_After these things Jesus walked in Galilee._ THE SITUATION SURVEYED I. THE SCENE IN GALILEE: the attitude of Christ’s brethren. 1. The counsel they offered. That Christ should repair to the centre of the theocratic kingdom and make His Messianic claims where they could be competently examined (J... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the Temple and taught_ CHRIST AS A TEACHER Whatever theory men hold respecting Christ’s person and work, all regard Him as an unparalleled teacher. Four things distinguish Him from all His competitors. I. HE POPULARIZED RELIGION. The common pe... [ Continue Reading ]
_If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine (In connection with _John 8:47_)._ Our Lord asserts--First: That if a man as in a right state of mind, he will know and believe the truth. Secondly: That those who are in a wrong state of mind reject the truth;_ i.e., _the cause of faith,... [ Continue Reading ]
_He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory._ The Jews marvelled that Christ had been educated in no school (John 7:15). This He contradicts (John 7:16), for the conclusion would have been that He was self-taught, and was therefore speaking His own theories, promulgating them on His own auth... [ Continue Reading ]
_Did not Moses give you the law?_ MURDER IN DESIRE The desire to kill Christ I. WAS INCONSISTENT WITH THEIR RELIGIOUS PROFESSION. They professedly believed in Moses, and esteemed him highly. But there was nothing in Moses to sanction their antagonism to Christ. 1. The spirit of their opposition... [ Continue Reading ]
_And many of the people believed on Him._ THE FAVOURABLY DISPOSED, AND THE MALIGNANTLY OPPOSED TO CHRIST I. THOSE WHO WERE FAVOURABLY DISPOSED (John 7:31). The commonalty, who were more or less unsophisticated and free from religious prejudices. These “heard Christ gladly.” This favourable disposi... [ Continue Reading ]
_On the last day, that great day of the feast_ JESUS THE CHRIST I. PROFFERING BLESSINGS. 1. Water for the thirsty (John 7:37; Exodus 17:6; Numbers 20:11; Psalms 78:15; Psalms 78:20, Psalms 105:41; Matthew 5:6). 2. Usefulness for the believing (John 7:38;... [ Continue Reading ]
_And every man went to his own house._ Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. If we group together the scenes of these Chapter s we might treat them. 1. A day with Jesus; in which we have not merely His answers to the disputing Jews, but His proclamation of love. 2. A night with Jesus on the Mount o... [ Continue Reading ]