How does John 7:12 illustrate differing opinions about Jesus among the people? Passage under Focus “Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about Him. Some said, ‘He is a good man.’ Others replied, ‘No, He deceives the people.’” (John 7:12) The Festival Setting - Jesus is at Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:2,10). - Religious leaders are hostile (John 7:1). - Ordinary people discuss Him quietly, fearful of official backlash (John 7:13). Opposite Conclusions in One Sentence 1. “He is a good man.” - Recognizes His works of compassion (John 5:8-9; 6:11-12). - Accepts His teaching as true and morally upright (cf. Matthew 7:28-29). 2. “No, He deceives the people.” - Accuses Him of leading Israel astray from established tradition (cf. Deuteronomy 13:1-5). - Implies deliberate trickery, the very charge later repeated by leaders (John 7:47-49; 9:24). Why the Crowd Was Split - Different expectations about Messiah: some awaited a conquering king (John 6:15); others valued spiritual authority (John 7:31). - Varied knowledge of Scripture: those hearing with faith recognized prophecy fulfilled (Isaiah 35:5-6; John 5:39-40). - Fear of repercussions: open support risked synagogue expulsion (John 9:22), so whispers replaced open confession. - Influence of leadership: rulers publicly denounced Jesus, shaping public sentiment (John 7:45-48). Echoes of Division Throughout John’s Gospel - John 7:26 – “Can it be that the rulers know He is the Christ?” - John 7:40-43 – “This is the Prophet… This is the Christ… The Christ does not come from Galilee, does He?” - John 9:16 – “This Man is not from God… How can a sinner perform such signs?” - John 10:19-21 – “He has a demon… These are not the sayings of one possessed.” What We Learn Today - Truth about Jesus draws clear lines: admiration or rejection, belief or accusation (John 3:18-21). - A “good man” label is inadequate; recognizing Him as Lord is the only conclusion faithful to the evidence (John 20:28-31). - Cultural pressure may hush confession, yet Christ calls for courageous, open allegiance (Matthew 10:32-33). |
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