John 7:1-9; Luke 9:51-56; Matthew 8:18-22; Luke 9:57-62; John 7:10-8:20
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John: Hmmm… I found John chapter 7 verse 12 intriguing today as it said this about Jesus – “There was a lot of discussion about him among the crowds. Some said, “He’s a wonderful man,” while others said, “He’s nothing but a fraud, deceiving the people.”” Does this verse sound familiar to you at all? Maybe like something we would hear about Jesus or Christianity in our modern world today? “Jesus & Christianity is wonderful. Jesus & Christianity is nothing but a fraud, deceiving people.” Times really have not changed much have they?
Jesus’ words in verse 17 are powerful – “Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.” I like that – if we want to do the will of God, we will know whether Jesus’ teaching is from God or is his own. Do you want to do the will of God? When you read Jesus’ teachings in John, do you know that his teaching is from God?
I will say this – I am so transformed when I read Jesus’ words in the Gospel of John. I don’t know what it is about this Gospel…. but for some reason the words speak to me at a deep spiritual level. Certainly when I read the words of Jesus in the other Gospels, or when I read any other words in the Bible, I know they are true words and I know they are feeding me spiritually. But… there’s something about the Gospel of John. It is such a blessing to me. It makes me want to cry with joy! Really…
Bible.org’s commentary on John chapter 7 readings today titled “Jesus in Jerusalem at the Feast of Tabernacles” is at this link.
John chapter 7 verses 37 & 38 are powerful verses for each of us to meditate upon – ““Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow from the heart of those who believe in me.” Wow… these are powerful words from Jesus. And so true. I know that I have been very spiritually thirsty in my life in the past and Jesus has most certainly quenched that thirst in my life. And I do believe that rivers of living water flow from the heart of those that believe in Jesus. This is the Holy Spirit, which indwells within us when we are in relationship with God the Father through Jesus the Son. This living water flowing from our hearts – the Holy Spirit – is an intriguing topic. I know different folks experience the Holy Spirit in different ways. I do hope that each of us do tangibly experience the Holy Spirit in our hearts and lives each and every day. I do know there are some days where I really sense and experience the Holy Spirit in my heart and life. And there are some days where I may not – but I don’t believe the Holy Spirit has departed. It’s more likely that I’m just caught up in the hustle / bustle of this life and focused on the flesh / world and not the Spirit. Do you believe that rivers of living water will flow from the heart of those that believe in Jesus? Are you thirsty?
Interesting to see Nicodemus come up in today’s readings in verses 50 & 51 – “Nicodemus, the leader who had met with Jesus earlier, then spoke up. “Is it legal to convict a man before he is given a hearing?” he asked.” Think Jesus’ conversations with Nicodemus in John chapter 3 changed Nicodemus’ life forever? Remember that John 3:16 is in that chapter – imagine being the person actually hearing that from Jesus himself! Oh my goodness… hard to imagine. I gotta believe that Nicodemus – a Pharisee – was now a Believer… Not surprising that he’s defending Jesus in these verses today. Below is a beautiful painting by artist John La Farge from the year 1880 recalling recalling the “Visit of Nicodemus to Christ” from John 3:
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s (and yesterday’s) John chapter 7 readings titled “Jesus in Jerusalem at the Feast of Tabernacles” is at this link.
I love John chapter 8 verse 12 today: “Jesus said to the people, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”” Do you believe that Jesus is the light of the world? Why would we want or need a light in this world? Do you believe there is darkness in this world? Do you need the light that leads to life?
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in John titled “The Light of the World” is at this link.
Worship Video: John 7:12 reminded me of the Casting Crowns song “Every Man:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:37-38 TNIV
Prayer Point: Pray that your spiritual thirst has been quenched by your faith in Jesus. Pray that streams of living water – the Holy Spirit – is flowing within you today and forevermore.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
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