Devotional GuideBases for Belief
John 7:25-53
Monday June 29
John 6:59 - 7:5
John's Gospel reveals the development of faith and unbelief in the nation of Israel. In chapter six we read of the multitudes who followed Jesus because He seemed to promise food and freedom; they dropped off when Jesus made plain the spiritual nature of His mission. In chapter seven we read of the doubts of Jesus’ own brothers.
Think About It: Jesus’ brothers were doubtful and the multitudes fickle. According to Peter, why did the twelve apostles remain faithful (John 6:67 - 69)? Do I believe that Jesus is the only source of the words of life? Do I demonstrate that belief in how I spend my time?
Prayer: Thank you Lord, for your words of life.
Tuesday June 30
John 7:25 - 26; 48; 1 Corinthians 1:20 - 21
One basis for belief – or unbelief – was that of expert opinion. This argument cut both ways. The people saw that Jesus was teaching openly and hadn’t been arrested, and wondered if that meant that their religious leaders had come to believe He was the Messiah. The religious leaders themselves, in arguing with Nicodemus, appealed to consensus: none of the rulers or Pharisees believed on Jesus.
Think About It: According to John 7:28, what was the main problem for those who depended on their leaders’ opinions about Jesus? Who are some of the leaders that the multitudes follow today in forming their religious outlook and belief? How many of these leaders really know God?
Prayer: For the wisdom that comes from God.
Wednesday July 1
John 7:27 - 34; Matthew 17:10 - 13
The question of Jesus’ earthly origin was another basis for belief – or unbelief. This argument had two parts. The first part argued that Jesus could not be the Messiah because everyone thought they knew where He came from. John 7:27 refers to a rabbinical tradition that no one would know the origin of the Messiah. It was said
"the Christ, even after His birth, is to remain unknown and not to know Himself and to be without power, until Elijah comes and anoints Him and reveals Him to all."
Think About It: How did Jesus answer this question of His origin in 7:28 - 29? Was the multitude even asking the right question about Jesus’ origin? Did this rabbinical tradition have any biblical foundation?
Prayer: Praise the Lord for the Bread of Life which comes down from heaven.
Thursday July 2
John 7:42, 52; Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:4 - 6
There was a second part to the question of Jesus’ origins that formed a basis for unbelief. The argument was that Jesus could not be the Messiah, because He did not come from Bethlehem, as predicted in Micah 5:2, but from Galilee. This basis has its counterpart today in the "search for the historical Jesus" which makes all kinds of presumptions about what evidence is reliable and what is not, and usually reduces Jesus to an itinerant rabbi about whom we can know little or nothing.
Think About It: Where did the religious leaders think Jesus was going? Where was Jesus talking about going? Do I appreciate where Jesus is from, Who sent Him, and what He was sent to do--in history and in my own life?
Prayer: Praise the Lord for Jesus – mission accomplished!
Friday July 3
John 7:3; 38 - 39; 16:33; Matthew 16:1 - 4
Another basis for belief in Jesus were the signs He performed. The logic was straightforward: Jesus must be the Christ, because the Christ would not be able to perform more signs that Jesus was performing.
Think About It: Does a similar basis for faith exist today? In light of fickleness of the multitudes in John 6, what is the inherent weakness of miracles as the basis for faith? What miracle(s) can I absolutely count on from Jesus (e.g. John 7:38 - 39)? What else can I count on if I faithfully follow Jesus (John 16:33)?
Prayer: Thank God for the miracle of spiritual rebirth.
Saturday July 4
John 7:40, 45 - 46; Luke 8:4 - 15
A far more sound foundation for belief in Jesus was found by some of the multitude in His words. Not all who heard Him believed He was the Christ; some felt He was the Prophet, i.e., the Elijah who came to prepare the way for the Messiah. Others heard His teaching as the words of God, and recognized Jesus as the Messiah. The same basis for faith today exists in those who hear the preaching of the Gospel or read the Scriptures.
Think About It: How does the "Parable of the Sower" explain the difference between those who hear and fail to belief, and those who hear and believe? What kind of soil am I?
Prayer: That my heart may be good soil producing fruit for God.
Sunday July 5
John 7:37 - 39; Romans 8:30; 1 Peter 5:10
The sure foundation for belief revealed in John 7:37 - 39 is the call of Jesus.
Some of the multitude, aware of their spiritual thirst, responded to Jesus’ call to come to Him. Jesus promised them the "born again" experience, the inner transformation of wrought by the presence of the Holy Spirit which would be poured out on Pentecost. This is more than just hearing Jesus’ words as abstract teaching; this is recognizing an inner need, hearing Jesus words as a personal call to faith, and responding to that call by coming to Jesus in faith.
Think About It: How do people hear Jesus’ call today? How did I hear Jesus’ call? What constitutes "spiritual thirst?" Why is that thirst a necessary component of response to Jesus’ call?
Prayer: Thank Jesus for calling me to Himself.