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John 7

53 verses

TL;DR

Jesus attends the Feast of Tabernacles in secret, teaches in the temple, and encounters both admiration and opposition, illustrating the tension between His mission and the expectations of His people.

Summary

After the Jews feared for His life, Jesus remained in Galilee until the Feast of Tabernacles. His brothers urged Him to join them in Judea, but He declined, saying His time was not yet full. He eventually went to Jerusalem in secret and entered the temple, where He taught and challenged the Jewish leaders about the law and their perception of Him. Some people marveled at His words, while others accused Him of deception. The Pharisees and chief priests grew suspicious, yet no one could lay hands on Him because His hour had not yet come. Jesus spoke of living water and the Holy Ghost, causing further division among the crowd. Ultimately, the leaders could not arrest Him, and many believers questioned the nature of Christ’s coming.

Outline
  1. Jesus’ secret attendance at the Feast and His interactions with His brothers
  2. Jesus teaches in the temple, challenging Jewish law and authority
  3. Reactions from the crowd and religious leaders, leading to division and attempts to arrest Him
Themes
Jesus’ mission and the timing of His ministryConflict between public perception and secret purposeThe tension between Jewish law and Jesus’ teachings
Keywords
JesusFeast of TabernaclesTempleLaw of MosesHoly Ghostliving waterChristfaithjudgment
People
JesusHis brothersPhariseesChief priestsJewsRulersNicodemus
Places
GalileeJudeaJerusalemthe temple
Things
Feast of Tabernaclescircumcisionlaw of MosesHoly Ghostliving water
Key Verses
  • John 7:14: Jesus enters the temple to teach, marking the beginning of public discourse
  • John 7:17-18: Jesus explains the source of His glory, distinguishing Himself from those seeking personal fame
  • John 7:30: Jesus declares His divine origin, asserting authority
  • John 7:38-39: Jesus introduces the concept of living water and the forthcoming Holy Ghost
  • John 7:46: Nicodemus raises questions about judgment and law, highlighting theological tension
Questions
  • Why did Jesus choose to attend the Feast in secret?
  • What does Jesus’ statement about seeking glory reveal about His identity?
  • How does the crowd’s reaction reflect the broader tensions within Jewish society?
  • In what ways does Jesus challenge the traditional understanding of the law?
  • What significance does the concept of living water hold for believers today?
  • How does Nicodemus’ question illuminate the struggle between law and grace?
Sentiment

mixed
The passage portrays both awe toward Jesus’ teachings and conflict with the religious leaders, resulting in an overall mixed tone.