When I record one of our video Bible Studies, I mostly teach from “overflow.” What I have studied concerning that particular Text … material that the Lord brings to mind … in addition to the most interesting vocabulary words.
But (in some Lessons more than others) I must omit a good bit of interesting data. Our Classes last a mere 30 minutes. Hence these “I forgot to say” Articles have been born!
In both John 7 and 8 (though we are currently just beginning John chapter 7) one “confrontation” after another occurs. The very “ambiance” of these chapters is one of tension and argument! (Ambiance is a French word meaning one’s “surroundings.”)
Jesus’ brothers (other children Mary bore, now by Joseph) urged Him to go to Jerusalem and more publicly “show” His Power! (Those brothers are James, Joses, Juda and Simon … based on Mark 6:3.) But Jesus is not a “showman!” One writer on this Text called the brothers’ advice “successism!” (That’s success with “ism” at the end!) This disease has also infected the modern Church, at least in the United States! We need to let the Holy Spirit determinate what success really is, not Madison Avenue!
These “confrontation” chapters have only two “bright spots!” Here they are in full …
John 7:37-39 … In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.
John 8:31-32 … Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
In Matthew 4 (the Temptation) Jesus refused to made bread for Himself. But in John 6 Jesus without hesitation made bread for others, for the entire multitude! That’s our Saviour!
Success-ism was always refused by our Lord …
Jump off the pinnacle of the Temple! The crowds will watch angels bear you safely to the ground! What acclaim You will receive! (Matthew 4:5-6, the devil tempting Jesus.) Our Lord refused!
Some, if not all, of Jesus “brothers” got saved after our Lord’s Resurrection! (We know James and Jude did, both being writers of Books in the New Testament!) For “proof” I would use Acts 1:14, in the Upper Room waiting for the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost … “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with HIS BRETHREN.”
Wow!
Yes, Jesus lives!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
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