February 4
JOHN 7
10 But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private. 11 The Jews were looking for him at the feast, and saying, “Where is he?” 12 And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.” 13 Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him.14 About the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. 15 The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?” 16 So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. 17 If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. 18 The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood. – John 7:10-18
JOHN 7 THE WISDOM THAT COMES FROM ABOVE
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When we seek the truth that only comes from God’s word
We begin to unlock and discern the systems of this world
The wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure
It is peace-loving, gentle and open to reason
It is full of mercy, abounding in good fruits
This wisdom is sincere and shows no favoritism.
In this account, we witness how Jesus went up to the feast of Booths. He did it secretly in order not to make a commotion since the Jews were already looking for him. He had the wisdom not to follow his brothers’ suggestion to make himself known publicly in a big feast and make a spectacle of himself. Instead, Jesus went to the temple to teach. The Jews were shocked by his teaching, his confidence and authority. They couldn’t understand how a man who never went to school could teach with such authority.
Jesus’ response to their amazement is by humbly saying that his wisdom comes from his own Father. It is very different from human wisdom which the book of James talks about in chapter 3:15. Human wisdom is earthly, unspiritual and demonic.
REFLECTION
• How can a believer reach a point of having wisdom from above?
