Understanding Jesus: Identity, Confusion, and Urgency
Summary
### Summary
In today's message, we delved into John 7, exploring the theme of confusion surrounding Jesus' identity both in His time and in ours. We began by acknowledging the world's persistent hatred towards Jesus, a theme that has been evident since His time on earth. Jesus, despite the danger, continued His mission, preaching at the temple during the Feast of Tabernacles and exposing the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. The passage from John 7:24-36 highlights the confusion among the people and religious leaders about Jesus' true identity. Some believed He was the Messiah, while others doubted because they thought they knew His earthly origins.
We discussed how confusion can be disastrous, especially in spiritual matters. Jesus' declaration in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life," leaves no room for ambiguity. The confusion about Jesus' identity was evident among three groups: the religious leaders, the festival attendees, and the temple dwellers. This confusion mirrors the various faith walks we see today, from those actively seeking spiritual growth to those who vehemently deny Jesus.
Jesus' bold proclamation in John 7:28-29, where He asserts His divine origin and mission, challenges the superficial understanding of the people. He emphasizes that knowing Him is the only way to know God. This message is crucial for us today as we navigate a world filled with spiritual confusion. Jesus' testimony about Himself is clear: He is eternal, sent by God, operating under God's authority, and under God's providential protection. Rejecting Jesus is equivalent to rejecting God.
The message concluded with a call to action, urging everyone to open the door to Jesus while there is still time. The story of a young girl who eventually accepted Jesus after years of knocking serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of making this decision. The time to invite Jesus into our lives is now, as our eternal destiny depends on it.
### Key Takeaways
1. The World's Hatred for Jesus: The world has always harbored animosity towards Jesus, a theme that persists today. This hatred stems from a fundamental misunderstanding and rejection of His divine nature and mission. Despite this, Jesus continued His work, undeterred by the danger, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to God's will. This serves as a reminder for us to remain steadfast in our faith, even in the face of opposition. [01:53]
2. The Danger of Spiritual Confusion: Confusion in spiritual matters can lead to eternal consequences. Jesus' clear declaration in John 14:6 underscores the narrow path to salvation. The various groups in John 7 reflect the different stages of faith and confusion we encounter today. Recognizing and addressing this confusion is crucial for our spiritual well-being. [08:33]
3. Jesus' Divine Origin and Mission: Jesus' proclamation in John 7:28-29 highlights His divine origin and mission. He was sent by God, operates under God's authority, and is under God's providential protection. Understanding and accepting Jesus' testimony about Himself is essential for knowing God. This truth challenges us to look beyond superficial appearances and deepen our understanding of Jesus' identity. [14:44]
4. The Urgency of Accepting Jesus: The time to accept Jesus is now, as our eternal destiny hinges on this decision. The story of the young girl who eventually opened the door to Jesus after years of knocking serves as a powerful reminder. We must not delay in inviting Jesus into our lives, as there may not be another opportunity after this life. [23:08]
5. The Clear Testimony of Jesus: Jesus' testimony about Himself is unequivocal. He is eternal, sent by God, and the only way to the Father. This message should not be watered down. As believers, we must hold firmly to this truth and share it with others, helping to clear the confusion that surrounds Jesus' identity in our world today. [25:51]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:53] - Jesus and the Feast of Tabernacles
[03:48] - Confusion About Jesus' Identity
[05:40] - The Nature of Confusion
[07:13] - Jokes and Spiritual Confusion
[08:33] - The Narrow Path to Salvation
[09:40] - Different Groups and Their Beliefs
[12:01] - Jesus' Bold Proclamation
[13:11] - Depiction of Jesus in John 7
[14:44] - Jesus' Divine Origin
[17:13] - Jesus' Eternal Nature
[19:03] - Jesus' Authority and Mission
[21:41] - Knowing God Through Jesus
[23:08] - The Urgency of Accepting Jesus
[24:15] - Belief and Eternal Destiny
[25:51] - Jesus' Clear Testimony
[27:19] - Personal Story and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 7:24-36 (NLT)
2. John 14:6 (NLT)
3. John 17:3 (NLT)
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the different reactions of the people and religious leaders to Jesus' teachings in John 7:24-36? [03:48]
2. How does Jesus describe His relationship with God in John 7:28-29? [14:44]
3. What does Jesus mean when He says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" in John 14:6? [08:33]
4. According to John 17:3, what is the essence of eternal life? [21:41]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think there was so much confusion about Jesus' identity among the different groups mentioned in John 7:25-28? [09:40]
2. How does Jesus' proclamation in John 7:28-29 challenge the superficial understanding of the people? [14:44]
3. What are the implications of Jesus' statement in John 14:6 for those who are spiritually confused? [08:33]
4. How does knowing Jesus lead to knowing God, as described in John 17:3? [21:41]
