Mixed Reviews  

John 7 

But when His brothers had gone up to the feast, then He Himself also went up, not publicly, but as if, in secret. So, the Jews were seeking him at the feast and were saying, ‘where is He?’ There was much grumbling among the crowds concerning Him; some were saying, ‘He is a good man’; others were saying, ‘No, on the contrary, He leads the people astray.’ Yet no one was speaking openly of Him for fear of the Jews.  

Chapter 6 revealed some hard-hitting teaching from Jesus to His followers about the high calling of discipleship. Jesus got their attention with miracles and when they wanted more, He instead taught them hard truths. Jesus’ challenging words caused the following response: 

Therefore, many of His disciples, when they heard this said, ‘This is a difficult statement, who can listen to it?’ 

Many “saw” his signs and followed him out of curiosity and wanted for more. Now He is seeking true disciples who would “hear” and “believe”.  

His reputation was mixed throughout the land of Israel with the city of Jerusalem being the hotbed of hatred for Him.  The Jewish leaders intensely hated him and wanted to kill him. But the people were amazed at His teaching. So, Jesus secretly goes to the Feast of Booths in Jerusalem. He goes secretly because, as He says, “My time is not yet here.” There is still more for Him to do on earth before He voluntarily goes to Jerusalem to die.e 

No miracles are recorded here in chapter 7 but His teaching was, in a way, miraculously amazing. Verse 15 says, “the Jews were astonished, saying, ‘how has this man become learned, having never been educated?”  

Imagine how masterfully Jesus explained the Books of Moses and the Prophets and how they revealed Himself as the Messiah, the Son of God. Some were intrigued; some skeptical; others enraged.  

“So a division occurred in the crowd because of Him. The Jewish leaders sent the temple officers (like police) to arrest Him. “Some of them wanted to seize Him, but no one laid hands on Him,” verse 44.  

The officers returned to the temple and the Pharisees said, 

Why did you not bring Him? The officers answered ‘never has a man spoken the way this man speaks.’  The Pharisees then answered them, ‘you have not also been led astray, have you? Verses 45-47.  

The pride and arrogance of the religious leaders prevented them from seeing and understanding the amazing truth of who Jesus was and the message He was teaching. But now, over 2000 years later, we know the truth about Jesus and His Word has opened up to us. How blessed we are. Thank you, Jesus, that you still teach us through Your Word. Help us to listen, comprehend and obey. Amen!