BIBLE STUDY: Who IS Jesus?
A. BACKGROUND... A. If you listen/watch/attend our Sunday worship you note that the last two Sundays I’ve announced that my new book, My Jesus, will be done this year. I confessed that I announce it to force me to finish it. Interestingly, John 7 raises the same question as my book: who is Jesus? The Jewish people had been waiting for a Messiah for 700 years, the Chosen One of God who would save Israel, guide and convince the world, confirm the truths of Judaism. As the centuries went by the very idea of Messiah changed. By Jesus’ time many people were hoping for a King David-type military hero to free Israel from Roman conquest. Jesus presented himself as a healer, teacher, and wonderworker. People thought he was a prophet, a holy man. Who IS he?
C. SUMMARY. I’ll summarize the whole chapter, it’s interesting. Jesus’ brothers (vs. 3) urged him to go to Jerusalem, “become a public figure” (vs. 4), get more widely known in the big city, the nation’s capital. Jesus is hesitant, but then goes. Once there, Jesus begins to teach publicly, drawing crowds, interest, and criticism. Pushed by the controversy around him, Jesus tells people, “If anyone is thirsty, come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, streams of living water will flow from within” (vs. 38). In part, he is alluding to the purpose of the Holy Spirit. People continue to debate about who he is. The religious leaders begin to consider how to “bring him in” (vs. 45) and “find out what he is doing” (vs. 51).
D. KEY POINTS
1. In this chapter we read “even his own brothers did not believe in him (5) ... he is a good man... no, he deceives the people (12)... you are demon-possessed (20) ... he is the Christ? (27) ... many put their faith in him (31) ... surely he is the Prophet... the Christ (40-41) ... THUS the people were divided because of Jesus” (43). You think?! Let’s put ourselves in their shoes of 2,000 years ago. No radio, TV, internet, newspapers, photography. Most knew of Jesus by rumor and gossip. Those who did meet him were impressed and perplexed. Who was/is he? His followers progressed from “he’s really something... he’s worth following... he’s truly special... he’s God’s Chosen One... he’s the incarnation of God.” Like the early disciples, we start where we can. And build from there.
2. LIVING WATER. At various times, Jesus calls himself bread, water, and rest, offering renewing nourishment that lasts. In vs. 37-38 he says that a relationship with him provides “streams of living water” that will quench our every thirst. He said much the same in John 4 and 6, a recurring theme. We all have a void of some kind; all have a yearning, need, desire for something. Most of it is short-term: I want a burger, a vacation, a new sport coat. But we also have life-long yearnings: for purpose, meaning, love, eternity, hope, and more. If I’m miserable or despairing or lovely or adrift, and go out and get a burger and a sport coat, I will still be miserable, lonely, adrift, etc. Jesus (his life, way, direction, teaching urgings) offers to quench those yearning for that which is abiding and eternal.
3. ÷ Come on, you remember! That’s “division”. Verse 49 says “people were divided because of Jesus.” That’s sad, but still true. In the last three years I’ve offered two long essays: My America and now A Christian’s Response to Black Lives Matter. Both look at matters that divide us, even tear us apart, certainly weaken us. In this verse, and more starkly it is clear that following Jesus in our daily life is not always popular or met with agreement. People are not only divided by who Jesus is, but also about how to put into practice his more important teaching. Love your enemy? Forgive? Walk the extra mile? Do not worry? Go ye into all the world? Blessed are the pure in heart? Two thousand years later Jesus still impresses and perplexes.
