Light | John 7

Use this curriculum to help you further engage with the sermon, the scriptures, and each other. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring things up to encourage and guide you so that you are always growing in your faith. If the Spirit leads you away from these questions and into conversation and prayer that encourages and points you to Jesus, go for it.

scripture

Read the following scriptures together: John 7.

overview

This week, we find Jesus’ identity continues to be in question by rumors and speculation, and yet Jesus is not dissuaded and in fact continues to prove who he is with a simplicity and purity that becomes a model for all our lives to follow. His brothers encourage him to leave Galilee and go to Jerusalem, seemingly coaching Jesus on how to become a famous public figure and bring attention to himself. They don’t yet understand that Jesus’ mission is not to glorify himself but to bring glory to God. Jesus models to us the importance of waiting on God even when it doesn’t make sense to other people and possibly even to ourselves.

question 1

Has there been a situation in your own life where you were waiting on God to guide you, but others were pressuring you to decide? Or maybe you yourself were losing patience in the waiting? Describe how you felt and what the outcome of the situation was.

discussion

Jesus’ brothers could not be hated by the world, because they sought the world’s approval. In contrast, Jesus was motivated by seeking God’s approval and so his messages were filled with God’s truth that called out evil behavior and beliefs which led to him being hated by some in the crowd. It seems that those who had hard hearts either walked away or despised him, but those with open and teachable hearts stayed to learn more. Jesus didn’t allow rejection to sway his messages; he didn’t sugarcoat his teachings to win approval with people. Seeking others’ approval can subtly seep into our own lives, leading us to focus on the approval of others, be reluctant to disagree with others, or have a fear of causing offense or judgment.

question 2

How do you navigate the balance between seeking God’s approval and the subtle pressures of seeking validation from others in your daily life?

Another theme in this chapter is the difference between the religiously educated individuals and those who did not study under the great Rabbis. From the religious leaders’ perspective, Jesus appeared untrained and came from a region without a prophetic history, which caused them to question his knowledge and completely miss seeing the Son of God. Their expertise often led them to focus more on laws and debates rather than seeking the will of God. We humans have a tendency to overthink and therefore miss out on the simple truths God calls us into. We miss his invitation to draw closer to him and be completely amazed by his love and the things he does for us. God is always at work; it is up to us to stay connected to him and keep our eyes open to what he is doing and give him the glory for it all. God’s invitation is for everyone – educated or untrained.

question 3

What season are you currently in? Are you too busy or preoccupied to see the things that God is doing around you or are you eager and aware? Are you open to God working in ways that don’t fit your own thoughts on how it should be done?

final thoughts

Take time this week to ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to what God is doing in your life and the lives of others. Consider writing them down so you have the reminders and encouragement for those days when you need it.