Religious leaders attempt to arrest Jesus
John 7:32-52Intro Questions
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- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
I. THE DISBELIEF JESUS ENCOUNTERS IN NAZARETH (7:1–10)
II. THE DIVISION JESUS ENCOUNTERS IN JERUSALEM (7:11–53): Jesus receives a mixed reception while attending the Festival of Shelters.
A. The reaction to the Savior (7:11–13, 20, 25–27, 30–32, 40–42)
1. From the people (7:11–13, 20, 25–27, 30–32, 40–53)
a. Some feel he is a good man (7:11–12).
b. Some feel he is a deceiver (7:12).
c. Some feel he is demon-possessed (7:20).
d. Some feel he is an ordinary man (7:25–27, 41b–42).
e. Some feel he is a prophet (7:40).
f. Some feel he is the Messiah (7:31, 41a).
2. From the Pharisees (7:30, 32, 44–53)
a. Their intentions to arrest him (7:30, 32, 44): It is not his time.
b. Their inability to arrest him (7:45–53)
(1) They are frustrated by the military (7:45–49): The guards sent out to seize him come back empty-handed, saying, “We have never heard anyone talk like this!”
(2) They are frustrated by a member (7:50–53): One of their own members, Nicodemus, now stands up for Jesus.
B. The response from the Savior (7:14–19, 21–24, 28–29, 33–39)
1. The overview (7:16–19, 21–24, 28–29, 33–34)
a. Jesus says that his mission and message originate from God (7:14–18, 28–29).
b. Jesus says that the people in his audience do not keep the law of Moses and in fact want to kill him right now (7:19).
c. Jesus asserts that both healing and circumcising are permitted by the law to be done on the Sabbath (7:21–24).
d. Jesus tells them that he will soon leave but that they will be unable to find him (7:33–36).
2. The offer (7:37–39)
a. What (7:38): Jesus offers streams of living water to all those who are thirsty!
b. When (7:37): Jesus makes the offer on the final day of the Festival of Shelters.
c. Who (7:39): Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit, who will soon indwell all believers!
- When you played "hide and seek" as a kid (or with your kids), did you prefer hiding or seeking? Where was one of your best hiding spots? Did you stay hidden long, or jump out to scare the one seeking you?
- When has someone jumped to a wrong conclusion about you? How did you feel?
- Who is saying what about Jesus in this passage? What is causing the confusion?
- Why does Jesus' teaching in John 7:14-29 provoke the responses of John 7:30-31? How do you account for the wide range of opinions about him? For the timing involved?
- Every day at this feast, water would be poured out as a symbol of thanks for God's provision. In this context, what does Jesus' statement in John 7:37-38 mean? What are some ways that the Spirit's work is like water (compare John 4:13-14)? How is the Spirit received?
- How does the confusion over Jesus' birthplace (John 7:41-42) cloud the issue of his identity?
- Why do the guards keep their hands off? What tensions do they feel?
- What justification do or the Pharisees offer in refuting the guards? Nicodemus (John 7:48,50)? Why would Nicodemus risk defending Jesus?
- What evidence can you offer of the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life? How is his presence like flowing water?
- What is the relationship for you between believing the promises of Christ and experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit?
- What different opinions about Christ do you hear today? Why does that confusion exist?
- When have you been ridiculed because of your faith? What did you do?
Jesus Didn't Leave Us Behind
“On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice… ‘Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.’ By this, He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. Up to that time, the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.” (John 7:38-39)
The significance of the Holy Spirit in the life of a follower of Jesus Christ cannot be overstated. The arrival of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, which occurred just ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, marked a pivotal moment in Christian history. This event transformed the first disciples from a confused and frightened group of individuals, who were hiding in fear for their lives, into a bold, cohesive, and revolutionary band of leaders. These leaders went on to change the course of history, spreading the message of Jesus Christ far and wide. The key difference between the fearful disciples and the empowered apostles was the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Before His ascension, Jesus emphasized the importance of the Holy Spirit by instructing His disciples to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit before embarking on their mission. This directive highlights the necessity of divine empowerment for effective ministry. The disciples were not to rely on their own strength or understanding; instead, they were to wait for the promised gift that would enable them to fulfill their calling.
In the Old Testament, we see some instances where the Holy Spirit was made available to specific individuals at particular times. Figures such as Moses, Gideon, Joshua, Saul, David, Isaiah, and Zechariah were all empowered by the Spirit of the Lord. The Holy Spirit enabled these leaders to accomplish tasks that were beyond their natural abilities. However, the Spirit was not available to all God's people until after Jesus was glorified. Then the Holy Spirit was given to Christians.
With Jesus’ resurrection and the tearing of the temple curtain, a significant shift occurred in the relationship between God and humanity. Access to God’s presence was no longer limited to the priesthood or confined to the temple. Instead, God’s presence began to dwell within every follower of Christ. This monumental change signifies that the Kingdom of Heaven is not a distant reality but a present reality for believers.
The Holy Spirit serves multiple roles in the life of a believer. He is our comforter, guide, and advocate. The Spirit empowers us to live out our faith, equipping us with spiritual gifts and producing fruit in our lives that reflects the character of Christ. Galatians 5:22-23 outlines the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are not merely aspirational; they are the natural outflow of a life lived in communion with the Holy Spirit.
Moreover, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our understanding of Scripture. As we read the Bible, the Spirit penetrates our minds and hearts, helping us to grasp the truths contained within its pages. This divine guidance is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. Without the Holy Spirit, our understanding of God’s Word would be limited, and our ability to apply its teachings to our lives would be hindered.
The presence of the Holy Spirit also fosters a sense of community among believers. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul describes the Church as the body of Christ, with each member playing a vital role. The Holy Spirit unites us, empowering us to serve one another and fulfill our collective mission. This unity is not based on our individual strengths or backgrounds but on our shared experience of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.
In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, the promise of the Holy Spirit brings comfort and assurance. Jesus did not leave us to navigate life on our own; He provided us with the Holy Spirit to guide, empower, and sustain us. This divine presence is a reminder that we are never alone in our journey of faith. The Holy Spirit is with us, offering wisdom in times of confusion, strength in times of weakness, and peace in times of turmoil.
As we reflect on the significance of the Holy Spirit, we are reminded of the incredible gift that God has given us. He did not leave us as orphans; instead, He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. This reality transforms our understanding of our relationship with God. We are not merely followers of a distant deity; we are children of God, filled with His Spirit and empowered to live out our faith in the world.
Thought of the Day: God has come to dwell within us; the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Thank you, Jesus, for not leaving us on our own. Your promise of the Holy Spirit is a testament to Your love and faithfulness. As we embrace this gift, may we be empowered to live boldly for You, sharing the good news of the Gospel and reflecting Your love to those around us.
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