The Gospel of John

Read John 7:53-8:11 Here's a story inserted in the middle of the Tabernacle of Feasts that is controversial for at least two reasons: 1) it's not found in the earliest authorized transcripts and 2) Jesus forgives the unforgivable. I'm not likely to satisfy the debate in this brief discussion, but I hope you'll be encouraged to think about the event and draw your own conclusions. The one thing I would encourage you is not to avoid difficulties in Bible translation issues or conversation. With or without this passage, there is no difference in the truth of the gospel message or the theology we hold onto as truth. Blog post: https://daverphillips.com/john-woman-caught-committing-adultery/

John 7:45-52 The closing section of chapter 7 includes no words from Jesus. Instead, it's a very brief debate between religious leaders as they try to figure out what to do with Jesus.  As if their decision. When we zoom out a bit we see this is a midpoint of the discussion during the Feast of Tabernacles. Chapters 7 and 8 are one story with an aside thrown in the middle that we'll discuss next time. The characters in this section are quite interesting. There are three groups to consider: the guards, the people, and the Pharisees, that is, the religious leaders. Blog post: https://daverphillips.com/john-unbelief-of-the-jewish-leaders/

John 7:25-44 Who is this man? What is he teaching? There were dozens of questions in the minds of those present at the Feast of Tabernacles, the huge celebration for all Jews: sons and daughters, male and female servants that ran for an entire week. John points out the highlights in his narrative description of key events. In this third section of chapter 7, Jesus somehow hears dissension among the people and has to speak out loudly, cry out, and shout to get their attention. This isn't the scene of someone hiding or trembling in fear of the authorities. Jesus is right there in front of them. The result: some believe while others firm up their disbelief. It's interesting to see how people can watch the same event and walk away with completely divergent interpretations. Of course, this would never happen in our modern world, right? Blog post: https://daverphillips.com/john-division-over-who-jesus-is/

Read John 7:14-24 It looks like Jesus couldn't stay away from the Festival of Tabernacles any longer. Halfway through the week-long celebration, He made an appearance. When He did, He didn't find some side tent or hidden area, He went straight to the temple courts. Blog post: https://daverphillips.com/john-jesus-teaches-at-the-festival-of-tabernacles/

Read John 7:1-13 If we were Jewish or celebrated with our Jewish brothers, this would be the time of year when the Feast of Tabernacles would kick into high gear. John uses the backdrop of this festival to highlight some significant lessons for us to consider. The first vignette is a look at the interaction between Jesus and His brothers. We read words about the growing separation between those who follow Jesus and those who are convinced He is dangerous. In effect, He certainly is dangerous, but not for the reasons anyone is proposing. Blog post: https://daverphillips.com/john-jesus-at-the-feast-of-tabernacles/

Read John 6:60-71 The last section in this chapter challenges us all to accept that which is hard to understand. Those of us that have worn the Christian badge for many years might have a hard time understanding the challenge here, but I want to strongly encourage you (exhort) to read this chapter from the eyes of one who does not yet believe. If His closest disciples found this concept difficult, we need to check our own hearts as well. Blog post: https://daverphillips.com/john-who-can-accept-this-hard-teaching/

Read John 6:25-59 John dedicates the third section in chapter six to answer some questions and raise even more. Some of the crowd finally track Jesus down after His water-walking escape. They're confused. Their motivation is for signs and wonders more than understanding the message. John records the highlights of the conversation which ends with a section that radically alters the view of religion. Take a deep breath. This is a heavy section. Blog post: https://daverphillips.com/john-jesus-is-the-bread-of-life/

Read John 6:16-24 John's version of Jesus walking on water is concise. We have to look around for some more details, but we shouldn't miss the point that Jesus is Lord of all and wants us to know that we should not be afraid as we fight the battles in this life. Blog post: https://daverphillips.com/john-jesus-walks-on-water-dont-be-afraid/

The commentators recommend reading the entire chapter to get the complete understanding of John’s perspective. The essence of the chapter is being fed by God, both physically and spiritually. We start with physical nourishment, but Jesus uses this miracle as a huge teaching point that most, including those closest to Him, cannot understand. Just thinking about it in these terms causes me to pause and wonder. Link to blog post: https://daverphillips.com/john-feeding-thousands/

Read John 5:31-47 John records some incredibly striking words in the continuation of Jesus’s response to the religious leaders who were so upset that they literally couldn’t think straight. The passage begins with a discussion about who is testifying for whom. Then we read some very convicting words like, “nor does his word dwell in you” and “I know you do not have the love of God in your hearts.” Ouch! These words had to sting or at the very least provoke some kind of response. Jesus concludes with a very compelling and convicting argument that they don’t even believe the words that Moses wrote. Blog post: https://daverphillips.com/john-testimonies-about-jesus-the-canal/