John Devotional | Week 7 | Feb 13-17

• • • This section of text is continuous with last week’s text, so quickly skim John 7:1-24 to remind yourself of the context: where Jesus is, what feast is taking place, and the mood of the narrative.  
    • Now skim John 7:25-52, and then focus on the interaction between the people and Jesus in 7:25-31 and 7:40-44.
      • In 7:25-27, what questions were the people asking about the authorities (the religious leaders)? 
      • In 7:25-27 and 7:41b-42, what did the people assume they knew about Jesus? What is the irony of their question in John 7:42?
      • How does Jesus respond to their questions in 7:28-29?
      • List all the different responses people have to Jesus in these 2 sections of text.

    In this text, the people don’t understand where Jesus is FROM, and how this connects to his identity. Consequently they are divided (7:43), but some believe in him.  Pray today in adoration that God can call people to belief in Jesus even in chaotic situations!

• • • • Skim John 7:24-52, and then focus on the interaction between the Pharisees and chief priests and Jesus in John 7:32-36 and John 7:45-52. 
        • What actions do the Pharisees and chief priests initiate in these two sections of text?
        • Why are their orders not followed, according to the officer’s response in 7:45-46.  
        • Why are their orders not followed, according to John’s commentary in 7:30?
    • How do these two different perspectives on the same event encourage or challenge you today?
    • • How does Jesus respond to the Pharisees in 7:33-34?
      • What do the questions in 7:35-36 reveal about the Pharisees? What don’t they understand?
      • How does John differentiate Nicodemus (who is a Pharisee) from the other Pharisees?

    In this text, the Pharisees and Chief Priests don’t understand where Jesus is GOING and how this connects to his identity. The officers, Pharisees and Nicodemus are divided (7:45-52), but John affirms that God is in control:  Jesus is not arrested because his hour had not yet come.  Pray today in supplication, asking God to help you trust his sovereign plan for your life now and your future eternal life: where you are GOING!  Psalm 139 affirms that God knows ‘all the days ahead of you’ (Psalm 139:16)! Pray through this Psalm today.

• Skim John 7:24-52 and then focus on 7:37-39. What does Jesus offer people who believe in him?
  • As a reminder from last week, what did the Feast of Booths commemorate? 
  • What did God miraculously provide for people of Israel when this event originally took place, according to Exodus 17:1-7 and Number 20:2-13?
  • What do you think Jesus is communicating about himself when he says, on the last day of the Feast which commemorates the Israelites’ time in the wilderness, that they should come to him for water? Who is Jesus claiming to be?

Pray today in adoration! Jesus is God.  He sustains his people physically and spiritually!

• • • Skim John 7:24-52 and then focus on 7:37-39 again.
      • Read Isaiah 44:1-5. What does God tell Israel he will do in the future? How does this connect with John 7:37-39?
      • Read Isaiah 55:1-13. What invitation does God issue to people in these verses?  
        • What does it look like to come to the water (eg. what must people do in Isaiah 55:3,6,7)?
        • What will be the eventual reality for those who come to him (according to verses 12-13?)
      • Read Revelation 22:17. What is the very last invitation offered in scripture? 

    Pray today in supplication for people who are not yet Christians. Pray that they would recognize that their “thirst” can only be quenched in Jesus, and that they will realize that true life comes from him (Isaiah 55:12-13).

In John 7:24-52, Jesus teaches that those who drink (those who come to him, and believe in him) will receive the Holy Spirit.  

• If you are a Christian today, it’s because of the Holy Spirit. 
  • He has saved you through the work of the Spirit – 1 Corinthians 2:6-13 
  • He is saving you through the work of the Spirit – Galatians 5:16-24
  • He will save you through the work of the Spirit – Ephesians 1:11-14.

Which of these three truths and/or Scripture passages encourages or challenges you most today? Praise God for how he has saved, is saving, and will save you!