[:en]JESUS GOES TO THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES (vs.1-13)
Even the brothers o Jesus had a difficult time believing in Him. They were embarrassed to be brothers of Jesus but eventually, when He dies and rose again, they finally believed and James became a leader in the church.
With the full record of Jesus’ miracles and how people’s life have changed through Him, are you convinced that He is the true Son of God, our Savior?
Jesus chose to do His work in private because the leaders of the church were causing trouble for Him and His followers. Today, many people in other countries who teach and preach publicly are also being persecuted. So to us, who have the freedom to preach and teach, we should make the most of our opportunity to proclaim the Good News.
The religious leaders used excommunication as a punishment to threaten those who would publicly support Jesus. All were afraid, so no one would speak to Him in public.
Are you ashamed to confess your faith in public? Are you courageous enough to speak up for Christ?
JESUS TEACHES AT THE FEAST (vs. 14-24)
It is necessary for us to test and examine the message of the preacher. Their words should agree with the Bible.
The Pharisees add requirements to God’s law to keep themselves holy. But they were living far below what the Law of Moses required.
According to Moses’ Law, circumcision was to be performed 8 days after a baby’s birth. (Lev. 12:3). Even if the 8th day falls on the Sabbath day, they still would perform the circumcision. But when Jesus healed people on the Sabbath day, they condemned Him of breaking the Sabbath Law.
Is Jesus the Christ? (vs. 25-44)
People reacted to Jesus in many ways. Some called Him a good man (v. 12), a deceiver, a demon possessed man (v. 20), the Messiah (v. 26), a prophet (v. 40), and Christ (v. 41). How about you. Who is Jesus to you?
Many were divided as to where Jesus came from. Some said he came from Galillee when the scripture clearly sated that Christ will come from David’s family and from Bethlehem.
The Pharisees had a self-centered and narrow attitude. They considered themselves as an elite group who had the truth and those who disagree with them do not hear the truth.
Unbelief of the Jewish Leaders (*vs. 45-52)
Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a secret believer of Christ. Most of the Pharisees hated Jesus but he risked his reputation and high position to speak up for Jesus. He defended Jesus and confronted the Pharisee for failure to keep their own laws. Because of their pride, the Pharisees wanted to get rid of the Jesus and save their own face.
Will you be like Nicodemus who can speak up for Jesus?
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