John 7 Jesus Teaches About Judging Others

1 Jesus Goes to the Feast of Tabernacles
After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life.

2 But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near,

3 Jesus’ brothers said to him, “You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do.

4 No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.”

5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him.

6 Therefore Jesus told them, “The right time for me has not yet come; for you any time is right.

7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil.

8 You go to the Feast. I am not yet going up to this Feast, because for me the right time has not yet come.”

9 Having said this, he stayed in Galilee.

10 However, after his brothers had left for the Feast, he went also, not publicly, but in secret.

11 Now at the Feast the Jews were watching for him and asking, “Where is that man?”

12 Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.”
Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.”

13 But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the Jews.

14 Jesus Teaches at the Feast
Not until halfway through the Feast did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach.

15 The Jews were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having studied?”

16 Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me.

17 If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.

18 He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

19 Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?”

20 “You are demon-possessed,” the crowd answered. “Who is trying to kill you?”

21 Jesus said to them, “I did one miracle, and you are all astonished.

22 Yet, because Moses gave you circumcision (though actually it did not come from Moses, but from the patriarchs), you circumcise a child on the Sabbath.

23 Now if a child can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for healing the whole man on the Sabbath?

24 Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.”

25 Is Jesus the Christ?
At that point some of the people of Jerusalem began to ask, “Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill?

26 Here he is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Christ?

27 But we know where this man is from; when the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from.”

28 Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, “Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him,

29 but I know him because I am from him and he sent me.”

30 At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come.

31 Still, many in the crowd put their faith in him. They said, “When the Christ comes, will he do more miraculous signs than this man?”

32 The Pharisees heard the crowd whispering such things about him. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees sent temple guards to arrest him.

33 Jesus said, “I am with you for only a short time, and then I go to the one who sent me.

34 You will look for me, but you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come.”

35 The Jews said to one another, “Where does this man intend to go that we cannot find him? Will he go where our people live scattered among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks?

36 What did he mean when he said, ‘You will look for me, but you will not find me,’ and ‘Where I am, you cannot come’?”

37 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.

38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.”

39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

40 On hearing his words, some of the people said, “Surely this man is the Prophet.”

41 Others said, “He is the Christ.”
Still others asked, “How can the Christ come from Galilee?

42 Does not the Scripture say that the Christ will come from David’s family and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?”

43 Thus the people were divided because of Jesus.

44 Some wanted to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him.

45 Unbelief of the Jewish Leaders
Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring him in?”

46 “No one ever spoke the way this man does,” the guards declared.

47 “You mean he has deceived you also?” the Pharisees retorted.

48 “Has any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him?

49 No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law—there is a curse on them.”

50 Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked,

51 “Does our law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?”

52 They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee.”
[The earliest manuscripts and many other ancient witnesses do not have John 7:53—8:11.]

53 Then each went to his own home.

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Analysis of John Chapter 7

The seventh chapter of the Gospel of John is a compelling narrative that deals with key themes such as belief, identity, judgment, and the divine timing of Jesus’ mission. This chapter unfolds against the backdrop of the Feast of Tabernacles, one of the major Jewish festivals, which adds layers of cultural and theological significance to the unfolding events. In this detailed analysis, we will explore John Chapter 7 verse by verse, offering insightful interpretations and understanding its deeper meanings.

Verses 1-13: Jesus and His Brothers

John 7:1 sets the stage by noting that Jesus was walking in Galilee and avoiding Judea because the Jewish leaders were seeking to kill Him. This introduces the theme of opposition and the growing tension that surrounds Jesus’ ministry.

The next few verses (John 7:2-5) reveal a fascinating interaction between Jesus and His brothers. They advise Him to go to Judea and perform miraculous works publicly to gain followers. However, the text notes, “For even his own brothers did not believe in him.” This skepticism is important, as it underscores that belief in Jesus was not just about witnessing miracles but recognizing His true identity and mission.

Jesus responds to His brothers in verses 6-9 by discussing the concept of divine timing. He says, “My time is not yet here, for you any time will do. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil.” This statement emphasizes that Jesus operates according to God’s divine timetable and not human expectations. It also highlights the moral conflict between Jesus and the world, pointing to the uncomfortable truth that His presence and message expose human sin.

In verses 10-13, Jesus goes up to the feast secretly, not publicly as His brothers suggested. The secrecy and private approach highlight Jesus’ strategic planning and obedience to the Father’s will. Meanwhile, the crowd is divided in their opinions about Him, some calling Him a good man and others accusing Him of deceit.

Verses 14-24: Jesus Teaches at the Feast

Halfway through the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus begins to teach in the temple courts, as described in verse 14. His audacity to teach openly in a place where He is sought after for execution is a testament to His courage and commitment to His divine mission.

The people marvel at His teaching, questioning how He knows so much without having studied (John 7:15). Jesus’ response in verses 16-18 shifts the focus from human wisdom to divine revelation. He states, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me.” Here, Jesus underscores the divine origin of His wisdom and authority, reinforcing His identity as the Son of God. Furthermore, in verse 18, He emphasizes that true teaching seeks God’s glory, not personal gain, contrasting His own ministry with that of self-seeking false prophets.

In John 7:19-24, Jesus directly confronts the crowd’s hypocrisy regarding the Law of Moses. He references an earlier incident in which He healed a man on the Sabbath (John 5:1-15) and challenges their superficial judgment. Jesus calls for “right judgment” (v. 24), urging the people to look beyond the surface and understand the deeper intent of God’s laws. This echoes the greater theme of internal transformation over external compliance, a constant thread in Jesus’ teachings.

