How can we discern truth about Jesus amidst differing opinions today? A moment in the temple courtyard “On hearing these words, some of the people said, ‘This is truly the Prophet.’” (John 7:40) Festival crowds had just heard Jesus teach with authority that astonished them (John 7:14-39). Opinions flew in every direction—some convinced He was the promised Prophet, others sure He deceived the masses, still others plotting His arrest. The clash in Jerusalem feels familiar today: podcasts, blogs, and social feeds multiply voices about Jesus. How do we sift through it all? John 7 offers time-tested anchors. What divided the listeners then still divides us now • Different expectations: Some expected a conquering king; others a miracle-working provider (John 6:26). • Limited information: Many lacked the Scriptures’ full picture or refused to examine it (John 7:52). • Heart posture: Personal agendas muffled divine truth (John 5:44). Principles for discerning truth about Jesus • Listen first to Jesus’ own words – “My teaching is not My own,” He says; “it comes from Him who sent Me” (John 7:16). – Scripture records His words faithfully; start there before weighing human commentary. • Commit to do God’s will – “If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching comes from God” (John 7:17). – A surrendered heart sharpens spiritual insight. • Test every claim against Scripture – Berean believers were praised for examining the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11). – Jesus Himself pointed to Moses and the Prophets as corroborating witnesses (John 5:46). • Refuse superficial judgment – “Stop judging by outward appearances, and judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24). – Evaluate fruit (Matthew 7:15-20) and doctrine (2 John 1:9-10), not charisma or popularity. • Trace fulfilled prophecy – Deuteronomy 18:15 foretold a Prophet like Moses; Jesus meets every specification. – Micah 5:2, Isaiah 53, and Psalm 22 align precisely with His life, death, and resurrection. • Lean on the Holy Spirit’s illumination – “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). – Spiritual truth is spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14). • Weigh apostolic eyewitness testimony – “What we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes… this we proclaim” (1 John 1:1-3). – Their unified witness under persecution carries unmatched credibility. Anchoring truth in the whole counsel of God Old Testament threads: • Seed of the woman crushing the serpent (Genesis 3:15). • Passover lamb without blemish (Exodus 12:5-13). • Bronze serpent lifted up (Numbers 21:8-9; John 3:14). New Testament confirmations: • “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). • “There is salvation in no one else” (Acts 4:12). • “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Daily practices that keep discernment sharp • Read a balanced diet of Scripture—Gospels, Epistles, Psalms, Prophets. • Invite the Spirit’s guidance before and during study. • Compare sermons, books, and posts to the plain meaning of the text. • Fellowship with believers who prize biblical fidelity (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Memorize key verses that safeguard core doctrines (e.g., John 1:1-14; Colossians 1:15-20). • Watch your life: obedience clarifies understanding; disobedience clouds it (James 1:22-25). The outcome of a truth-seeking heart As the temple crowd discovered, opinions will always vary, but Scripture stands. Aligning our minds, motives, and methods with God’s Word and Spirit cultivates settled conviction: Jesus is exactly who He claims to be—Messiah, Lord, and Savior. |
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