July 15
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DIVISION ABOUT JESUS’ IDENTITY
40 Some of the people therefore, when they heard these words, were saying, “This certainly is the Prophet.” 41 Others were saying, “This is the Christ.” Still others were saying, “Surely the Christ is not going to come from Galilee, is He? 42 Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the descendants of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” 43 So a division occurred in the crowd because of Him. 44 Some of them wanted to seize Him, but no one laid hands on Him. 45 The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said to them, “Why did you not bring Him?” 46 The officers answered, “Never has a man spoken the way this man speaks.” 47 The Pharisees then answered them, “You have not also been led astray, have you? 48 No one of the rulers or Pharisees has believed in Him, has he? 49 But this crowd which does not know the Law is accursed.” 50 Nicodemus (he who came to Him before, being one of them) said to them, 51 “Our Law does not judge a man unless it first hears from him and knows what he is doing, does it?” 52 They answered him, “You are not also from Galilee, are you? Search, and see that no prophet arises out of Galilee.” 53 Everyone went to his home. – John 7:40-53
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During these teachings of Jesus at the Feast, many people were amazed, baffled, confused and angered about His identity. They began arguing and reasoning with each other about who this man was and why did He have so much wisdom? I couldn’t help but remember Jesus’ words In Luke 12:51 when he said “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” This clearly depicts what happened in this account. Each of these people were divided because some believed and others didn’t. In verse 43, Luke 12:51 is repeated. Why would Jesus cause such commotion? Since many people who belong to this world serve themselves and their own gods, being confronted by truth Himself would pose so much resistance. They have to protect their idols which is themselves, their love for power and control. They rely on their own reasons and the law in order to ensure that they protect their reputation. Those who believe in Jesus are separated from the world because it is Jesus Himself who protects them from the corruption of these unbelievers. We ought to be thankful to the Lord that He ensures that those who love Him will be protected from the darkness that is so prevalent in this world.
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REFLECTION
• How has God separated you from others who don’t know the truth?