Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles                                 John 7:1-53 [1] After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him. [2] Now the Jew's feast of tabernacles was at hand. [3] His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. [4] For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. [5] For neither did his brethren believe in him. [6] Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready. [7] The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. [8] Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast: for my time is not yet full come. [9] When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee. [10] But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. [11] Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? [12] And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people. [13] Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews. [14] Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. [15] And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? [16] Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. [17] If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. [18] He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. [19] Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me? [20] The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee? [21] Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel. [22] Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. [23] If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? [24] Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. [25] Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill? [26] But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ? [27] Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is. [28] Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. [29] But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me. [30] Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come. [31] And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done? [32] The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him. [33] Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me. [34] Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come. [35] Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles? [36] What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come? [37] In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. [38] He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. [39] (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) [40] Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. [41] Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? [42] Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? [43] So there was a division among the people because of him. [44] And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him. [45] Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? [46] The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. [47] Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? [48] Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? [49] But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed. [50] Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) [51] Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? [52] They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet. [53] And every man went unto his own house.
See All...                                 (Continued)

1. JESUS URGED TO ATTEND THE FEAST (John 7:1-13 [1] After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him. [2] Now the Jew's feast of tabernacles was at hand. [3] His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. [4] For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. [5] For neither did his brethren believe in him. [6] Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready. [7] The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. [8] Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast: for my time is not yet full come. [9] When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee. [10] But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. [11] Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? [12] And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people. [13] Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
   See All...) (Continued)
2. The Urging of Christ’s Brethren (John 7:3-5 [3] His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. [4] For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. [5] For neither did his brethren believe in him.
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1. Their identity (John 7:3His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
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1. Not cousins – a teaching of Jerome in the fourth century to support the superiority of virginity by teaching the perpetual virginity of Mary
2. Not Joseph’s children from an earlier marriage (Matthew 13:55-56 [55] Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? [56] And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
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3. The younger brothers of Jesus born to Joseph and Mary (Matthew 1:25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
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2. Their motive (John 7:3-4 [3] His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. [4] For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
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1. Show your works (John 7:3His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
   See All...).
2. Show yourself (John 7:4For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
   See All...).
1. Do nothing in secret (but see Proverbs 18:1Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
   See All...; Matthew 6:1-6 [1] Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. [2] Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. [3] But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: [4] That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. [5] And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. [6] But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
   See All...; Matthew 23:5But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
   See All...).
2. Seek to be known (Luke 16:15And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
   See All...; John 5:44How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
   See All...; John 7:18He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
   See All...; John 12:43For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
   See All...; 2 Corinthians 10:12-13 [12] For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. [13] But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.
   See All...).
3. Show thyself to the world.
3. Their unbelief (John 7:5For neither did his brethren believe in him.
   See All...; see Acts 1:14These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
   See All...; Galatians 1:19But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
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3. Christ’s Refusal to Go with Them (John 7:6-9 [6] Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready. [7] The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. [8] Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast: for my time is not yet full come. [9] When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.
   See All...)
1. His reason (John 7:6-8 [6] Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready. [7] The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. [8] Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast: for my time is not yet full come.
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1. The timing of God (John 7:6Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.
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1. Christ’s time has not yet come (John 7:6Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.
   See All..., 8, 30; cp. John 16:32Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
   See All...; John 17:1These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
   See All...).
2. The world’s time is now (Galatians 1:4Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
   See All...).
2. The hatred toward Jesus (John 7:7The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
   See All...)
1. The world cannot hate its own (John 15:19If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
   See All...).
2. The world hated Jesus (John 17:14-16 [14] I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. [15] I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. [16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
   See All...; Luke 6:26Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
   See All...).
1. Because He was not of the world
2. Because He testified of the world’s evil (John 3:19-20 [19] And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. [20] For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
   See All...)
3. The plot to kill Jesus (John 7:1After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.
   See All...; John 5:16And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
   See All..., 18)
2. His reaction (John 7:8-9 [8] Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast: for my time is not yet full come. [9] When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.
   See All...)
1. To send his brethren on (John 7:8Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast: for my time is not yet full come.
   See All...)
2. To wait in Galilee (John 7:9When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.
   See All...)
4. Christ’s Attendance at the Feast (John 7:10-13 [10] But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. [11] Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? [12] And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people. [13] Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
   See All...)
1. The secrecy of Jesus (John 7:10But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.
   See All...)
2. The seeking of Jesus (John 7:11Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?
   See All...)
