John 7:1-18 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.… I. THE SCENE IN GALILEE: the attitude of Christ's brethren. 1. The counsel they offered. That Christ should repair to the centre of the theocratic kingdom and make His Messianic claims where they could be competently examined (ver. 3). 2. The argument they used. He could not acquire fame in Galilean obscurity, but only in the metropolis (ver. 4) — a perilous temptation He had twice encountered (Matthew 4:9; John 6:15). 3. The spirit they cherished. They disbelieved in His Messiahship, but could not deny His miracles. Hence they wanted His true character settled. If He was the Christ they wanted to see Him crowned, if not, the bubble should burst. 4. The reply they received. Christ was not going up for the purpose suggested. (1) His hour for that had not come — there being for every purpose under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1), much more for this, a seasonable moment. (2) To go before that time would not secure what they desired — the great world of Jerusalem not being prepared to welcome Him (ver. 7). Any time would do for them, but not for Him. II. THE SCENE AT JERUSALEM. 1. The bloodthirsty Sanhedrists — (1) Searched for their victim among the city throngs. (2) With unsleeping hostility, which they had nursed for eighteen months. (3) With murderous intent. (4) With eager inquiry. (5) With contemptuous scorn. "That celebrity who has been dazzling you with His wonders." 2. The whispering multitudes. These were — (1) Divided in their judgments concerning Him, as Simeon had predicted (Luke 2:34), and Christ affirmed they would be (Matthew 10:34, 35), and as history proves they ever have been. (2) Afraid to speak openly about Him, which betokened insincerity as well. They were prepared to do as their leaders bade them. Miserable crew!Learn: 1. It is becoming and right to walk prudently: Christ did so. 2. In religion the wisdom of this world is almost wholly wrong. It was so with Christ's brethren. 3. A man's friends are often the last to believe in His greatness and goodness. It was so with Christ. 4. The more a man resembles Christ, the more he will be hated by the world. 5. The best of men may be evil spoken of. Christ was. (T. Whitelaw, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him. |
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