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon mentioned that the world has always harbored animosity towards Jesus. Have you ever faced opposition because of your faith? How did you handle it? [01:53]
2. Spiritual confusion can lead to eternal consequences. Are there areas in your spiritual life where you feel confused? How can you seek clarity? [08:33]
3. Jesus' bold proclamation about His divine origin and mission challenges us to look beyond superficial appearances. How can you deepen your understanding of Jesus' identity this week? [14:44]
4. The urgency of accepting Jesus was emphasized in the sermon. Is there someone in your life who needs to hear about Jesus? How can you share this message with them? [23:08]
5. Jesus' testimony about Himself is clear and unequivocal. How can you hold firmly to this truth and share it with others in your daily life? [25:51]
6. Reflect on the story of the young girl who eventually accepted Jesus. Have you experienced a similar journey of faith? What steps can you take to strengthen your relationship with Jesus? [27:19]
7. The sermon highlighted the importance of not delaying in inviting Jesus into our lives. What is one specific action you can take this week to prioritize your relationship with Jesus? [29:17]
Devotional
Day 1: The World's Persistent Hatred for Jesus
Despite the world's animosity towards Jesus, which has been evident since His time on earth, He remained steadfast in His mission. This hatred stems from a fundamental misunderstanding and rejection of His divine nature and mission. Jesus' unwavering commitment to God's will, even in the face of danger, serves as a powerful reminder for us to remain steadfast in our faith. We are called to follow His example, standing firm in our beliefs despite opposition and misunderstanding from the world around us.
Jesus' actions during the Feast of Tabernacles, where He continued to preach and expose the hypocrisy of the religious leaders, highlight His courage and dedication. His mission was clear, and He did not allow the world's hatred to deter Him. As believers, we must also be prepared to face opposition and remain committed to our faith, knowing that Jesus has already walked this path before us. [01:53]
John 15:18-19 (ESV): "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."
Reflection: Think of a time when you faced opposition or misunderstanding because of your faith. How did you respond, and how can you draw strength from Jesus' example to remain steadfast in your beliefs?
Day 2: The Danger of Spiritual Confusion
Spiritual confusion can have disastrous consequences, leading to eternal ramifications. In John 14:6, Jesus makes a clear declaration that He is the only way to salvation, leaving no room for ambiguity. The confusion about Jesus' identity among the religious leaders, festival attendees, and temple dwellers in John 7 reflects the various stages of faith and confusion we encounter today. Recognizing and addressing this confusion is crucial for our spiritual well-being.
In our world, many people are at different stages of their faith journey, from those actively seeking spiritual growth to those who vehemently deny Jesus. It is essential to understand that spiritual confusion can lead to a path away from salvation. By seeking clarity and understanding through Jesus' teachings, we can navigate this confusion and find the narrow path to salvation. [08:33]
1 Corinthians 14:33 (ESV): "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your spiritual life where you feel confused or uncertain. How can you seek clarity and understanding through prayer, Bible study, or seeking guidance from a trusted spiritual mentor?
Day 3: Jesus' Divine Origin and Mission
Jesus' proclamation in John 7:28-29 emphasizes His divine origin and mission. He was sent by God, operates under God's authority, and is under God's providential protection. Understanding and accepting Jesus' testimony about Himself is essential for knowing God. This truth challenges us to look beyond superficial appearances and deepen our understanding of Jesus' identity.
Jesus' bold declaration during the Feast of Tabernacles challenged the superficial understanding of the people. He made it clear that knowing Him is the only way to know God. This message is crucial for us today as we navigate a world filled with spiritual confusion. By understanding Jesus' divine origin and mission, we can deepen our relationship with God and strengthen our faith. [14:44]
Colossians 1:15-17 (ESV): "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: How does understanding Jesus' divine origin and mission impact your relationship with God? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of Jesus' identity and strengthen your faith?
Day 4: The Urgency of Accepting Jesus
The time to accept Jesus is now, as our eternal destiny hinges on this decision. The story of the young girl who eventually opened the door to Jesus after years of knocking serves as a powerful reminder. We must not delay in inviting Jesus into our lives, as there may not be another opportunity after this life. The urgency of accepting Jesus cannot be overstated, as it determines our eternal destiny.
Jesus' call to action is clear: we must open the door to Him while there is still time. This message is a poignant reminder of the importance of making this decision without delay. Our eternal destiny depends on accepting Jesus into our lives and following His teachings. By doing so, we secure our place in God's kingdom and experience the fullness of His love and grace. [23:08]
2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV): "For he says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you have been hesitant to fully accept Jesus? What steps can you take today to invite Him into that area and experience the fullness of His love and grace?