3. The separation of Jesus (John 7:12And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.
   See All...; Acts 17:32-34 [32] And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. [33] So Paul departed from among them. [34] Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
   See All...)
1. Those who thought Him a good man
2. Those who thought Him a deceiver
4. The silence concerning Jesus (John 7:13Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
   See All...; John 12:42-43 [42] Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: [43] For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
   See All...)
2. JESUS IN THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM (John 7:14-53 [14] Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. [15] And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? [16] Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. [17] If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. [18] He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. [19] Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me? [20] The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee? [21] Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel. [22] Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. [23] If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? [24] Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. [25] Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill? [26] But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ? [27] Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is. [28] Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. [29] But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me. [30] Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come. [31] And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done? [32] The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him. [33] Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me. [34] Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come. [35] Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles? [36] What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come? [37] In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. [38] He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. [39] (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) [40] Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. [41] Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? [42] Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? [43] So there was a division among the people because of him. [44] And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him. [45] Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? [46] The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. [47] Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? [48] Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? [49] But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed. [50] Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) [51] Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? [52] They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet. [53] And every man went unto his own house.
   See All...)
1. His Teaching in the Temple (John 7:14-36 [14] Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. [15] And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? [16] Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. [17] If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. [18] He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. [19] Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me? [20] The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee? [21] Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel. [22] Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. [23] If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? [24] Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. [25] Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill? [26] But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ? [27] Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is. [28] Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. [29] But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me. [30] Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come. [31] And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done? [32] The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him. [33] Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me. [34] Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come. [35] Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles? [36] What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?
   See All...)
1. Reaction to Christ’s teaching (John 7:14-15 [14] Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. [15] And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
   See All...)
1. His wisdom (Matthew 13:54And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
   See All...); when they expected Him to be ignorant, not having been trained by them (Luke 2:46-47 [46] And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. [47] And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
   See All...; Acts 4:13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
   See All...; 1 Corinthians 1:27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
   See All...)
2. His doctrine (Matthew 7:28-29 [28] And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: [29] For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
   See All...; Matthew 22:33And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.
   See All...; Mark 1:22And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
   See All...)
3. His power (Luke 4:32And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.
   See All...; Mark 4:39-41 [39] And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. [40] And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? [41] And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
   See All...; John 7:46The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.
   See All...)
2. Source of Christ’s teaching (John 7:16Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
   See All...)
1. The Son speaks of the Father (John 8:28Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
   See All...; John 12:49-50 [49] For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. [50] And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
   See All...; John 14:10Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
   See All...).
2. The Spirit speaks of the Son (John 14:26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
   See All...; John 15:26But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
   See All...; John 16:13-15 [13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. [14] He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. [15] All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
   See All...).
3. Confirmation of Christ’s teaching (John 7:17-18 [17] If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. [18] He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
   See All...)
1. Through obedience (John 7:17If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
   See All...; John 8:31-32 [31] Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; [32] And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
   See All...; Psalm 25:12What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.
   See All..., 14)
1. If you do the will of the Father
2. You will know the doctrine of Christ.
3. Principle: obedience leads to understanding
2. Through humility (John 7:18He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
   See All...; Philippians 2:3-5 [3] For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. [4] Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. [5] Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people:
   See All...; Acts 17:10-11 [10] And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. [11] These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
   See All...)
1. Those who seek their own glory speak of themselves.
2. Those who seek God’s glory speak of God.
1. Their speech is true and honest.
2. Their life is righteous.
4. Justification in Christ’s teaching (John 7:19-24 [19] Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me? [20] The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee? [21] Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel. [22] Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. [23] If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? [24] Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
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1. Disobedience to the law (John 7:19-21 [19] Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me? [20] The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee? [21] Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel.
   See All...; James 2:10For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
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1. Their rejection of the law (John 7:19Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?
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1. Given by Moses (Nehemiah 10:29They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;
   See All...; John 1:17For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
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2. Kept by none (Romans 3:19-20 [19] Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. [20] Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
   See All...; Galatians 3:10For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
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3. Their intention to murder Christ (John 7:25Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?
   See All...; John 5:16And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
   See All..., 18; John 10:31Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
   See All...; John 11:53Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
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2. Their denial of guilt (John 7:20The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?
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1. Redirection of guilt – by accusing Christ of having a devil (John 8:48Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?
   See All...; John 10:20And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?
   See All...; Matthew 12:24But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
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2. Pretended surprise – by asking who
3. Their cause for concern (John 7:21Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel.
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1. The work of Christ in Jerusalem (John 5:9-11 [9] And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. [10] The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. [11] He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
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2. The astonishment of the people – they marvel
2. Correct usage of the law (John 7:22-23 [22] Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. [23] If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?
