John 7:14-18, God's Word

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.”

In the temple courts Jesus focused on and taught Scripture, not what the experts had written about it. The people were surprised at all he knew, not being one of the experts in the law who taught regularly in the temple. His message was fresh and apparently made sense to the people who heard him. His humility, unlike the experts, was not directed to himself and his cleverness but to the Father. He sought to bring glory to God and not to his teaching.

Today people often resist God’s Word until its truth is proved to them. Countless theologians seem to try and outwit the Scriptures, showing how they are shaped by biased people rather than inspired by a holy God. Instead of resistance, Jesus says, “begin with faith, follow me, do what I say, then you’ll realize what I’ve spoken is true.” Instead of coming to the Bible with cynicism and a closed mind, come thirsty to hear and to learn and to be challenged. Jesus says his teaching is directly from God. You can argue with him. You can disagree with him. You can try and outwit him. But then you will be arguing, disagreeing, and trying to outwit God. Good luck!

In your prayer time, try reading this prayer from the Book of Common Prayer:

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP p. 236)