. Quite a sight! When “O give thanks to the Lord” (shows up more than once), people all waved their palm branches. Quite a sight! The Gospel of John

John 7:37-39: “On the last day, that great day of the feast” John 7:37-39: “On the last day, that great day of the feast” More tie-in to the Feast of Tabernacles More tie-in to the Feast of Tabernacles On that LAST day, this was done seven times! On that LAST day, this was done seven times! An amazing event! An amazing event! “Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “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.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” “Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “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.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” Jesus is saying: You give thanks to God for this water that quenches your physical thirst … but come to Me and I will give the water you REALLY need. Jesus is saying: You give thanks to God for this water that quenches your physical thirst … but come to Me and I will give the water you REALLY need. Jesus really is all we need. Jesus really is all we need. The Gospel of John

John 7:40-44: “Therefore many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, “Truly this is the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Will the Christ come out of Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?” So there was a division among the people because of Him. Now some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid hands on Him.” John 7:40-44: “Therefore many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, “Truly this is the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Will the Christ come out of Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?” So there was a division among the people because of Him. Now some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid hands on Him.” Continuing reactions to Jesus. Continuing reactions to Jesus. He is the Christ He is the Christ But He can’t be the Christ But He can’t be the Christ Jesus forces all of us to decide. Which is He? Jesus forces all of us to decide. Which is He? The Gospel of John

John 7:45-52: “ Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why have you not brought Him?” The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this Man!” John 7:45-52: “ Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why have you not brought Him?” The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this Man!” The temple officers reaction The temple officers reaction “Then the Pharisees answered them, “Are you also deceived? Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.” “Then the Pharisees answered them, “Are you also deceived? Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.” The Pharisees reaction - snobbery The Pharisees reaction - snobbery “Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them, “Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?” ” “Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them, “Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?” ” That’s not a very strong reaction. Quoting a legal maxim? That’s not a very strong reaction. Quoting a legal maxim? “They answered and said to him, “Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.” “They answered and said to him, “Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.” This isn’t even true. Jonah was from Amittai, 5 miles from Nazareth This isn’t even true. Jonah was from Amittai, 5 miles from Nazareth Jesus really is all we need. Jesus really is all we need. The Gospel of John