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1. Moses established the law of circumcision to be performed on the eighth day after the birth of a son (John 7:22Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.
   See All...; Leviticus 12:3And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.
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2. Sometimes this eighth day falls on the Sabbath; yet it is still performed on that day (John 7:22Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.
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3. This is not considered a breaking of the Sabbath, but obedience to the law of Moses (John 7:23If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?
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4. How is it that the healing of a man on the Sabbath is not given the same prerogative? (John 7:23If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?
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5. What cause do the Jews have at a man being healed? (John 7:23If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?
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3. Practice of righteous judgment (John 7:24Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
   See All...; 1 Samuel 6:17And these are the golden emerods which the Philistines returned for a trespass offering unto the LORD; for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one;
   See All...; Isaiah 11:3-4 [3] And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: [4] But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
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5. Note: Four lessons of Christ’s teaching
1. They that do His will shall know His doctrine (John 7:16-17 [16] Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. [17] If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
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2. They who seek His glory shall speak the truth (John 7:18He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
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3. They that judge righteously look not on appearance (John 7:24Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
   See All...).
4. They that know God shall recognize His servant (John 7:28-29 [28] Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. [29] But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
   See All...).
6. Christ’s teaching concerning Himself (John 7:25-36 [25] Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill? [26] But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ? [27] Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is. [28] Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. [29] But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me. [30] Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come. [31] And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done? [32] The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him. [33] Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me. [34] Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come. [35] Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles? [36] What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?
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1. His origin (John 7:25-32 [25] Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill? [26] But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ? [27] Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is. [28] Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. [29] But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me. [30] Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come. [31] And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done? [32] The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.
   See All...; John 6:32-33 [32] Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. [33] For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
   See All..., 38, 41-42)
1. The confusion of the people of Jerusalem (John 7:25-27 [25] Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill? [26] But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ? [27] Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.
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1. Is this the wanted man? (John 7:25Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?
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2. Do the rulers know something they have not told us? (John 7:26But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?
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3. How could this be the Christ? (John 7:27Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.
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1. We know whence this man came.
2. We will not know this about the Christ.
2. The confession of the Christ (John 7:28-29 [28] Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. [29] But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
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1. What the people know (John 7:28Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.
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1. They know Jesus.
2. They know whence Christ is.
3. Note: Jesus is obviously speaking superficially here; they know He is of Nazareth.
2. What the people do not know (John 7:28Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.
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1. That Christ is not come of Himself
2. Who it is that sent Him
3. What Jesus Christ knows (John 7:29But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
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1. He knows the Father – “But I know him” (John 17:3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
   See All...; Jeremiah 9:23-24 [23] Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: [24] But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
   See All...; Philippians 3:8-10 [8] Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? was thine anger against the rivers? was thy wrath against the sea, that thou didst ride upon thine horses and thy chariots of salvation? [9] Thy bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers. [10] The mountains saw thee, and they trembled: the overflowing of the water passed by: the deep uttered his voice, and lifted up his hands on high.
   See All...; 2 Peter 1:3According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
   See All...; 2 Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
   See All...; 1 John 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
   See All...).
2. He knows that He is of the Father.
3. He knows that He is sent by the Father.
3. The reactions of the people (John 7:30-32 [30] Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come. [31] And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done? [32] The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.
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1. Some sought to take Him (John 7:30Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.
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1. But no man laid hands on Him
2. Because His hour was not yet come
2. Some believed on Him (John 7:31And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?
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1. They saw His miracles.
2. They determined that they were the miracles of the Christ.
3. The Pharisees sent to arrest Him (John 7:32The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.
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2. His destination (John 7:33-36 [33] Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me. [34] Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come. [35] Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles? [36] What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?
   See All...; John 14:12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
   See All..., 19)
1. The teaching of Jesus (John 7:33-34 [33] Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me. [34] Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.
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1. I will be with you a little while (John 7:33Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.
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2. I will go to Him that sent me (John 7:33Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.
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3. I will be sought but not found (John 7:34Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.
   See All...; Matthew 28:11-15 [11] Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. [12] And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, [13] Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. [14] And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. [15] So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
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4. I will go where you cannot come (John 7:34Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.
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2. The doubting of the Jews (John 7:35-36 [35] Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles? [36] What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?
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1. Concerning His destination (John 7:35Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?
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1. Where could He go?
2. Would it be among the dispersed? (James 1:1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
   See All...; 1 Peter 1:1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
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2. Concerning His saying (John 7:36What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?
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