Bible Study John 7 Jesus' Defense & The Reception

The Galilean Ministry of Jesus started well with many people, after the miracle feeding of five thousands, pursuing Him. However, it ended sadly with Joh 6:66  After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. We had a different result in this Judean Ministry as we shall see.


John 7:1-10 The Decision Making Method of Jesus

Q1. How did Jesus make his decision to go to Jerusalem?
We can learn the following three things about the decision making of Jesus.

1. He asked God.
   He recognized the need to ask and be led by God. John 7:6,8 My time has not yet come.
2. He did not succumb to the pressure by the people,
   not even his brothers. John 7:3-5
3. He acted on God's guidance and timing immediately despite the danger.
   He put his life and trust in God's hands. He did it with wisdom John 7:10b then he also went up, not publicly but in private.

Q2 What were the reactions of people to Jesus' message? How many groupings can we find?

1. Those who believe in Him.
1. John 7:31 many of the people believed in him. They said, “When the Christ appears, will he do more signs than this man has done?”. 
2. John 7:40  When they heard these words, some of the people said, "This really is the Prophet." John 7:41a  Others said, "This is the Christ."
3. The officers of the Pharisees! Johm 7:46  The officers answered, "No one ever spoke like this man!"
4. Nicodemus John 7:50-51
   
2. Those who are against Him.
1.  the chief priests and Pharisees John 7:32 ... sent officers to arrest him.Joh 7:48  Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him?
2. 
   
3. Those who are not sure.
1. John 7:25  Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, "Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? 
2. Joh 7:41b But some said, "Is the Christ to come from Galilee?"
3. Joh 7:43  So there was a division among the people over him. 

Q3 List down the points of Jesus' defense. What can you learn in your defense?

1. My Claims - Joh 7:16  "My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me.
2. You can verify for yourself - My teaching follow the Scriptures (Moses et al) John 7:17 do it and see.
3. I seek not my own benefits or interests but the Father God who sent me. There is no hidden agenda. It is truth. John 7:18
4. I knew you wanted to kill me because I healed a man on Sabbath. John 7:19.
5. The Purpose of Sabbath is for Man as Circumcision can be done on Sabbath. John 7:21-23
6. Judge rightly and not by appearance only.
1. Appearance are physical outward signs only. John 7:28
2. The truth is my claims, your verification, my accurate prediction which you can verify later. John 7:28-34
7. I am the giver of living waters that is eternal. John 7:37-38