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 Jews’ 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.
Context and Background
John Chapter 7 occurs during the Feast of Tabernacles, a significant Jewish festival that commemorates the Israelites’ wanderings in the desert and their reliance on God. The chapter highlights the tension between Jesus and the Jewish authorities, as well as the varying opinions of the people regarding Jesus’ identity and mission.
Key Themes
- Division and Confusion: The chapter illustrates the divided opinions about Jesus among the people. Some believe he is the Messiah, while others doubt his origins.
- Authority and Teaching: Jesus’ teaching style and the authority with which he speaks draw attention and provoke questions about his legitimacy.
- Rejection and Acceptance: The chapter reflects the broader theme of acceptance and rejection of Jesus, foreshadowing the eventual rejection by the religious leaders.
- Living Water: Jesus’ proclamation of being the source of “living water” symbolizes spiritual sustenance and the promise of the Holy Spirit.
Verse-by-Verse Analysis
- Verses 1-9:
Jesus’ reluctance to go to Judea highlights the danger he faces from the Jewish leaders who seek to kill him. His brothers’ skepticism reflects the disbelief even among his close relatives.
- Verses 10-13:
Jesus ultimately goes to the festival privately, showcasing his wisdom in navigating the hostility of the authorities. The murmuring among the crowd indicates the mixed feelings about Jesus, with some admiring him and others doubting him.
- Verses 14-24:
Jesus teaches in the temple, asserting his authority and challenging the religious leaders. His call for righteous judgment contrasts with their legalistic interpretations of the law.
- Verses 25-31:
The crowd’s confusion about Jesus’ origins reveals the complexity of his identity. Some recognize him as a prophet, while others question whether the Messiah could come from Galilee.
- Verses 32-36:
The Pharisees’ response to Jesus’ growing popularity illustrates their fear of losing control. Jesus’ statement about going to a place where they cannot follow hints at his impending death and resurrection.
- Verses 37-39:
During the festival, Jesus invites those who are thirsty to come to him for living water. This metaphor emphasizes the spiritual nourishment he offers and points to the coming of the Holy Spirit.
- Verses 40-44:
The varying reactions to Jesus’ declaration of being the Messiah further emphasize the division among the people. Some believe in him, while others seek to arrest him.
- Verses 45-52:
The officers sent to arrest Jesus return empty-handed, highlighting his compelling presence. Nicodemus’ defense of Jesus indicates a growing recognition of his authority among some Pharisees.
Conclusion
John Chapter 7 serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jesus’ ministry, showcasing the growing tension between him and the Jewish authorities. The chapter encapsulates the themes of belief and disbelief, authority, and the promise of spiritual fulfillment. It sets the stage for the events leading to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, while also emphasizing the importance of recognizing and accepting his true identity as the Messiah.
