1. The Gospel of John is a great source of information that will help us to grow in our knowledge of the Lord as we are instructed in 2 Peter 3:18. 2. In ch.6, John wrote about several events that took place in Galilee. a. Jesus fed the 5,000 and walked on the water. b. Jesus identified Himself as "the bread of life." c. Many of the Lord's disciples stopped following Him. 3. Beginning at ch.7, John wrote about a number of events that occurred in connection with the feast of tabernacles. 4. In this lesson we are covering John 7:1-31. Discussion:
I. (John 7:1-2) JESUS WAS IN GALILEE, BUT THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES WOULD BE OBSERVED SOON
A. For a time Jesus stayed away from Judea because the Jews wanted to kill Him. 1. Jesus had been in Jerusalem (John 5:1). 2. He healed a man on the Sabbath (John 5:8-9). 3. The Jews persecuted Jesus, intending to kill Him (John 5:16-18). 4. Although Jesus had been fulfilling His ministry in Galilee, . . . B. The time for observing the feast of tabernacles was approaching. 1. The feast of tabernacles was an annual feast when male Jews were required to go to Jerusalem to worship. 2. Details for observing this feast are found in: a. Leviticus 23:33-43 b. Deuteronomy 16:13-17. II. (John 7:3-9) JESUS HAD A DISCUSSION WITH HIS BROTHERS
A. The Lord's brothers are identified in: 1. Matthew 13:55 2. Mark 6:3. B. The Lord's brothers, who did not believe in Him, urged Him to go to Judea (vs.3-5). C. Jesus responded to His brothers and remained in Galilee. D. We must keep in mind that the Jews were familiar with the Lord's family (John 6:41-42). III. (John 7:10) JESUS WENT TO JERUSALEM TO OBSERVE THE FEAST IV. (John 7:11-31) REACTIONS TO JESUS WERE MIXED
A. Jesus received a great amount of attention (vs.11-13). 1. The Jews searched for Him. 2. Some said that Jesus was good while others said that He was a deceiver. 3. Fear prevented anyone from speaking openly about Jesus. B. During the feast Jesus taught in the temple (vs.14). C. People reacted differently to the Lord's teaching, and He responded to each. 1. Jesus responded to those who questioned His lack of formal training (vs.15-19). 2. He responded to those who accused Him of having a devil (vs.20-24). 3. He responded to those who questioned if He was the Christ (vs.25-29). 4. Some wanted to take the Lord but were unable to do so (vs.30). 5. The good news is that many believed on the Lord (vs.31).
