Expository Thoughts On John - JOHN 7:14-24
J.C. Ryle expounds on John 7:14-24 to reveal Jesus' divine authority in teaching and the call for believers to judge righteously according to God's will rather than external appearances.
In this expository sermon, J.C. Ryle carefully unpacks John 7:14-24, highlighting Jesus' divine authority in His teaching and the importance of obedience to God's will. Ryle challenges believers to discern rightly, moving beyond superficial judgments to embrace integrity and truth. This message encourages a deeper understanding of Jesus' ministry and calls Christians to live with genuine faith and righteous judgment.
Text
Teaching in the Temple
When the feast was half over, Jesus went up to the temple and began to teach. Then the Jewish authorities were astonished and said, "How does this man know so much when he has never had formal instruction?" So Jesus replied, "My teaching is not from me, but from the one who sent me. If anyone wants to do God’s will, he will know about my teaching, whether it is from God or whether I speak from my own authority. The person who speaks on his own authority desires to receive honor for himself; the one who desires the honor of the one who sent him is a man of integrity, and there is no unrighteousness in him. Hasn’t Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law! Why do you want to kill me?"
The crowd answered, "You’re possessed by a demon! Who is trying to kill you?" Jesus replied, "I performed one miracle and you are all amazed. However, because Moses gave you the practice of circumcision (not that it came from Moses, but from the forefathers), you circumcise a male child on the Sabbath. But if a male child is circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses is not broken, why are you angry with me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath? Do not judge according to external appearance, but judge with proper judgment."
We learn first in this passage, that honest obedience to God\
Sermon Outline
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I. Jesus' Teaching in the Temple
- Jesus teaches with divine authority
- Jewish leaders question His knowledge
- Jesus explains His teaching comes from God
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II. The Call to Do God's Will
- True knowledge comes from obedience
- Distinction between self-glorification and honoring God
- Integrity in speaking God's truth
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III. The Issue of the Sabbath and Healing
- Jesus challenges legalistic interpretations
- Circumcision on the Sabbath as a precedent
- Call to proper judgment beyond appearances
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IV. Judging Righteously
- Do not judge by external appearances
- Judge with true righteousness
- Recognize God's work and authority
Key Quotes
“My teaching is not from me, but from the one who sent me.” — J.C. Ryle
“If anyone wants to do God’s will, he will know about my teaching, whether it is from God or whether I speak from my own authority.” — J.C. Ryle
“Do not judge according to external appearance, but judge with proper judgment.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Seek to obey God's will sincerely to truly understand His word.
- Honor God rather than seeking personal recognition in your actions.
- Practice righteous judgment by looking beyond appearances and relying on God's truth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of this passage?
The passage emphasizes Jesus' divine authority and calls believers to obey God and judge righteously.
Why were the Jewish leaders astonished at Jesus' teaching?
Because Jesus taught with authority despite having no formal rabbinical training.
How does Jesus defend healing on the Sabbath?
He points out that circumcision, a law from Moses, is performed on the Sabbath, so healing is lawful and merciful.
What does it mean to judge with proper judgment?
It means to evaluate situations based on God's standards and truth, not merely on outward appearances.
How can believers apply this teaching today?
By seeking to do God's will, honoring His authority, and exercising righteous judgment in daily life.