Is Jesus the Christ?

READ JOHN 7

When the world is presented with the truth found in Jesus many reject him as the Christ. Even Jesus' brothers suggested to him that he should go to Judea so that his disciples could see more miracles performed by him. The world will say we need more proof. Just one more miracle and we will believe.

In this section of scripture we will see many aspects of the world's reaction to Jesus in the face of his witness. We will read of Jesus as he goes to the Feast of the Tabernacles and teaches the people and we will see that as he is teaching he rebukes the Jewish authorities even as they send their guards to apprehend him.

In the first 13 verses even his brothers do not fully believe in Jesus. They suggest that he should offer more proof to the disciples in Judea but Jesus knows God's will and God's timing in this situation. He goes after them to the Feast while the people talk about his past witness.

He remains inconspicuous because his time had not yet come. Are you ready to quite your heart, pray and ask God to show you His timing? Just as we see in this passage... as you reveal Jesus to the world, some will hate you for testifying that the world is evil.

How does this knowledge change your personal preparation for the work God has for you in his Kingdom?

Despite the danger, we see in the next 10 verses that Jesus begins to teach the Jews and they marvel at the true words that he speaks.

"My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own."

He goes on to reveal his authority and rebuke the Jews for trying to judge and kill him. From this portion of scripture we learn a powerful truth about Jesus that every Christian should strive to emulate. All that Jesus does is for the intent of Glorifying God. He demands that all of God’s commandments be kept. This would be an impossible task were it not for the gift every believer receives in the Holy Spirit. By indwelling each believer we tap into the supernatural power of God... a power that allows us to Glorify God and keep his commands.

Take an honest look at your life right now. How do you bring glory to God in the choices you make each day in your life and how are you honoring God’s commandments?

In the last verses of John 7 we read some of the most important teachings of Jesus in this passage. Jesus teaches that he is the Son of God and that he will only be here for but a short while longer.

"I am with you for only a short time, and then I go to the one who sent me. You will look for me, but you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come."

This confuses many that are in the crowd but he goes on to offer a beautiful gift... Living Water. He offers all who are thirsty Living Water on the last day of the Feast. We see some that believe and others continue to plot against him.

There is a price for accepting Jesus as Lord. You must do it while he is here with you. The last days of the feast are approaching. You cannot accept Him after he leaves you. You cannot do it after you die. You cannot do it after you arrive in Hell. You must accept Him as the Christ now on this earth while he is still witnessing to you through other believers and through His word.

Have you accepted Jesus as your savior? Do you know Him as the Christ?

I pray that you know Him and that He will empower you to resist the hatred of this world and persevere in your witness for Christ for the Glory of God.