About seven months following Jesus’ discourse on the bread of life (6:26-59), Jesus was ministering in Galilee because the Jews would have killed Him had He come to Judea (7:1); however, Jesus’ brothers tried to convince Him to go to Judea in order that His disciples there could see His miraculous works (7:2-3). Although Jesus could have revealed Himself to the world, He knew it was not yet His time (7:4-8). Jesus’ brothers decided to go to Judea without Him (7:9) so that they could participate in the Feast of Tabernacles, which was a time of thankfulness for the harvest. During this time, the most devout Jews would build structures made of branches and live inside them for seven days. This celebration symbolized God’s protection and provision during the wilderness wanderings of their forefathers as well as God’s presence dwelling amongst His people.
After Jesus’ brothers had gone to Judea, Christ also secretly went to the feast (7:10). John writes that the Jews were seeking Jesus at this feast (7:11) and “there was much complaining among the people concerning Him. Some said, ‘He is good’; others said, ‘No on the contrary, He deceives the people.’ However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews” (7:13). During the middle of the feast, Jesus goes to the temple to teach and the Jews “marveled saying, ‘How does this man know letters, having never studied?’” (7:14-15) Jesus’ knowledge of the Scripture caused those listening to be amazed and Jesus explained to them why He knew so much.
My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wants to do His
will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I
speak on My own authority. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory;
but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no
unrighteousness is in Him. Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you
keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill Me? (John 7:16-19)
Circumcision is a religious rite that predated Moses. Abraham circumcised
as a sign of the covenant (Genesis 17:9-14). But Moses gave Israel
circumcision in the sense of establishing it as a part of the Levitical
system. Under the Mosaic Law, “On the eighth day the son is to be
circumcised” (Leviticus 12:3). If that day fell on the Sabbath,
circumcising a boy would seemingly violate the Sabbath Law of rest. Yet
the Jews circumcised on the Sabbath. Therefore, Jesus argued, if care for
one part of the body was permitted, then certainly the healing of a whole body
(that of the paralytic) should be allowed on the Sabbath. Hence they had
no reason to be angry with Him (p. 300).
The Jews did not really care about people; they only wanted to control others by making them obey a list of rules. Jesus, however, was concerned about a person’s heart and wanted them to receive forgiveness and grace which He could provide.
Dear God, help me to never think that a list of rules or regulations can bring favor from You. But may I humble myself before You admitting my need to receive forgiveness and grace, which only You can provide.
