For a full description of the (Y3) reading plan, see the “About” page.
- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
John 7
Jesus’ brothers certainly didn’t get what He was about. They encouraged Him to go to the Festival of Shelters to show Himself to the world. They said, “For no one does anything in secret while he’s seeking public recognition.” (Jn. 7:4a). Jesus did go to the festival, but He lagged behind and went secretly. The festival was half over before He showed Himself and began teaching in the temple. Then, when questioned about His teaching, He pointed out, “The one who speaks on his own seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.” (Jn. 7:18).
Public recognition was the farthest thing from what Jesus sought. Remember all the times He ordered people not to tell about what He had done. Nope – definitely not seeking His own glory. Instead, He sought to do what our lives should do, which is to reveal the glory of God. As He said in His Sermon on the Mount, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16). The only way Jesus intended to elevate Himself was to be lifted up on that cross bearing our shame.
John 8
“The one who is from God listens to God’s words. This is why you don’t listen, because you are not from God.” (Jn. 8:47). This is why I say that evil will never be at peace with truth. So when people oppose God’s truth, regardless of who they say they serve, we know they are children of the devil. There is no in-between. Those who belong to God will ultimately listen to God’s truth. Rest assured, God won’t lose a single one. And those who refuse to listen, declaring God’s truth a lie, work to carry out their father’s desires, which are to oppose truth and lead as many as possible to destruction. This takes me back to the thought I had a few days ago about witnessing. It isn’t so much about trying to convince others as it is trying to find those who are willing to listen.