How can we avoid the Pharisees' mistake in John 7:47 in our lives? Setting the Scene John 7 records the growing tension around Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles. After officers sent to arrest Him return empty-handed, the Pharisees snap: “Have you also been deceived?” (John 7:47). Their curt question exposes a heart problem more than an intellectual one. Spotting the Pharisees’ Misstep What lay behind that dismissive question? • Spiritual pride—confidence in their own learning (cf. Proverbs 26:12). • Peer pressure—“Have any of the rulers or Pharisees believed in Him?” (v. 48). Consensus mattered more than truth. • Contempt for the uneducated—“This crowd that does not know the law is accursed.” (v. 49). • Closed minds—intellectually aware of Scripture yet unwilling to re-examine familiar passages (cf. Isaiah 6:9-10). Guardrails Against Prideful Skepticism 1. Submit intellect to Scripture • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) 2. Prize humility over credentials • “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” (1 Corinthians 8:1). 3. Listen before judging • “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” (James 1:19). 4. Test teachings by the whole counsel of God • The Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true.” (Acts 17:11). 5. Welcome correction • “Let the righteous strike me—it is kindness.” (Psalm 141:5). Cultivating Humble Discernment • Daily, prayerful Bible reading: let Scripture confront assumptions. • Fellowship with a variety of believers: different backgrounds sharpen perspective (Proverbs 27:17). • Regular self-examination: ask where pride may be muting God’s voice (Psalm 139:23-24). • Obey what you already know: light obeyed brings more light (John 14:21). Walking It Out Avoiding the Pharisees’ mistake means trading self-assured skepticism for humble, obedient faith. When we approach Christ and His Word ready to learn, willing to be corrected, and eager to obey, we keep pride from blinding us—and we hear the Savior’s voice clearly. |
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