December 20, 2019: SOAP #3669:  John 7-8

Scripture:  John (NIV) 7:32 The Pharisees heard the crowd whispering such things about him. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees sent temple guards to arrest him….
45 Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring him in?” 46 “No-one ever spoke the way this man does,” the guards declared. 47 “You mean he has deceived you also?” the Pharisees retorted. 48 “Has any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? 49 No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law—there is a curse on them.”

Observation:  The guards were sent to arrest Jesus.  But they returned without him.  The guards, just by hearing the words of Jesus, were convinced that Jesus spoke truth and could not bring themselves to arrest Him.  The Pharisees, without hearing the words of Jesus, judged that Jesus was an imposter and not keeping the law of Moses.  The Pharisees, without having heard the words of Jesus, judged that the guards had been deceived!

Personally hearing the words of Jesus makes a difference!

Application:   It is important to “hear the words of Jesus” for myself.  I cannot rely on others.  God may use others to bring me a message, but the Holy Spirit will help me recognize it is His message, and it is for me!

Prayer:    Holy Spirit, stir my heart and spirit when Jesus is talking to me.  Jesus, I never want to miss what you are saying to me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!