As we read this chapter there is division in what to believe about Jesus. We read, “For even His brothers did not believe in Him.” (John 7:5) as His brothers challenge Him. That one verse is life-giving because after Jesus’ resurrection James, His brother, becomes a leader in the church and writes one of the letters in the Bible. Talk about life change!
Jesus’ brothers, Jews in Judea, Pharisees, chief priests, officers, even specifically Nicodemus all had different perspectives of Jesus. Now in Jerusalem we read, “On the last day, that great day of the feast, 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.”” John 7:37-38
Old Testament Scripture says that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. This is what they were arguing about in verses 40-44. They never took time to seek out the truth. Matthew records by the hand of Father, Jesus is born in Bethlehem (fulfilling a prophecy by Micah hundreds of years before). Instead of seeking out the truth they just argued about what they believed to be true.
It’s unfortunate that most do the same today. We just take what the majority say as truth. I’m not talking about things happening in the world, I’m talking about spiritual things, the truth about Jesus. I’m talking about digging in to know Him more as a Father, friend, and Messiah. Let’s not take someone else’s word for it, study God’s Word on your own. Don’t live off someone else’s closeness with the Father, experience a personal relationship with Him. There was much division about Jesus when He walked this earth and there is much today. But you and I, others around us get the opportunity to believe in Him and have living water flow from our hearts. I’m choosing Jesus for who He says He is, what about you?
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.