Day 5: The Clear Testimony of Jesus
Jesus' testimony about Himself is unequivocal. He is eternal, sent by God, and the only way to the Father. This message should not be watered down. As believers, we must hold firmly to this truth and share it with others, helping to clear the confusion that surrounds Jesus' identity in our world today. Jesus' clear testimony challenges us to stand firm in our faith and boldly proclaim His truth to others.
In a world filled with spiritual confusion, it is essential to hold firmly to the clear testimony of Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him. As believers, we have a responsibility to share this truth with others, helping to clear the confusion and guide them towards salvation. By standing firm in our faith and boldly proclaiming Jesus' testimony, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those around us. [25:51]
1 John 5:11-12 (ESV): "And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life."
Reflection: How can you boldly proclaim the clear testimony of Jesus in your daily life? What steps can you take to share His truth with others and help clear the confusion surrounding His identity?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Today, we will see that there is confusion around who Jesus is, then and now, and that the life we are given to live is the time to open the door to Jesus. And that time is now." (19 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus was either right or he was wrong. And only you can decide. But spiritual truth is narrow, is quite narrow. And confusion around this is eternally fatal." (19 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "In our world, in the current world, the world we live in, we should not water down who Jesus said he is. Yes, he is a great teacher. He's well known to be a great teacher amongst the big thinkers in the world. And the, you know, the political changes and all of those things. He was and he is a great teacher. And yes, he is a miracle worker. Yes, a great mentor, a great example to go by, how he mentored the 12 and then sent them out. Yes, compassionate. Yes, kind. But he is God and the only way to the Father. And this is the truth and we shouldn't water it down." (63 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So today, you may not be certain, but I think you should consider these claims today and say yes to opening the door to Jesus. Because your eternal destiny does depend on believing in Jesus while you still have the opportunity. There is only a time that Jesus will call you back to him. The time is your lifetimes." (63 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So whatever your life state or season in life, God is calling you or Jesus is knocking on the door of your soul. I encourage you to open the door if you haven't done so and invite him in and do it today as you have breathed because tomorrow you may be able to see him." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "There is confusion about who this Jesus is, then and now. So in John 7, verses 25 to 28, we are actually privy to three different crowds or three different groups of people in the time that Jesus was on earth at that point. There was much confusion about who he was. There were the religious leaders. There were the crowd attending the festival. And they are likely to be non-residents of Jerusalem and are Jewish followers from all over the known world at the time, coming for the festival. And there were people in the temple. Most likely, they lived in Jerusalem, these people, and they were probably pretty close to the events that were happening around Jesus. They may have even been those that witnessed some of the miracles, which we find out later, but were following him and tracking him down." (63 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "This continuum of faith walkers, I think, is very similar to what we experience in the Bible. There are those that are actively seeking spiritual insight and growth and discover Jesus in their life journey. There are groups of people who believe in the claims of Jesus, but fashion them to suit themselves because they think it's just too hard to live by. And that's dangerous. But there are those sorts of groups. And there are those born into faith walks, various faiths, and they adopt the faith without question and as part of tradition and culture. And there are those who vehemently deny the Christ and God, the creator." (53 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus uses a form of irony here. It's like it should be read like, oh, yes, you claim to know me. You know my family of origin and where I have come from in a human sense. And therefore, you believe you know me and think that you can make these judgments. Again, referring back to John 7, 24. Don't count on the appearances. But you do not know me at all because you have not known God. My father who sent me. And he again. Again is a call to look deeper if you dare to and not rely on appearances. This infuriated the religious leaders who then tried to have Jesus arrested. How could Jesus say the religious leaders do not know God? And he does." (61 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "To be sent by God means that Jesus also operated under the full authority of God. He was sent. He was not on his own. Nor was he operating under his own agenda. As we read in John 5.30, he was sent by God to do his father's will. And to be sent means that you carry out a task as the task is given to you. You don't add or subtract that. You follow from that. You follow through exactly how you were instructed. In John 7.16, Jesus states his teaching is not his own. It comes from the one who sent him. Jesus operated under the full authority of God and whatever he did or said was only in God's timing. Hence, to reject Jesus or his teaching is to directly deny God." (63 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Fourthly, to know God is to know Jesus, and only through Jesus can you know the one true God in this passage. So Jesus plainly stated that he knew God in John 7 verse 29. Later in John chapter 10 verse 30, he states he is one with God, the Father. His knowledge and depth of relationship with God is like no other human being on earth at that time and ever since. But it is clear the contrast with Jesus' hearers at that time for the most part did not know God. Ah, but to know Jesus is to know God. And this is Jesus' purpose whilst on earth, for all to know God. Thus, Jesus can uniquely reveal the Father to us." (64 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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