Verses 25-31: Confusion and Controversy

The dialogue in verses 25-27 reveals the crowd’s confusion about Jesus’ identity. They question how He can teach openly if the authorities want to kill Him, and speculate about His origins. This sets up a crucial theological clarification by Jesus in verses 28-29, where He boldly declares, “You know me and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own authority, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him, but I know him because I am from him and he sent me.” Jesus affirms His heavenly origin, further asserting His intimate relationship with God the Father.

The response of the people in verses 30-31 is mixed; some attempt to seize Him, while others believe in Him due to the miraculous signs He has performed. This division underscores the polarizing nature of Jesus’ ministry. His miracles draw faith from some but provoke hostility and suspicion from others.

Verses 32-36: Jesus Speaks of His Departure

The Pharisees and chief priests, alarmed by the increasing belief in Jesus, send temple guards to arrest Him (John 7:32). In response, Jesus speaks cryptically about His imminent departure and return to the Father, saying “I am with you for only a short time, and then I am going to the one who sent me. You will look for me, but you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come.” (John 7:33-34). This statement is layered with eschatological and theological significance. It alludes to Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension, events that are pivotal to His redemptive mission.

The Jewish leaders’ confusion over Jesus’ words (verses 35-36) highlights their spiritual blindness. They speculate about mundane interpretations, failing to grasp the profound spiritual reality Jesus is pointing to. This aligns with a recurring motif in John’s Gospel: the inability of many to understand Jesus’ teachings because they are rooted in divine truths beyond mere human comprehension.

Verses 37-39: The Promise of the Holy Spirit

One of the most significant moments in John 7 occurs in verses 37-39. On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stands and proclaims, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John explains that Jesus was referring to the Holy Spirit, who would be given to believers after His glorification.

This statement taps into a rich vein of Old Testament imagery where water symbolizes life, renewal, and the Spirit of God (e.g., Isaiah 55:1, Ezekiel 47:1-12). Jesus’ offer of “living water” promises spiritual refreshment and eternal life. More profoundly, it indicates the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, a transformative and empowering presence within believers that fulfills God’s promise of a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34).

Verses 40-44: Division Over Jesus’ Identity

Following Jesus’ profound declaration, the crowd is once again divided in their responses. Some recognize Him as “the Prophet” or “the Messiah” (John 7:40-41), while others object, citing their understanding that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem, not Galilee. This reveals their limited knowledge of Jesus’ true birthplace and underscores a common theme in John’s Gospel: misunderstandings and partial knowledge about Jesus’ identity.

Such divisions lead to debates, and attempts to seize Jesus continue (verses 43-44), reflecting the profound impact He had on the people. These reactions are a mirror to contemporary responses to Jesus, where His identity and message remain subjects of belief and disbelief, acceptance and rejection.

Verses 45-53: The Unbelief of the Authorities

The final section of John 7 shifts focus to the Jewish religious authorities. The temple guards, sent to arrest Jesus, return empty-handed, captivated by His teachings (John 7:45-46). Their inability to seize Him highlights His powerful presence and the divine protection over His mission.

The Pharisees’ response in verses 47-49 is scornful. They accuse the guards of being deceived and dismiss the common people as cursed and ignorant of the law. This elitist attitude reveals the spiritual arrogance and blindness of the religious leaders, contrasting sharply with the openness of those who are drawn to Jesus’ message.

Nicodemus, who had previously visited Jesus by night (John 3:1-21), speaks up in verses 50-51, advocating for a fair hearing according to the Law. His cautious defense indicates a growing belief or at least curiosity about Jesus. However, the Pharisees quickly rebuff him, further cementing their obstinate unbelief.

The chapter closes with the Pharisees questioning whether any prophet comes out of Galilee and scoffing at the idea, thereby ending the chapter on a note of continued opposition and misunderstanding (John 7:52-53).

Conclusion: Theological Themes and Reflections

John Chapter 7 provides profound insights into the nature of belief and unbelief, the identity and mission of Jesus, and the interplay between divine timing and human response. Here are some key themes to reflect on:

Divine Timing: Jesus constantly refers to His “time” not being right, highlighting that His actions and ultimate sacrifice are orchestrated according to God’s divine plan. This teaches us about the importance of patience and trust in God’s timing.
Misunderstanding and Revelation: Many misunderstand Jesus’ origins and mission. This reflects a broader human tendency to comprehend divine truths through limited, often incorrect, assumptions. True understanding requires openness to divine revelation and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Opposition and Division: Jesus’ ministry elicits diverse reactions, from belief to hostility. This division underscores the transformative yet challenging nature of His message, which confronts human sin and demands a response.
Living Water: Jesus’ promise of “living water” points to the Holy Spirit, a crucial aspect of Christian life. The indwelling Spirit sustains, refreshes, and empowers believers, fulfilling the deep spiritual thirst for connection with God.
Judgment and Hypocrisy: Jesus criticizes superficial judgments and calls for righteous judgment, encouraging an approach to life and faith that goes beyond mere appearances and rituals to embody true righteousness and compassion.

In summary, John Chapter 7 is a rich, multi-layered narrative that invites readers to delve deeper into the nature of Jesus’ identity and mission. It challenges us to move beyond superficial understandings, embrace divine timing, and respond to Jesus’ call for belief and transformation through the living water of the Holy Spirit.

Understanding the Key Messages in John 7: Insights and Explanation

In this chapter, Jesus teaches the people about not judging others and emphasizes the importance of having a humble and repentant heart. He gives the famous teaching of 'Do not judge, or you too will be judged' and encourages his disciples to ask, seek, and knock in prayer. Jesus also warns against false prophets and teaches the importance of bearing good fruit.

Notes

This chapter contains some of Jesus’ well-known teachings, including the famous saying 'Do not judge, or you too will be judged.' It reminds us to be cautious in our judgments and to focus on our own hearts and actions.