What is the meaning of John 7:16? “My teaching” Jesus immediately focuses attention on the content He brings. • He is not offering personal speculation but divine revelation, echoing the truth that “the Word became flesh” (John 1:14). • Throughout the Gospels the crowds marvel that He “taught as one who had authority” (Matthew 7:28-29), setting His words apart from mere rabbinic commentary. • Hebrews 1:1-2 reminds us God now speaks “by His Son,” underscoring that every doctrine Jesus imparts carries the full weight of heaven’s authority. “is not My own” Here Jesus highlights both humility and perfect obedience. • Though fully divine (John 1:1), He chooses not to act independently, illustrating the Son’s voluntary submission to the Father—“the Son can do nothing by Himself” (John 5:19). • This statement rebukes any notion that truth is subjective or self-generated; ultimate authority resides outside human opinion. • By distancing Himself from self-originated ideas, Jesus provides a model for believers: we are stewards, not inventors, of God’s word (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). “Jesus replied” The setting matters. • In the temple courts during Tabernacles (John 7:14-15), religious leaders question His credentials. His response cuts through their skepticism. • Each “reply” of Jesus in John carries revelation (cf. John 3:3; 4:10). He meets questions with truth, inviting listeners to judge rightly (John 7:24). • The scene illustrates Proverbs 26:4-5 in action: He answers in a way that exposes folly while imparting wisdom. “It comes from Him” Jesus points to the Father as the exclusive source. • The phrase mirrors John 12:49: “I have not spoken on My own; but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say.” • Every word is divine in origin, confirming the inerrancy and trustworthiness of Scripture (Psalm 119:160). • This dependence also showcases the unity of the Trinity—distinct Persons, one purpose (John 10:30). “who sent Me” The mission motif surfaces again. • Over thirty times John records Jesus saying He was “sent” by the Father (e.g., John 4:34; 6:38), tying His teaching to His redemptive assignment. • “Sent” conveys authority (Matthew 28:18) and love (1 John 4:10): the Father commissions the Son to reveal, redeem, and reconcile. • Because the Sender is perfect, the message is perfect; rejecting the message is therefore rejecting God Himself (Luke 10:16). summary John 7:16 affirms that Jesus’ doctrine originates in the Father, not in human creativity. His humble dependence and divine commissioning guarantee that His words are both authoritative and life-giving. Trusting and obeying them is synonymous with trusting and obeying God. |
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