Chapter 7
Today, one would receive many different answers to the question, "Who is Jesus?" Although the answers vary, one thing is for sure, Jesus has been a significant topic of conversation over the past 2,000 years of history. During Jesus’ lifetime there were many different opinions about who Jesus really was. But instead of just hearing the opinions of others, would it not be fair to listen to Jesus, and then allow his words to help us answer that question for ourselves?
1
What do Jesus’ brothers advise him to do? (7:3)
2
What reason did Jesus give for not going with them? (7:6, 8)
3
Who do you think was setting Jesus’ agenda; people or God?
4
Jesus eventually makes it to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles. The Jewish leaders were astonished at his teaching (7:15). How does Jesus reply to the Jewish leaders’ astonishment to his teaching? (7:16)
5
Is it important that Jesus’ teaching is ultimately from God?
6
Jesus’ teaching always points to God, "the one who ____________ him." (7:16) Does this increase or decrease the importance of Jesus’ words?
Knowing that the people were murmuring over the teaching of Jesus, the chief priests and Pharisees sent officers out to arrest him. During this time Jesus says, "You will look for me but will not find me, and where I am you cannot come." (7:34)
7
The Jewish leaders were obviously confused with this statement. Where would Jesus eventually go that these people could not find him?
8
Do the Pharisees sympathize with the officer’s reasons for not bringing Jesus to them? (7:47)
9
Who was in a better position to evaluate Jesus’ teaching, the officers or the Pharisees? Nicodemus or the Pharisees? Why?
10
Should we be careful to not make hasty judgments about Jesus before fully hearing Him out?
